The growing obsession with selfies across the globe is indeed a cause for concern, especially when people go to extremes to take a selfie that will earn them maximum likes and comments on social media (The dangers of the selfie: Too many dying to take a photo, September 4).
We need to understand that life is far more valuable than to impress others. It is extremely sad that educated people worldwide have been dying due to this craze.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Yeminis will remember UAE's help
I thank the UAE for being compassionate towards Yemenis who suffered incredible humiliation and pain (Yemen's poor will be first to get ERC aid, September 10).
It is with utter sadness that I read about the death of Emirati soldiers in Yemen. The UAE has always supported the poor in that country.
I was pleasantly surprised earlier this year when I came across a new Emirati hospital at the Hadibu town in Socotra. As a plastic surgeon, I had the privilege of conducting many operations at the new hospital.
It was amazing to see a high-standard, fully air-conditioned and equipped hospital on a poor and impoverished island. It was also heart-warming to see the new homes the UAE had built for orphans in Socotra.
God has given prosperity to Emiratis and they show their gratitude to God by sharing their wealth with those in need. I wish the UAE more success as it has rebuilt countless broken lives in Yemen.
Name withheld by request
Refugees are human
Refugees have not chosen their fate, contrary to what many thinks (Hungarian TV journalist fired as videos emerge of her tripping up fleeing refugees, September 10).
No one wants to leave their home, family and relatives.
I can imagine how the man might have felt in front of his children when he was kicked and tripped by the Hungarian television journalist Petra Laszlo.
Travis Lumidi, Kenya
Only a person full of hatred would do such a thing to someone who is already scared and desperate.
Dawn Emory Asaro, US
Parents can help schools
Parental involvement is key to classroom success (Despite progress 45 per cent of Abu Dhabi schools need 'significant' improvement, September 9). In the US, many stay-at-home mothers as well as those working part-time devote their spare time to schools.
You would be surprised to know that with this extra help, teachers are able to perform much better. It helps children as well.
Sussanne Cherrie, Dubai
Successful students begin their journey at home. Parents are the linchpin to excellence in the classroom. A school can be overflowing with top notch teachers, but without support from parents students will be mired in mediocrity.
Steven Paul O'Brien, Abu Dhabi
A matter of the UAE’s image
Well done Abu Dhabi Police (Arrest order for Emirati filmed driving recklessly overseas, September 9). This step will prevent future such incidents. It's a matter of the country's image.
Khalil Ahmedi, Abu Dhabi
Leave individuals the way they are
Everyone is intelligent in some way (If ‘smart’ drugs work, should we be using them? September 9). Why don’t we appreciate the uniqueness of individuals instead of offering them pills to bring them to the same level?
April Tarman, Dubai
Being normal is being you. That makes the world go around.
Patrick Galang, Dubai
