Race is irrelevant when it comes to being good or bad

Readers write about religion and ethnicity, Dubai's community water fridge, Ramadan fasting and public transport.

A reader praises Dubai's "community fridge". Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

I refer to Jack Shaheen's opinion article, How long will prejudices against Arabs and Muslims linger? (June 30).

I am North American and I do not view anyone as a bad person because of their race. It is not a culture or race that is bad, it is the person who perpetrates a crime against somebody else who is bad.

These stereotypes are perpetuated by ignorance. I say to anyone, of any race or culture, that it is wonderful to learn about other countries, their art, their writings and their food.

Education is the way forward – and that goes for everyone.

J Bishop, Dubai

There are good and bad people in every country.

Jenny Dargenio, Abu Dhabi

Water for workers a welcome relief

Giving free water to labourers is a good gesture (Community fridge to provide water and food to labourers this Ramadan, June 30).

It means workers who are not Muslims can quench their thirst in the summer heat.

What a great idea.

Samina H-Bakhsh, Abu Dhabi

Public transport could be better

Having read Residents in RAK 'have to catch taxis to bus stops' (June 30), I have to agree that public transport is a challenge if you don't have a car.

You can wait more than an hour to get a taxi to get to wherever you have to go, and on Fridays it takes even longer.

Getting from A to B and back again can take up to three hours using public transport, when it would take just 20 or 30 minutes in a car.

N Ablett, Abu Dhabi

Expensive parties set a bad example

I was shocked to read Dubai parents pay up to Dh500,000 for children’s parties themed on Disney’s Frozen (July 1).

Rather than wasting it in this way, these parents could use their money helping the many children all over the world who have nothing to eat.

A Etamadi, Dubai

This article shows how much money is wasted on material things.

Throwing your children Disney-­themed birthday parties that cost more than many people’s annual wage is hardly setting them up for a bright future.

J Fildes, Dubai

Ramadan is not a time for television

I was disappointed to see the Arts and Life feature Best TV viewing for Ramadan 2014 (June 29).

Ramadan is a month of worship; the best of all months.

I feel sorry for all those people who waste this month in front of the television set.

Mohammed Jamadar, Abu Dhabi

Google gadget available online

I am writing about Google Glass at an eye-watering price (June 30), which says the latest must-have gadget is selling in the UAE for as much as Dh10,000.

I’d much rather order this product directly from Google’s online store in the US for $1,500, which is roughly Dh5,500.

H Marcar, Dubai

Action needed to reduce accidents

It is very sad to hear of another road accident (Major crash on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in Sharjah, July 1).

It’s high time that people learn to be safe on the roads. The authorities have to get tough on violators and revise speed limits to help reduce the number of ­fatalities.

I hope those involved in the accident were unhurt.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Fasting must be better managed

In reference to

(July 2), people should eat less and drink more.

Eat dates to break the fast, as this will boost your energy.

Also, the media should stop spreading negative messages about fasting. It’s scientifically proven that fasting can help cure some diseases.

Niaz Abdul Kader, US

It is a matter of how fasting is practised.

Fasting all day and then bingeing on unhealthy foods at night is utterly pointless.

T Scheepers, Dubai