Racism claims can’t hide flaws

Readers says Tyrese Gibson should stop blaming others for his failures. Other topics: UAE society, old actors, Lorry drivers, Mullah Omar's death, food screening

The radio blackout on Tyrese Gibson’s album Black Rose has nothing to do with racism, readers say. Christopher Pike / The National

I enjoyed reading Saeed Saeed's piece Is racism the reason US radio stations aren't playing Tyrese's Black Rose? (July 29). It is really annoying that the word "racism" is uttered so frequently.

Some people are just not talented or good in business, but they don’t accept that and often blame racism for their failures. The same goes for Tyrese Gibson.

His words are only causing problems. He must stop the blame game and do some positive work.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

It’s up to the individual radio stations to decide whether they would play Tyrese Gibson’s Black Rose, but shouting “racism” is a scare and blackmail tactic.

Valeriu Victor Stanciu-Crainic, Dubai

This issue has nothing to do with racism. US radio stations play a bunch of other African-American artists’ albums. Probably they don’t get enough incentives from Gibson’s producers or label to play his album. Or perhaps he is just not good enough and they don’t think anyone would want to listen to him.

This is sometimes the harsh reality. He’s not exactly known as an artist in a musical sense.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Tolerance a hallmark of a cultured society

Regarding Ayesha Almazroui's opinion article Education is the key to preventing discrimination (July 29), tolerance towards each other is a definite sign of an educated and civilised society.

It is not only important for people to understand the UAE’s anti-discrimination law, but also exercise caution when expressing themselves and voicing concerns.

While freedom of speech is a good thing, it should not be misused to spread hate or discord.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Let lorry drivers take enough rest

With reference to the report Exhausted lorry driver injured after crashing into house in RAK (July 30), the law must be amended to force lorry and bus drivers to take mandatory rests after every four hours of continuous driving, just like it is in Europe and elsewhere.

Jasser Salem, Dubai

Age cannot wither them

Regarding the photo essay They'll be back? A look at Hollywood's trend of ageing tough guys (July 28), the ageing men still look good. But as long as there are stunt men, anyone can be an action star. Acting is not important. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a perfect example.

Hisham Hobaishy, Abu Dhabi

Omar’s death will hit peace hopes

Is the news about the death of Mullah Omar accurate this time (Taliban leader 'dead for two years', July 30)? He "died" many times in the past. Despite the fact that he has not been seen for months, speculation is still rife about his fate.

Interestingly, the latest news that the Taliban leader died in 2013 comes just before the peace talks between Taliban and the Afghan government. I suspect that this rumour has a motive. There are reasons to believe this as Mullah Omar has been an influential figure well beyond the Taliban.

Even Osama bin Laden reportedly expressed allegiance to him. Militants across South Asia and beyond called Omar the “Commander of the Faithful”.

There is no doubt that the news of his death will deal a blow to Afghanistan’s fledgling peace process.

Nayeem Khan, Dubai