Letters | Gaza war: it’s up to us to fight polarisation with fact-based views
- Readers discuss what individuals and the UN can do to foster peace in Gaza, the litter left in the wake of the district council election, and the rewards of reading
It is natural for people on both sides to feel passionate about their own views of the situation. However, people should use good judgment in the face of a huge amount of information and disinformation on social media. Education empowers us to differentiate between right and wrong, and to employ facts instead of emotions in our decision-making process.
I urge the United Nations to play a more active role by bringing Israel, the US and the more balanced and influential leadership in the Arab world – the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – to the negotiation table. The negotiation should begin with getting the narrative on the conflict corrected in the Arab world with an acceptance that Hamas’ horrific act triggered this unfortunate situation, resulting in so many unnecessary deaths on both sides.
Israel can then be requested to take a more moderate stance in its response in Gaza – by making the safety of civilians a priority, by allowing aid to come into the city, and by seriously considering the option of two states as suggested by the United Nations.
We all can contribute in our own small ways towards reducing the hatred that is being spread. We can empower ourselves with facts and use our sound judgment to make informed opinion about the ongoing conflict and try to influence the discussion in a positive manner.
To quote Martin Luther King Jnr: “I have decided to stick with love … hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Arun Garg, Tai Koo
No excuse for district council election litter
The candidates’ signs and banners are being taken down but not the plastic zip ties and signs pointing to banner placement spots, which are littering fences and the ground. This is irresponsible and not what is expected from those elected to represent us.
The candidates should start their tenure by showing exemplary care for the environment in their constituencies and remove the plastic and other garbage or be fined for littering. Such disregard for the environment is a poor showing and a poor start.
Simon Constantinides, Sai Kung
Don’t miss out on the rewards of reading
At the end of the first semester in university, I finally got some time to read books rather than students’ assignments. I went to the public library and was lucky to find six recent novels by some of my favourite authors.
I walked back home carrying the books in my arms, and got a few curious glances from passers-by. I was proud to be seen carrying the books.
It’s really a shame that more and more people, young and old, are giving up reading in favour of the instant visual stimulation provided by mobile games, online videos and other forms of electronic entertainment.
I, too, spent a few years immersed in the digital world but derived only temporary happiness from these pursuits. Deep down I yearned for something more substantial. I realised what I gained in instant gratification could not compensate for what I had lost in creativity and language ability.
When I was a student, there was always a book in my backpack. I read during the commute or while waiting for the next lesson. Those years instilled in me a love of knowledge and language. It’s why I became a teacher.
Students, please put down your phone and pick up a book. Compared to online content that can be frivolous and trivial, books will nurture your wisdom. Don’t put the blame on others complaining about your poor language skills or lack of common sense. Reading does take time, but it will be a worthwhile investment because what you learn will become an invaluable asset to you.
Alison Ng, assistant lecturer, Centre for Applied English Studies, University of Hong Kong
