Dreaming of 2022
Re: "There have probably been better years", (PostScript, Dec 26).
I must add two more guffaws to Roger Crutchley's list. First, the scientists at a prestigious Thai university will successfully develop their world-famous marijuana-laced Covid vaccine. They claim that a high dose of this revolutionary vaccine will do what Astra, Pfizer, and Moderna, and other vaccines have failed to do.
When the sky is clear for the arrival of accidental tourists and the porous Thai border opens for rich infiltrators and legal immigrants from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, this vaccine will be made available to the new arrivals for free. Also, they will not be asked for any insurance or proof of money in a bank account.
Secondly, a long-pending reform will happen. The educational system will go on a new trajectory. In the post-Covid era, schools, colleges, and universities will not require uniforms. In addition, students will be allowed to bring their portable devices and mobile phones into their classrooms. They will be also be allowed to come to class twice a week. Thanks to Covid, freedom at last. Happy New Year.
KULDEEP NAGI
Head in the clouds
Re: "Hijab not oppressive", (PostBag, Dec 27).
Kuldeep Nagi, there is a simple test of whether some piece of head wear is oppressive or not. Is its use required and subject to forced shows of respect? Women wearing expensive haute couture hats or comfy caps from a local street stall can ditch them if they wish in the manner of their choosing.
Can women wearing it who tire of the hijab toss it onto a convenient bonfire if they so wish and suffer no unpleasant consequences, legal or social, as a result? Can Muslim women in, for example, France, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, decide that they don't want to wear a hijab today and go shopping without it? If and only if the answers are all "Yes" is the hijab not oppressive. Otherwise, it is one more bit of faith-based oppression that morally decent people will throw onto a convenient bonfire of superstitions past their use by date.
FELIX QUI
Masking the pain
Re: "Fear porn", (PostBag, Dec 30).
Difficult as it may seem, the international community has been gearing up for the battle against the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Above all, there should be no place for unnecessary fears and panic about this new variant among people.
More to the point, people should continue wearing masks whenever they venture out.
For this, media across the world should pitch for awareness campaigns spreading relevant news content.
I have been wearing masks right until going out in my native areas in Tamil Nadu. I have been encouraging others to do the same.
Let us all pledge to break this new variant doing everything possible like wearing masks.
After all, countries have to grow their agriculture and businesses, to give just a few examples. For this purpose, people should be active and free of restrictions and lockdowns.
P SENTHIL SARAVANA DUR, MUMBAI
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