Not all from past is worth recalling

A reader says Moon Boots the were in vogue in the 1980s were useful. Other topics: Mariam Al Mansouri, hijab, teacher licensing

A reader says Moon Boots that were in vogue in the 1980s were useful, even if they looked odd. Valery Hache / AFP

Regarding your editorial Ten things about the 1980s we never want to see again (September 30), I think there are more things from the past decade that I'd rather not see than from the 1980s

Sajjad Rizvi, Saudi Arabia

I wouldn’t include Moon Boots in the list. I had a pair for years and had to sell them when I moved to Dubai. They kept my feet nice and toasty and dry in that cold US Mid-West snow.

Sure, some people would laugh at me in them, but others would fly into a jealous fit at the sheer sight of their unmitigated awesomeness.

April Tarman, Dubai

Comments about Al Mansoori were irresponsible

I'm glad that the people in the UAE realise that Americans are just as disgusted by the misogynistic comments as everyone else (US veterans slam slur to UAE's female pilot, September 30). They were foolish and irresponsible attempts at a cheap laugh at the expense of a military officer's reputation. Fortunately it backfired.

Susan Skahan, US

I am writing from California to say how impressed I am with the achievements of Maj Mariam Al Mansouri. I am also impressed that the UAE is willing to consider people on their skills and merit rather than on a narrow, gender-based criterion. The world wastes so much of its God-given talent by putting limits on what women can do. Congratulations to you all on this auspicious circumstance.

Sharon Feissel, US

I was disappointed with Fox News network presenter Greg Gutfeld for making an unnecessary comment about Maj Al Mansouri, saying that “after she bombed it, she couldn’t park it”. In my opinion, Maj Al Mansouri represents women all over the world, showing us that they are as capable as men.

Ebrahim Al Harbi, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

Teacher licensing system has merits

The UAE Government's plan to roll out a national licensing system for teachers is good news (New UAE-wide teacher qualification system slated for early 2015, September 25).

This is only going to improve standards of teaching and the overall quality of education offered in this country. Some teachers may initially face challenges. Schools too will need to start setting aside funds and developing schemes for the training and professional development of their faculties, if they are not already doing so.

I only hope this doesn’t mean school fees are going to get even more expensive for parents.

In this context, I would like to point out that corporal punishment existed in schools when I was a student here 25 years ago and in some schools it sadly continues even today.

From experience I know that this is non-conducive to effective learning and actually harmful to the mental well-being of students. I request the Ministry of Education to accommodate this concern while developing the licensing system. There should be zero tolerance for corporal punishment.

Name withheld by request

Is hijab meant for fashion?

What is hijab clinic (Head to the Hijab Clinic for tips on how to wear in style, September 30)? Just throw it on your head and make sure to wear loose clothing covering your body modestly and you are done. What's next?

Asli Karapinar Aksuyek, Dubai

The purpose of hijab is to cover oneself, and not in different styles. Don’t take this act of worship as a fashion statement.

Name withheld by request