Star Diary

WEIRD OBSESSION

Why are we so obsessed with white skinned foreign models? A young man has set up a barbershop in my locality a few days back. The shop has flashy signboards and is covered with pictures of white-skinned, red and blonde haired foreign models, actors and football players that indicate the imprints of colonisation have not disappeared completely. The other day while coming back from the office I made an impromptu decision to walk in as I am not particular about my haircut and too many questions always bother me. I always prefer saying short or medium and leave the rest on them. But this time, I was offered an elaborate catalogue, again filled with photos. The staff members were very warm and nice, but they did not bother to find me a haircut that suits my face shape, my preference or comfort. All they were worried about was which high profile western celebrity I wanted to look like. While I looked around as I sat on my chair, I had many thoughts coming in my mind. I could see more posters all around me, which was not even very aesthetically pleasing. I understand that international celebrities do encourage this industry and everyone wants to be trendy. But why can't we think beyond that? Why can't we stop this absurd obsession over looking like white skinned foreign models and become rational?
Arif Tanveer
Nikunja, Dhaka

THE INDIFFERENT CROWD

Today I was crossing GEC circle, and saw a child being abused and tied up in public near Well Food Centre, a popular restaurant in Chittagong. I saw and heard from the crowd that this girl (around 7 years old or less) was tied up for more than 40 minutes in public. Seeing the girl, anyone could tell she was from a very under privileged background. As I found everyone ignoring her and not doing anything to "save" her, I quickly parked my car, untied this girl and rescued her with another gentleman. Then I shouted at the crowd for not reacting to injustice. It is because of our silence such injustice and wrong is done in our society. I could not help but tell them that they are the reasons why this country is in such an awful state. I would say that the best moment was when I hugged this baby girl and she cried on my shoulders. The best feeling was when she saw that someone was there for her.
Akib Kamal 
Chittagong