Living 26 years in this world, I have had my fair share of being involved in a racist situation which is pretty uncalled for. It’s been a while since I published an op-ed, but getting my message out there is critical in this case.
Look, as someone who values all sides of the spectrum, I can judge who’s wrong and who’s right here, especially for a situation that happened just this morning at a local Mamak restaurant nearby my home.
I consider myself to be a pretty fair individual before making my own conclusions. But what about someone like me, who saw it happen right in front of my eyes? Especially when it happened to one of my own friends? What does it mean? Clearly, I am capable of determining who is correct and who is wrong in this situation.
But what about the slur words? Really?
“You are a pariah s***”
Is it truly necessary?
For someone who grew up being of a certain race and appearing a certain way, I understand how racism work.
This whole scenario took place right in front of my eyes. This isn’t the first time it’s occurred to me; in fact, it’s happened several times in my life.
I’m someone who stands up for people of my race, and while we’re not perfect (aren’t we all), I don’t believe in condemning people based on their appearance or the language they speak.
We are now in the twenty-first century. We recently got through a pandemic. A deadly pandemic that claimed the lives of millions of people all across the world. Some individuals, you’d think, would recognise this and realise that life is short and all you have to do is share kindness and love. We’re in the throes of a severe economic slump. We may begin by being more friendly to the folks we interact with on a regular basis.
It is always best to stay silent instead of making insensitive and irrelevant remarks.
The fact that an unknown individual from the table across is trying to acknowledge a situation to us while a friend of mine calmly defends their position speaks a lot about his character. Again, I’m not biased. And if you know me well, you’d know I wouldn’t turn a blind eye, especially when put in this kind of position.
However, we don’t need any additional annoyances, such as a passerby screaming their opinion at us that was uncalled for and adding fuel to the fire.
The defending party (my friend) is clearly rectifying a solution and has clearly apologised for a situation that isn’t as absurd as you may think it would be.
No matter what the situation was, coming at someone by using slur language is one thing I can’t stand watching. And it’s rather hostile.
I absolutely understand the reaction of my friend because who would tolerate hearing someone calling you names. I am one of them as well, and the nerve of some individuals to say such remarks in public – so carelessly – so thoughtlessly – is really disturbing.
What are we even living for?
Where has all the damned goodness gone in this world? Well, screw the world. I’m referring to our country.
We were born here. We were raised here. We aren’t some nobody who has no place here. This is the place we call home. We deserve kindness. We are entitled to decent treatment. And certainly not in an inhumane manner, in this case.
As the old saying goes, “if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s as easy as that.
Moreover, it is not your place to express your thoughts. Nobody involved in the “situation” asked for your assistance. Yes, I am making this comment in regard to the relevant individual.
Sometimes I don’t understand people. I’m sick of living in an environment where I have to deal with bigotry on a daily basis. It’s simply not fair, regardless of skin colour or race. I understand that we cannot control how other people think, just how we react to situations.
But enough is enough.
Is this what we’re exposing our children to? A cruel planet full of humans that don’t act humanely at all? Is this what our people will be remembered for?
We have the courage to speak up and protect other nations, which is a good thing. But what about our own people?
Fact is, we are all treated differently, regardless of ethnicity or skin colour (yeah, I’m emphasising that again because it’s true).
Were we not fighting for equality? What’s with the animosity? The anger? The pride?
We must sometimes understand that we are not superior to others and that we must treat one other with kindness.
Be proud but only as a true Malaysian who practices love and unity.
Do not oppose your own people. What’s the deal with racial segregation?
It irritates me. I despise how the world treats people of colour. How do we Malaysians treat our own people of colour? What exactly went wrong?
Please. Here’s my pledge to stop racism for the sake of love, unity, and peace. Not only for my beloved nation but for the entire world.
Imagine the things they have been put through? Enough is enough. Malaysians, we preach about unity a little too much but ask this to yourself, do you actually practice it? Here’s something to think about.