Have a Heart

Artwork given to me by Laura Melissa Williams

We hate because we are taught to hate.

Here’s the thing, not all of us face racism in the same way. We might not be able to fully grasp or understand the severity of racism against people who are different than us. I’d dare say that sometimes, we might even go through our lives without worrying whether any racial issue affect us or not, but that doesn’t mean we should be silent.

Racism is a universal issue. In fact, many racial issues in the United States (and other countries) are similar or almost similar to the ones at home, which proves that where the issues happen just does not matter. Instead of staying silent, we should take time to reflect and analyse their impacts and similarities on the racial problems of our own country. Use them as a mirror to examine our system, behaviours and attitudes. Have we had racist tendencies? Have we shown discriminatory behaviours towards people of different ethnicities? How can we be better? How do we advocate for a better environment for everyone? What direct actions can we do to ensure justice?

Expressing our thoughts and opinions against racism is not a mindless thing to do, and we (especially the new generations) have to amplify those thoughts to make them heard across various communities. Let’s inform ourselves of the issues and strive to prevent occurrences of racism, big or small from happening in our home. Let’s face it, I don’t believe that racism will ever disappear, but we can help to reduce it. If you think that not caring about racism in other countries has nothing to do with us, you are being complicit towards injustice, oppression, and violence in your own nation.

Don’t be ignorant, don’t be apathetic, don’t use our privileges just for our personal sakes, don’t be complacent, don’t be quiet.

Especially if we are teachers (I am one of them). We do make mistakes in our lives. They did, you did, I did. We all did mistakes. Don’t make being hushed in racial issues and discrimination one of those faults. Within the four walls of our classrooms, we could magnify the voice of people who are oppressed due to their skin colours. Teach our pupils to be sensitive. Teach our pupils to see beyond their own bubble of safety and privilege, teach our students to view things with open minds and proper analysis. Most importantly, show them that they can be the catalysts of changes, that their opinions matter, and they have the opportunities to make Malaysia a better country for everyone.

To end this post, I’ll say this humble opinion of mine – even if the only person you are capable to stop from having racist tendencies is yourself, that's good. We need less racists in this world. We need people who try to bridge the differences and diversity amongst people and celebrate who we really are as humans. Sometimes, we can't guide other people due to circumstances that are against our way, but if we are learning to stay vigilant, be knowledgeable and informed, and take actions on our own for our own selves, that is a commendable thing.

We hate because we are taught to hate, but we could learn to love.

"...a white has no superiority over black, nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action."
(The last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad)

"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
(Matthew 22:39)

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

(Martin Luther King, Jr.)