Thoughts: Discrimination Abound

The recent headlines have brought me back to face my computer screen and blog about one particular topic: prejudice.

In fact, it was thanks to Marina Mahathir's Musings that was printed in Wednesday's The Star that made me type this out. In her post, she writes of the discrimination, hate and inherent mistrust upon Muslims across the globe after the September 11th attacks, and how this can be changed with better knowledge of the Islamic world and its customs, traditions and so forth. Not only that, following the breakout of the Arab Spring that has affected the Middle East for months now, many people have changed their stance with Muslims and are beginning to see them in a different light.

I shall quote Marina Mahathir:

Ten years later, although it cannot be said that Islamophobia has disappeared, Western perspectives on Islam have become more measured and based on better knowledge. One of the biggest boosts... has been the Arab Spring. 

Suddenly the images of Muslims were young, modern and protesting not about the West, but about their own corrupt leaders... in 2011 the Middle East became associated with the yearning for freedom and democracy, one not too different from what developed countries enjoyed. 

Women were seen at the forefront of the revolution, both head-scarved and not, and changed the image of the oppressed Muslim woman. 

It just goes to show that prejudice and discrimination, both rooted in fear of the unknown, can always be dispelled with better knowledge, at least in those willing to learn...

I can honestly tell you that I have been oblivious to what has happened to the Middle East before the Arab Spring started. I had actually believed that even after 9/11 the Arab world was relatively peaceful, if not shaken to its core after the horrifying disaster. Yes, you could say I was ignorant to what was really happening. But when the Arab Spring broke out it made me see just how the Middle East had its own fair share of problems - and not just because of the militant movements that lurk in the shadows.

While it is good to see reconciliation between the Muslim world and the rest of the globe's population coming to terms with one another, it is important to note that all this fear, hate and discrimination is the fault of mass media.

What we've seen on TV are nothing but 'angry bearded men wielding weapons and shouting threats to the West.' The media somewhat branded the Islamic community as terrorists, undemocratic, violent, oppressors of women. The media brazenly trumpeted the so-called "dark side of Islam". All we've seen and heard on the news have been filled with stereotypes of Muslim people - of those who rashly reacted in anger over the West's actions - and from here fear - and prejudice - came and took everyone by the throat.

That's funny. I've always learned from the history books that Islam is no different from any other religion - always differing right from wrong; doing more good for the community; inculcating moral values within the family; and so on. And all it took were a few reports from the media to incite so much negativity.

Already others have been affected by this Islamophobia. A Sikh man killed because he was wearing a turban. Orthodox Jewish rabbis pulled off a plane for praying in a language other passengers didn't understand. Special inspections for people with even the slightest tinge of an Arabic name. Suddenly, no longer can anyone trust their Muslim friends for just about anything.

If it wasn't for the commitment of certain individuals who have defiantly stood up to educate the masses on Islam, be they Muslims or non-Muslims, surely Islamophobia would continue to thrive. And while it still does remain in the hearts of people who ignorantly refuse to accept the truth, it's great news to see this hysteria seems to have subsided to much lower levels. Either that, or the news continues to hide the facts from the public.

And while we're still on the subject of prejudice, what about closer to home? I can tell you now that when I first heard of the Seksualiti Merdeka Carnival and its ban by the police, I thought the police were doing the right thing. Don't ask me why; it just didn't seem right to me at that point in time.

Naturally, I changed my stance after reading some articles, and based on my own beliefs: just like what Marina Mahathir said of the Islamic world, shouldn't the LGBT community be given time to explain itself? Shouldn't we be open to what they have to say?

I believe that many people who read this would be angered by my stance - especially those who say it's not right to be that way. Well, what do you want to do about it? Start some kind of witch hunt and burn them all at the stake? Would that really work? Would you stop them?

You wouldn't. You can never be able to stop them. No matter how much you try, it's like trying to exterminate weeds.

I have heard of cases where parents disown their children because they're different. I have seen how these people are shunned from the community just because they are who they are. Can we blame them for being different? If my child came to me one day and admitted that he/she was one of them, should I disown him /her too?

As human beings, we should have the heart to look after one another despite our differences. So why are we resorting to all this unnecessary hate?

The Seksualiti Merdeka event isn't trying to convince people that promiscuity and such is the way to go. Rather, from my standpoint, it's a platform to allow the LGBT minority to have their say among the majority; it's to allow them to slowly assimilate themselves into the rakyat and be useful to the nation. Rather than let them rot working as sex workers in some dirty back alley, shouldn't we give them the right to work in offices as desk clerks, or even as engineers or lawyers?

So who's to blame? Not just the media. Oh, no. Even political parties  from both sides of the fence are to be blamed for using their power to leverage against the event - from religious hardliners and even to learned men. And why is Datuk Ambiga taking so much flak just because she was to launch the event? Is it because she was part of the controversial Bersih 2.0 campaign? Is it because of her so-called 'pact' with Pakatan? Is it more than those reasons? I leave the politicking to you folks.

She should be applauded for being brave enough to do such a thing. I mean, who would when they'd rather not use their reputation for something good like this. What's keeping us from supporting their cause? The fear and the resulting discrimination we've held against the LGBT community? It's because of those few bad eggs who tarnish the reputation of their fellows.

Even I am to be blamed for disrespecting their kind. But I've realized that it's wrong to do so. Besides, who am I to blame them? They're no different from you and I.

I just hope that the organizers would be able to meet with the IGP and discuss matters peacefully. If the green light is finally given, they definitely deserve a pat on the back.

It's high time we lifted the veil off the subject and bring light to an otherwise misunderstood topic.

Thoughts

Expressing oneself is difficult. While we wish to be heard in the midst of the crowd, not a lot of people actually appreciate it. Being self-centred, they tend to absorb themselves in the belief that no one but them is correct. And most times, not a lot of others actually pay attention. Both reasons are among others on why the world isn't what I hoped it would be.

I daresay that we actually pay heed to the matter, what with all the other stuff we need to focus on.

Me, I'd say communicating still does seem hard. It's not that I can't. It's more of a worry of "saying something at the wrong time in the wrong place". But that's not all. There are probably more reasons as to why I find it hard to communicate. Don't get me wrong, you guys are great people. But, I have to admit there are times when I wonder if we're ever actually REALLY listening to each other. Myself included.

And communicating about ourselves - that's another story. I can tell you I always approach my friends when I'm in doubt or troubled. The advice I get is sound, but most times I always wonder if there could be a better answer waiting out there. But one has to keep looking, or else he may not find it.

And it's not surprising if people misunderstand me. It's normal to, just like how I misunderstand others-  whether by accident or otherwise. I just have to go on and hope an action would make them change their minds.

Life goes on, though. We had best make use of the time we have left.

Cheers for now.

Insights

People tend to contradict the words of others and turn them into a whole new meaning. Whether by accident or otherwise, this occurence may lead to disastrous results if left alone. We can easily see it happening all around us, be it here in the country or somewhere abroad.

Because of these ignorant parties, words or phrases that mean no harm at all can suddenly become insulting, defamatory or slanderous to others that lead to unwanted consequences. Haven't we learned from our mistakes? And if that's not enough, when asked to apologize, these people defiantly justify their actions or words that it only enrages the opposing side even further. Nobody ever considers a more peaceable approach to solving the matter immediately. The long tirades of insults will continue for centuries to come.

And let's not forget the bigger problems that stem from their need of justification; war, riots, political turmoil - the list goes on.

In fact, in the Exodus, it is mentioned how, after Moses and Aaron bade to Pharaoh to let the people of God go, Pharaoh told all his taskmasters and officers:

"Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather  straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, you shall lay upon them; you shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words." (Exodus 5:7-9)

And from there, the Israelites continued to suffer.

While Moses brought God's word to Pharaoh, that Pharaoh should let the Israelites go in peace, Pharaoh may have thought Moses was planning to lead a revolution against the Egyptians. Because he did not see how he had brought misery to the Israelites by enslaving them, Pharaoh believed that he had to control them further by tightening his grip over the Israelites. The same picture might just happen in the near future.

But we're not here to discuss of the bigger picture. Instead, we should look at it from the personal point-of-view. Everything starts here: from ourselves. So if we want to really change the world, we need to change ourselves.

To see how we inevitably lead ourselves to self-destruction is a saddening sight indeed. How we tend to believe in only ourselves. How we choose to alter the words of others, or in our beliefs and principles. How we do not want to tolerate others. Or not to live a compassionate life. Or to ignore the cries of anguish from the lost, the least and the lonely. Don't we get it? And when will we get it?

Nobody can truly justify what is true and what is false. Everyone holds a certain stand to a certain topic, and it may not be so easy to change their mindset. Like how a victim of rape may see all men as lustful monsters, or an ex-convict seeking to atone his sins may not be welcomed back into society. Hardline stances are hard to change when they do not have a valid reason into actions or events that will change them. We are a difficult bunch to please.

And let's not forget there will be detractors. They will always find some way to stand for the things they believe is 'right'. But again, what is right and what is wrong to Man? Does it satisfy the requisites as mentioned in your beliefs or religion? Does it seem logically sound? How we accept the information is up to what influences us. It is just like when St. John Baptist De La Salle faced the 'Writing Masters', those who preached the old ways of education, in court numerous times. The Writing Masters saw La Salle as a threat to their sovereignty as the only ones who were fit to educate the young. And because they did not want to change, to conform to something that was truly righteous, they went against La Salle many times.

The question that remains is whether we truly sate everyone's wants and needs. There is, without a doubt, no real way to substantiate this claim. We all have our own wishes and desires. But if we can open our hearts to the reality that no one is wrong in what they believe in, mayhaps the world would be so much more peaceful. The longer our misunderstandings remain, the deeper our enmity with one another.

I do not think our respective God wanted us to live this way.

Listen Up!

TO EVERY MAN AND WOMAN WHOSE LIFE HAS BEEN WASTED FOR NOTHING

I am appalled.

In fact, I am deeply ashamed that you call yourself a human. I will tell you right now that, for your stupidity, you are nothing more but a misbegotten creature.

Honestly, I cannot fathom why one such as you would end up in this state. I had believed that, as mature young minds, you would be able to understand your responsibility as a part of this society. But I suppose my doubts - and my fears - were proven true after all.

You need not say a word. Your very mistake has not only cost the society, it has also impacted yourself in a profound way. Specifically, how are people going to entrust you with a responsibility when you always put it off to someone else? Your role carries as much weight as the rest, but you fail to see the error of your ways no matter how obvious it may be. Doubtlessly, you would carry this blame back to them - or perhaps curse behind their backs for causing you this trouble.

Speak not a word. All of you are the same. One mere mistake and lo and behold, your gripes leave your very lips, poisoning the minds of other uneducated fools such as yourself. You think yourself the greater, do you? When comes the time for God to judge your sins, I would like to see you explain yourself.

I was once like you: going about with life as I complained about every little thing that bothered me. But I began to realize all that is for naught. I started to believe in many good things in life. I believe that we all have a responsibility towards each other, whether or not it is directly related to us. I believe that by upholding the many virtues and values preached in religion, we can all stand united despite our religious differences. I believe we were born to love our neighbours, despite our weaknesses. I believe that we were not meant to bear ill will towards each other - forgiveness is divine, isn't it? God created us to serve a better purpose to one another for everyone's good - unlike your lot.

I see it deep in your soul, how you have failed your fellow men and women for being such an impudent imbecile, unaware of the truth that binds us all. You are blinded in your own judgments, your 'worries', your anger, that you fail to see the reality is far from that.

What reality, you ask? Look around you: the world is on the brink of annihilation. We should actually grasp the truth that unless we do something quick, we will have no home to live in anymore. We need to recognize that all the luxuries we want are only leading us to decadence, and that our arrogance and inherent mistrust of others are only widening a rift between each of us that can never be mended. Can't you see this? Can't you understand there's more at risk right now than your shortage of wanton excesses?

You think that you have issues? Tell that to the legions of starving children in Africa. Tell that to the people whose loved ones perished in natural disasters, or even at the hands of others. Tell that to the millions of homeless that dot the globe. You think they have it any easier than you? You think they can enjoy a life of promise? Do you think so? Wake up, you spineless fool! If you really thought living your life is meaningless, then what about these people?

These people continue with their lives. Many of them know it is difficult. It strains them to the very bone. But they have hope. They can still bear to smile, even when it hurts them so. They still cling on to even the smallest sliver of hope that they can find. Despite the setbacks, despite the inhumanities and the atrocities committed in the name of 'the greater good,' these individuals press onwards. Why doesn't anyone take a hint?

And you? What have you done for your kind? While untold millions whose names you will never know die every second - EVERY SECOND - out of hunger, we sit in posh restaurants and spend money just to devour a large portion of food, and half of that amount gets tossed into the garbage piles to be eaten by rats. And that happens every single day. While millions more live in total darkness, never to enjoy the wonders of electricity, we sit in our homes and waste thousands of dollars a year in wastage. Wastage that will never ever come back or be recycled. While some people walk barefoot miles just to get to school or work and then back home, unable to afford a car - let alone a motorcycle - but nevertheless content, we drive fancy cars which we change occasionally and continue to spew detrimental smoke into the air and pollute it even further. And think of its implications to our overall health.

Have we ever given thought to the implications of all the shit we've thrown around? Have we ever thought that we needed to put our foot down and stop all this nonsense together? Why are we still living like this? It all stems from the tyrants, the rapscallions, the doubters, the skeptics, the madmen; people who think themselves as superior as compared to everyone else. This is the big picture. If you still fail to see it, you should not consider yourself a man.

Now you say you regret? Then let that regret gnaw at your soul for eternity until you can atone for your faults. You deserve no better fate than that. But how am I to know what you say is the truth? People make promises and assurances, but many times they fail to keep their word. When others ask them to fulfil their word, they say that they will. Over and over again, this cycle continues. And in the end? Nothing is done. All their pledges were only full of hot air. Are you going to make that mistake as well?

I am in no position to decide your fate. I'll leave that to God to deliver His judgment unto you. As much as I do wish God would punish you so that you will see your wrongs, I want to remind you that it is delivered for you to learn and repent. Everyone wants a second chance; you should not be barred from such an opportunity. The world is made up of people, in the end, and every one - you included - needs to start something and end all this unnecessary suffering once and for all. It can start simply from yourself. So long as you have an honest heart to make amends, redemption is certain. Do it grudgingly, and only God can save you. If He decides you worthy to be saved.

I am done with you, you miserable wretch. Now get out of my sight, and pray that you will find the chance to prove yourself the better and change your attitude. If not, so help me, there will be no way I shall forgive you for your crimes against Humanity.

Thoughts: Questions to Ponder

Watched Jack Neo's "I Not Stupid Too" yesterday (from the date of this posting) and had some thoughts at some of the tear-jerking moments.

At the moment, I can only think of this:

Child Negligence
It is indeed our responsibility - well, I mean parents - to take care of one's children. To shower them with love, affection, care and to teach them the meaning of becoming a responsible person when they become adults.

But what if we neglect their needs? What if we just ignore them, too busy with our own work to spend some quality time with them? Or when they do something wrong; do we listen to them first or act out according to the judgment of others or yourself? How do we know we are right?

Like in the movie, when the young boy was caned for stealing, he told his parents he was just saving up "to buy an hour of their time". Why is it only at the last minute when we realize our mistakes?

Think about it.

They're Just Words

I read this recently and it got me to thinking.

Man has always had a complicated history. Of wars fought; of blood and tears shed; of lingering sorrow; of decade-long misery - as if Mankind hasn't done enough to maim itself.

If we go in deeper, it boils down to everyday problems. The sad fact is, Man never gets along well with its neighbors. If you remember one of the Ten Commandments being along the lines of "love thy neighbor", it's sad to see how we're already teetering on the brink of collapse. Moral decline, civil disorder - you name it, many nations face it. Like Africa and recently, the Middle East. In the end, we're all gonna pay for it dearly.

So the main point now is this: why are we all such hypocrites?

Pardon the expression, I didn't mean you people. Sadly, the world is full of hypocrisy. It's a disheartening truth. Whether we like it or not we're surrounded by a majority of hypocrites. In fact, I'd be a fool not to say I'm one. We're always forgetting to practice what we preach. And as expected, we deny this. We deny it because our ego tells us to do so. It's a fact of life that we'd end up like this.

So if such is the case, does that still mean we are entitled to be mean to each other? Definitely not. I doubt that God would actually want us to be like this. If God ever decided to say something about it, He'd probably say something like: "Alright! Cut it out already! Don't you guys ever get sick of insulting, name-calling, killing and tormenting one another? Fine, in that case maybe I should just bring Armageddon forward and remove you lot, and then work another batch of you guys who'd be so much better than you all! How about that?"

No disrespect intended. But seriously we're going on the wrong track now. All we're going to in the end is a quicker, albeit more painful end of the world. At our own hands. Sad if we found out about it.

And then comes the blame game. We can see that happening so clearly. He says, she says, you say, I say - we're going around in circles. Like what's going on in Libya and even close to home - it's all people blaming people. For things that we should just take responsibility for instead of duking it out with harsh words and even guns.

Where does all this stem from? Small arguments and quarrels. Those that shouldn't take up too much time gnawing away at our souls. Petty things become huge issues. And because we don't want to get along, it only gets worse. No one wants to be insulted. As a matter of fact, no one wants their egos hurt. Which would explain why Gaddafi and Gbagbo didn't want to admit defeat.

No one wants to openly embrace their weakness. To them that is weakness in its own right. And that it is. But sometimes, pride has to take a side step for your own good. So thanks a lot, you guys. You honestly made things so much horrible for everyone else. And while the royal wedding was a nice fantasy-like escape from reality, in the end we can't escape the real world. Till Death, that is.

Is there a cure? Yes there is. Attitude plays the part in changing our perceptions unto others. As the saying goes: "It is attitude, not aptitude, that determines your altitude." (NOTE: this is not in line with professional business ethics) But then again, attitudes are hard to change. It still depends on one's discipline. If they want to but don't have the willpower to continue, what's the use? But if we can try to and keep track of our progress, then that would help.

So it's best if we could try to hold our tongue back. It's hard to but yes, it's imperative that we do. Becoming more transparent to one another might just mean we would delay Judgment Day by even a fraction of a second. Now is that better? Or would you rather the world end so God can start afresh?

If we can actually did something about it a long time ago, maybe we'd be living a better world. Small steps.

Of course, that would include me. So if I do start acting like a hypocrite someone warn me.

Or maybe it's a little too late for that. Better if I continue reading that book of mine.

Cheers.

Until The Next Time

Dear readers, it is with a little hint of regret that I inform you of my blog's temporary closure. Rest assured, I will update it once in a while if I ever encounter something of particular interest.

Two reasons why I'm doing this:

1. STPM year.

I can't waste more time doing stuff for the blog when the feared public exams are just around the corner. So at the moment I will focus on my studies until the exams are over. A long time, yes, but it is a necessary sacrifice.

2. The War.
And I'm not talking about a coming Doomsday.

If you remember, I've mentioned before how I have to face an internal conflict. Things are not getting any better. Believe me, THEY AREN'T.

Most times I tell myself things will be OK. Things will get better. Guess I've been hiding all the real dangers and threats till they sneaked in when I least expected it. Almost as if the Devil has his hands on me like I was his marionette. And I even denied I have problems whilst ironically pointing out 'flaws' of others, somewhat like a hard-headed kid who just can't let go of his beloved toy.

Several recent incidents have caused me to realize I am nowhere near the end of the conflict, nor have I made any progress since I began Project New Life recently last year. It made me see the errors on my part in a more in-depth perspective, and I have begun to notice how the repercussions are turning the tables on me.

Thus, until this problem can be resolved, I have made it a point to STOP all New Life posts unless they are relevant to certain circumstances which we all can truly relate to (rather than pinning the blame on others or something like that) or if they pertain to anything important. But don't worry. Rest assured things will turn out alright.

I hope.

Cheers for now.

You Are Awesome

I'm sure all of you remember the fictional character Hugh Newman. To him, every one is special. He does what he does just to see them smile. It's good to make others smile, because as we all know smiling helps alleviate our moods and make us feel bright, special and joyful. And remember he does this without any prejudice. He doesn't care what people think of them. He doesn't care if the world trods on their heads. He doesn't care if they don't like how the world behaves now. He just wants them to smile. And all that takes is a kind word and a smile from yourself. =)

It's always difficult to change our ways, especially when it comes to prejudice. We judge someone from what we've seen and heard from others, not what we've seen and heard from ourselves and the subject of prejudice. It's a bad habit that affects every one, and we need to put an end to it once and for all. Not only will it do them some justice, but in fact it helps you too! When you stop judging others, everyone you meet is awesome. Every single person, no matter their race, skin color, religion or principles, will be just like you. And as an added bonus, you'll have more friends too!

Now I have a little challenge for you. Remember when I told you about Dr. George Crane's Compliment Club? Just do it the same way they do it. Set all prejudices aside. Smile. Be genuinely friendly, polite and concerned for them. Ask them things like, "How was your day?" or "Are you OK?" At the end of the day, write down your feelings when you did so and how, as time goes by, your interactions with them changes too. Do this for at least 3 months and write your observations. Sure, it will be hard the first time around, but it becomes second nature as you keep it up.

If you think you've reached that point when everything has come round for the better, share it with your pals. Tell them it works. In fact, if it makes you happy, tell me about your progress. I will definitely share your happiness. But don't stop there! Even when you've fulfilled the criteria, why not make it a daily routine? You'll be brightening up the lives of the people around you, and you may just brighten up the lives of those who are in the category of "the Lost, the Least and the Lonely." You may just lift them out of their misery!

If you need a little bit of help, you can always ask your friends for some help. But don't ask them questions like, "Do I sound like a hypocrite?" or "Does he/she really deserve that kind of attention?" You're not making things any better for yourself. Yes, you read right: YOURSELF! If you let prejudice cloud your actions, you're not going anywhere. You'll be in the exact same spot you stood in many years ago. So shove them aside. As you continue giving genuine, unconditional compliments, all prejudice you had for them will be replaced by mutual understanding and respect. It's because you now know them personally.

In this modern world, much of our feelings for one another is left to rot in the sidelines. We can't let that continue to plague our minds. We need to be genuinely concerned for each other. We need to be there for one another. The old quote "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; cry, and you cry alone" cannot apply anymore. So let's all take a cue from Hugh Newman and Dr. Crane - tell people how awesome they really are. Make them feel awesome. You have that power - use it!

Cheers!