Racism

A timely letter to the editor appeared in the Star, 6 February 2012 notwithstanding all the sloganeering we are bombarded with from the ruling government of the day. The heading of the letter “No place for racism here” is most appropriate and must be repeated continuously until it becomes a natural part of our lives.

The writer mentioned a teacher who said that the word racist does not exist. This statement was in response to an incident in her class. How does the word not exist if the action perperated by a group of people continue to emphasise the differences between the races. If the word does not exist, there will be other words to describe that charcteristic of a group of people who feel superior to other groups.

Differences between groups of people are part and parcel of human diversity. The difference does not make one group superior to the other but it is more of a marker of where and how each group acclimatised itself to its environment. History shows communities growing in places which might not be hospitable at first glance and the effects of adjusting to different locales would produce a different approach to living.

Malaysia as a melting pot of so many groups would host a myriad of colours and creed, each bringing their past history and adjusting to the new landscape. Later generations would still have that link to the their ancestors in the way they perceive and approach an issue. These differences are a positive addition to the nation's collective memory. A basis to foster unity and strengthen the bond between the people.

The combative approach does not bode well for the nation's progress. The better way would be to embrace the plurality which is a fact of life of the nation and emphasise the positves that each group can contribute to the nation.

Image from wikipedia