Is it really Black or White?

Racism is not a thing of the past. All over the world, it is still quite alive today although it may be less in severity in some places. Despite whatever positive development, we must realize that change cannot happen instantaneously but over a prolonged period of time; that is, if it happens at all. Ideally, we should be moving towards that ultimate goal of equality but it is not that easy to deal with this issue, not when the past is still hovering above our heads like dark clouds looming in the sky before a storm.

By Masterwordsmith

Honestly, no one can not evade the past. That is the reason why we have to understand our nation’s history, the struggles of our forefathers past and their astonishing accomplishments. Instead of placing the blame elsewhere, the blame upon other people and those of past generations, we must place the blame on ourselves in order to move forward. Blaming others does not accomplish anything; it simply puts the problem elsewhere. And, indeed, this is still quite a problem as can be seen by the many statements made by people or articles in the MSM/cyberspace.

Right now, we have to ask ourselves why there is a political willingness to paint a deeply rooted and complex issue as one that can only be black and white. Too many selfish leaders have manipulated the social and moral fabric of our society with catcalls or denials of racism against their opponents just so they can gain political mileage or popularity when in actual fact, they are injecting society with political poison. Where our country is concerned, we have to acknowledge that racism is a problem requiring the best and most comprehensive solutions possible regardless of political origin or affiliation.

Our nation has a very fragile psyche because too many people have been busy wither planting or throwing verbal bombshells intended to push groups of people into an “us versus them” situation when they are actually deliberately creating a “winners take all” dysfunctional and misguided prism where it is the rakyat that have to pay the price in terms of unity, meritocracy and equal rights or opportunities.

To begin with, frustration is a very common cause of racism. Back in the 1940’s, Hitler succeeded in spreading his Nazi philosophy because he scapegoated some quarters to help the masses cope with the economic dilemma that they were facing then. It was convenient to pin the blame on the Jews and other disadvantaged groups even though it was illogical for them to do so and eventually it led to hate towards the minority group. Ironically, we see the same thing happening in our country.

We see the majority group being frustrated by the ones whom they regard as alien to the land and the latter being frustrated as not being accepted as part of this country even though they pay taxes and contribute towards nation-building efforts in many ways. So the rift deepens and this is exacerbated by questionable policies and statements by some quarters. Initially, the minority groups accepted it because of the racist card played by leaders of certain parties but through the years, even these leaders have been used to further the ambition of certain leaders who are out to make their little domains of power grow into little kingdoms. So how are the others supposed to react?

Protest? Consult their leaders? Many thought they would give the Opposition more power but through the years, we can see a pendulum shift in the support for and against the Opposition because of the flak that states/constituencies received for voting the Opposition. Still, the problems lurked beneath smiles and cameo peace talks and handshakes of modest appearances of unity. Corruption, injustice and a host of problems that are too many to list here became worse until the rakyat could bear it no more and made their stand in no uncertain terms in the last elections! The aftermath has not been a pleasant one because now we see the struggle is even worse as it is not just between the status quo and the Opposition. Within the ruling regime, inter and also intra party cracks have occurred at such intensity and speed that one wonders what will happen in the future.

We must realize that the psychological factor is also a common disturbance that is found as the root of racism . People with bad childhood experiences may have may anger and hate towards others and are inclined to dominate others as these qualities attract racism because of the way racism divides the world into superior and inferior. In these types of situations, one can only picture of what might go through the heads of such individuals, especially those who have gone through BTN programs!

At the same time, we must remember that for decades, some quarters held on to racist stereotypes that were passed on to their children and it is not easy to battle such myths and wrong perspectives that have become so ingrained in one’s view of the world he lives in, especially if this is fuelled by racist reports by some MSM that demonstrate intolerance of some groups.

Another multifarious cause of racism could possibly be in our institutions. Many have taken umbrage to situations where people who are supposed to protect our rights commit injustices and appear to make decisions based on assumptions and stereotypes and there are far too many instances to name here but I am sure you all know what I am talking about.

The educational system also exacerbates the drift between the different groups in our country. In a bid to help the weak cope with the syllabus, standards are lowered, requirements more relaxed and opportunities greater for those who are in a different group. So how are the others supposed to react? Work harder of course. And when they score better, higher etc. they cannot gain entry to courses as easily as others and in such a situation who benefits from the brain drain when they leave? Our neighbouring countries and other establishments or organizations all over the world of course! When they leave, they are branded as being ungrateful and the drift is again widened. An obvious solution to all these problems in our institutions is the government. What is wrong with meritocracy? For far too long, some have become overly dependent on certain perks that are dished out to them in so many areas of life and have been spoiled to the extent that they think it is a right that need not be repaid to the nation so there are those who do not repay loans, never return even though they are on government scholarships and the minorities feel frustrated because they also pay taxes that have been used for such benefits.

Racism is not an ability that people are born with but it is based on how an individual is raised and what they learn when they are younger.My question is what is the government and institutions and rest of the public doing to help minimize racism?

Read more at: IS IT REALLY BLACK OR WHITE?