Observation:
When listening to Wise, my mind telling me that to silent about racism is an act of denial that racism exists and at the same time agrees with it. It is a filthy act because we pretend that it does not relate to ourselves, so it appears that it is not important. We hope it withers away but actually we are telling ourselves that we deny the fact that human born equal. Though silent is golden but in this particular case of denial on racism, it is a cowardly act.
Feelings:
• Relieve
• Sad
• Lucky
Thoughts:
I feel relieve because the issue of racism is not about White and Black relationship neither Hispanic nor Malay. It is how we perceives and treat others on being human. It reflects on our own perspectives towards others. Wise used the word “WE” in his book so that we will able to reflect. According to him (pg.62), “we stuff the truth deep down in proverbial pockets, in a safe place where we can, if only a while, forget about it.”
I feel sad too because I was racist prior coming here. That is the truth that I must admit because only through admitting our mistakes we can move on. I saw everything in a perspective as an ultra-Malay that was so eccentric.
However, deep down inside my soul, I feel lucky because I am not alone in this struggle. Looking at the audience that attended his lecture put me into a realization on how hard to read or listen to facts and truths that hitting straight to their faces. No one can claim that he is not racist.I experience that while listening to his lecture and reading his books.
Learnings:
Step One:
I assumed it was okay to keep silent about racism as I did not see it happens and it was not my problem. I assumed it was okay for my race to maintain its status quo as ‘bumiputera’ and given special position and rights over my birth status. I assumed other races in Malaysia should respect us as Malay is a sovereign owner of Malaysia.
Step Two:
My assumptions were totally fallacious. It is not okay to keep silent about racism as it denigrates the values of human rights. In fact, racism can lead to other bigger problems such as segregation and prejudice. My religion teaches me to treat human equally, with love and respect regardless of who they are.
It is not okay to feel comfortable and maintain the status quo as “bumiputera” (in English it is called “son/prince of the soil” because it is built upon on the expense of other races. It is not a fair game and in fact, I do believe only few people that in high strata of society really taste/enjoy the fruit of ‘bumiputera’ by easily access to million dollar contracts.
My assumption on respect was baseless too because respect is gained through equality and equity in order to ensure justice. They are born in Malaysia too, so basically Malaysia belongs to every Malaysian, not just Malays as it claims to be.
Step Three:
Listening to Wise lecture again makes me realize on the importance to reflect on whatever he says to my own self and my perceptions towards racism. It is a breath taking moment though sometimes it hits me direct to my face. It hurts but I feel happy as it makes me check my old beliefs and assumptions. Prior to my socialization, I realize these assumptions existed because the way of how I was brought up in a surrounding and community that putting importance on Malay’s superiority upon other races. I was being taught to enjoy my birth status and all the benefits that I can get because I am Malay. It is everywhere as it is deep rooted in the system including field of education as well.
Applications:
Step One:
I can combat racism by talking about it openly and discuss it transparently. It must be made public (with friends or anybody) that any racist jokes or comments will not be tolerated by me. I must tell and avoid myself to make any racist comments or jokes too because according to Noel(2008), it is a sign of fear and dislike towards somebody that is different from myself. I should ask myself back, what is my right to hate others when I myself do not like to be hated because of my differences? Fear and dislike in this context are good ingredients for prejudice that roots from unhealthy ego of us.
Step Two:
This struggle against racism is a long journey. It must be done continuously with proper strategies. I have in mind that I should play my roles by first establishing and finding those who are parallels and have understanding that human is born is born equal. They will be my allies, my friends.
Secondly, I am thinking to put this into work by dividing the works into two levels, macro and micro. Both must go together. Getting a good position in Malaysian Ministry of Education is a must as that will ensure I will be able to put my allies into the office. They are going to be supporters of equal rights. Together they will support the cause against racism. Creating a curriculum that is multicultural friendly is a must in order to put it into practice at schools. These steps are macro.
Continuing propagating that human is born equal , to live without fear and dislike, continuing to be examples and do whatever that I preach are micro steps. Let’s say, the actions at macro level fails, by concentrating on micro level actually can create staunch supporters against racism.
References:
1. Wise, T. (2008). White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son. Brooklyn: Soft Skull Press.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumiputera_(Malaysia) accessed on 6/16/2009
3. Noel,Jana. (2008). Stereotyping,Prejudice and Racism. In Noel, Jana. (2008). Multicultural Education. (pg.61). New York: McGraw Hill.