Not too long ago, Jeff discussed an incident on racism in his blog. Another subject not too far from this yet often overlooked and glossed over is stereotyping. I need to rant a bit, we're approaching festivals - we just passed one for the Muslims and are approaching another for the Hindus and sweeping remarks made by the ignorant and careless, just get on my nerves now and again . I live in a society that is made up of many different races, each one quite diverse yet we're quite integrated - Indians, Malays, Chinese, sub-divide that with religion. While this nation's 'civilization' has come a long, long way, and in this age of internet and TV, there are still pre-conceived notions running in the heads of the so called 'better' educated locals of their long-residing counterparts.
Here are some typical remarks:
- she is very fair for an Indian
- she looks like Chinese but she's actually Malay
- he's Indian but he's Catholic
- she's Chinese but she married an Indian
- he's Indian but his wife is Chinese
- her hair is so straight for an Indian
- she's quite dark for a Chinese
- she's Indian but she knows how to eat Chinese food.
- he's quite good looking for an Indian
- he's Muslim but he is not fasting
- she has an English name but she is Indian
- she's Chinese but she's got nice eye lashes...
.. it goes on..
Mild but it grates. Can you hear it, the condescension, ignorance, underlying prejudice, presumption and imposition...the word 'but' is like that chalk piece screeching against the blackboard.
Why can't people make observations without suppositions?
The ignorance is amazing, the incapacity to learn anything (or absorbing anything) about your neighbour for 30 years of living next to them, the ease of assuming is baffling.
More often than not my sarcastic response is wasted on these persons, and when you point out the error in their thinking, they justify themselves based on 'most of the time', 'usually like ', 'they always' ... when really they don't know.
These are not about norms of yesteryears, it's about being aware, being more exposed and asking questions. Is it shocking that narrow mindedness still exists ?
I hate racism and stereo-typing! It drives me crazy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers, andrea
Here is an OLD saying ... when you use 'but' that is what you are (butt).
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful crisp autumn day. TTFN ~Marydon
Seriously there is no place for racism anymore, whats with interacial marriages, the minority groups and 3rd world countries making their place in the world. It's about time we learn to live and share. Nobody is perfect, but given the right circumstance, the unperfect may just shine. The very reason why I placed my boy in a school that has a great mix of races. Harmony and tolerance goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteI am an Indian and also born muslim (never got serious about following religion) and you are right. The ignorant stereotyping irritates me but it has not gone far enough to anger me yet.
ReplyDeleteI feel like i need to be the realist here and say that without thinking we as humans jugde it's in our nature its how we come to conclusions. We process different things about all people and we save these common characteristics in our mind. It is not wrong to generalize, but when the generalization gets in the way of our caluclations about someone that is when it is a problem. Instead of getting mad at steroetypes negative, positive or netural ones we should just accept that they exists and move on. Furthmore we must not jump down the throats of others who voice there judgements or observsations, becuase it is impossible to not do those same things oursevles. Even if we dont say them out loud it is all processed in our mind. Racism on the other hand is a different story.
ReplyDeletethank you for this post it was insightful none the less.
ReplyDeleteFor the sake of harmony, we already do overlook much and we have to.
ReplyDeleteThank you all
It is hard to let it go, when you are affected by it, we should educate rather than live with it.
ReplyDeleteMM
This country is so small, people live in such close proximity to each other and yet, I agree it is amazing that people are not more aware and don't bother to find out.
ReplyDeleteThe discrimination or feeling superior or viewing some one inferior will remain in earth till this earth thrives a living thing of lowest intelligence. Do you know in Europe in same country people from north dont mingle with south side and they dont marry from one region to other even if they live in cosmopolitian society. When a guy from that country was making a remark on Indian caste system , i smiled at him and forgave his ignorance But there will remain the comparsion in earth till intelligence prevails irrespective of how many prophtes walk over this land for enlightening us. Just my view. May be i am branded pessimeist
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