Many of us speak proudly of Asian values or Eastern values. There are also those who believe Western idealism would corrupt these values. But let us look at two events that happened in two of Asia's biggest countries, China and India.
Recently there was a report on Channel News Asia (Sept 29) that a contestant in the Chinese Idol singing competition was criticized by many because of her dark skin. It happened that this girl, Lou Jing a 20-year old native of Shanghai has an Afro father whom she has never met.
Lou Jing is as Chinese as she can be, the only difference being her dark skin.The level of racism is unbelievable. One critic wrote the following on Lou Jing:
"I can't believe she's so shameless that she would go on TV" Another critic said "that this black woman cannot be regarded as a "real" Chinese".
On June 23rd 2008, Express India reported that a Naga girl was barred from entering a lounge bar because the proprietor claimed she was not "Indian enough". The Naga people are native to Northeastern India and they share the physical features of Southeast Asians. This girl, a photographer was to meet her friends on work matters but was humiliated in front of many others because of the way she looks. Enatoli Sema, a Naga lawyer claimed that this was not the first time a Naga was barred from an establishment because of race.
While the West has moved away from racism (though it still exists), these two Asian giants, China and India are still steeped in racism. They are afraid of those who do not look like them and are very prejudiced.
These countries should learn a thing or two from Sabah. Here in Sabah, differences are not emphasised. Even among the Kadazandusuns, there are those who are dark skinned. And it is learnt that even among the Indians here, there are those who are not Indian looking at all.
People in Sabah are more willing to accept those from other races as well.
Values need not be Eastern nor Western. There is one universal value that should be embraced by all.
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S'pore and Semenanjung people are arragont & narrow minded people. That's why discrimination occurs.
When economy is bad, many S'porean blame the foreigners and forgoten about the foreign investment factors. When neighbouring countries suffered in natural disaster, S'pore will provide the nessary aid there... however, the local TV will promoting an image to its people that they are the centre of this region, they can change the region to suits them!
Semenanjung people are just simply thinks that this region only consists of 3 dfferent races - Malay, Chinese, India -- any other races are just a sub-division from the 3!!! What a narrow minded conclusion.
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