Social exclusion can even happen anywhere, especially in a
multiracial country like Malaysia as it is not truly 1 Malaysia we are
represented. What I mean by this is how some races would look down or think the
worst for other races. The most common situations would be between Malays and
Chinese, especially when it comes to marketing which causes a stirring between
Chinese with the Malay government.
Another example is this one experience of my life earlier this month. I recently befriended a cosplayer and he was working
as a mascot on that day and I wanted to visit him. After I told my family about
it, my mother, being mothers when their daughters are seeing male friends, she
teased me and asked for a picture of him. I replied by showing her a picture of
him on his Instagram with no make-up or costume on. Her mood and expression
immediately changed when she noticed that he’s a Malay and asked to make sure. After
I replied with a “Yes”, in a concerning voice, she warned me to be careful
around him as “men like him can be dangerous”.
I agree that in multi racial countries , although we do try our best to promote and practice harmony and togetherness within our friend groups, social circles, or as politeness and common courtesy . However racism has been, and still is a thorn in society's side ; A textbook example of social exclusion.
ReplyDeleteThough, biases and stereotypes have contributed a majority of the agenda; But I believe its also due to historical context. As I remember, The Malays and Chinese have been on a rocky relationship for some time- Especially because of racial riots exploding between them, like event called "The May 13th incident" . Which claimed a lot of lives on both parties. Because of the history of violence and animosity between the two segregated races; They penetrate into the older generation and their descendants in the form of mistrust or racial stereotyping .