By HK Lee
In a pluralistic society like Malaysia the issue of race relations
can become a matter of tension and misunderstanding. The issue is getting more
complex when the race and its culture are identical with religion. The
peacekeeping and unity in this society is never an easy task since
independence.
The recent incidents like the accusation of certain politicians on
the video (dog trainer) by suggesting that it was the work of a non-Muslim[1],
‘bak kut teh’ connoisseurs where persons insult Muslims publicly, non-Muslim
students forced to eat in shower room[2],
Dr. M’s claim about Chinese dilemma[3],
and ‘return to India and China’ insults[4]
are the wake-up calls for our attention, evaluation, and action regarding the
issue of racism. Racism is a contagious illness which can destroy the whole
nation.
Author tries to respond to the racial issue in Biblical perspective
with love by no means to judge or discriminate any race. As a return, more
innovative ideas of racial reconciliation will be sparked and contributed from
readers.
What is Racism,
Racial prejudice and Discrimination?
Ruth Benedict defines racism in the African-American’s slavery
context:
“The
dogma that one ethnic group is condemned by Nature to hereditary inferiority
and another group is destined to hereditary superiority. It is the dogma that
the hope of civilization depends upon eliminating some races and keeping others
pure. It is the dogma that one race has carried progress throughout human
history and can alone ensure future progress.”[5]
Racism
is a worldview and a belief. Ruth’s definition has the same connotation in the
context of racism in a pluralistic society like Malaysia. Worldview shapes
values, behavior and eventually culture. The manifestation of racism could be
wide-ranging from an individual to state institutions. When the later happened,
it is identified as Institutional Racism. Dr. Benjamin Bowling describes
it as “the process by which people from ethnic minorities are systematically
discriminated against by a range of public and If the result or outcome of
established laws, customs or practices is racially discriminatory, then institutional
racism can be said to have occurred.”[6]
From the historical experiences of racism in America, we could
observe the hallmarks of racism prevail in religious institutions, the
educational system (such as denied educational opportunities), health care
services, economics (economic gap between various ethnic groups), the criminal
justice system (which discriminates against minorities), and the media. The
racism ideology immerses vastly and rooted deeply in social activities than how
we realized.
Then, what is racial prejudice about? It usually refers to
attitudes (usually negative), about certain persons based on racial identity;
prejudices about racial or ethnic groups are often persistent, and they
powerfully affect interactions between members of different groups.[7]
Discrimination
happens when someone bases on race, treating someone differently than his merit
suggests simply by virtue of his racial identity. It usually connotes treating
a minority person badly just because that person is a minority, it could
include giving his own race an advantage. Inasmuch as current various state racist
policies that have been creatively crafted, it justifies certain race to view
the acts of ‘discrimination’ as their privilege. As a result, the nation is basically
divided into two classes of citizens.
When
government and society fail to promote genuine trust and harmony, we will
observe hallmarks of classification (we distinguish people into “us and them”
by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality), symbolization (we give names or
other symbols to the classifications), dehumanization (one group denies the
humanity of the other group) which these building towards polarization (extremists
drive the groups apart because of hatreds).[8] Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 is the historical
event that we Malaysian must learn in order to protect our current fragile
peace with all efforts and resources.
Christianity’s Response to Racism
Much remains to be done to address the current state of race relations.
Whose responsibility is it? The responsibility must be shared by all citizens. However,
what can Christians do about the problem specifically?
It should begin with an understanding of basic Bible doctrines
concerning man and God. Author disagree that the human race is a product of an
evolutionary process as it justifies the strong eliminates the weak. Man was
created by God (Gen 1:26–31; 2:7). Human beings therefore are God’s workmanship
made in the image of God (Gen 1:26–27) and blessed by Him. Adam and Eve were created
“in the image of God” (Gen 1: 27) and since every human being has descended from
them, all are in God’s image (Gen 9:6), and therefore are of equal value and
importance to God. Common ancestry means racial unity, which in turn should
rule out racial prejudice. The dignity of human is not based on family
background, race and nation.
Racism is the worldview that disconnected from the character of
God. The biblical portrayal of the
nature of God is always connected with His love, just, wrath, grace, holiness,
etc. Justice is the important characteristic in relation to others especially
regard to the rights of others. Justice is not only giving to others their
rights, but involves the active duty of establishing their rights.[9]
One of the many Bible verses that uplifts justice or fairness is ‘But let him who boasts boast of this,
that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving
kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’
declares the Lord” (Jer. 9:24). Jesus’ life and ministry modeled how
Christians ought to approach people of various races and backgrounds. Jesus did
not discriminate, favoring some and denigrating others (Parable of the Good
Samaritan in Luke 10:25–37; Jesus talked with a Samaritan woman in John 4:1-42;
loving God and loving others in Matt. 22:37-39). The implications for
Christians are clear that we should actively love and do justice in our
associations with others. Cultural and racial differences should not become
excuses in obeying God’s exhortation and Christ’s example. We are called to be
the light and the salt.
Larry suggests what Christians can do about this issue
specifically:[10]
1. Align personal worldview and responsibility with divine design
in racial relations. Believers should undertake the following: (a) Admit the existence
and ugliness of racism in contemporary society. (b) Acknowledge any personal
culpability for perpetuating conflicts with other races. (c) Assume personal responsibility
to correct the problems within one’s area of control. (d) Accept the fact that
hostility and animosity will exist between ethnic groups until barriers of
inequality are removed. (e) Attempt to build relationships with people of other
races. (f) Aggressively pursue opportunities to build bridges with people of
other races. (g) Affirm the equality of races and the worth of every individual
before God.
2. The church or individual can actively present Biblical truth
about the races and address the ethical dimensions of life through forums or
media. This should begin from within the diversity of the body of Christ, for
example, Chinese church, Indian church and other languages speaking churches to
have reconciliation projects including certain ‘exchange programs’.
3. Christian educational institutes or church’s ministers teaching
principles and examples that promote racial harmony, unity in diversity and
reconciliation.
4. Nation building mentality where the church can mobilize their
available resources to promote racial harmony campaign via different media
modes. Or, care for the needy regardless
races by cooperative community projects.
Challenge to
You
1. What are some racial issues that you are experiencing now in
your society? How do these experiences affect your perspectives and behaviors
relate to the other races?
2. What is your personal responsibility regarding the healing of
the racial illness in society?
[5] David K. Clark and Robert V. Rakestraw, Readings in Christian Ethics,
(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1996), 262.
[6] http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/special-reports/50328-institutional-racism-and-religious-freedom-in-malaysia
(accessed Aug 3,
2013). Read more
here about the Article 153 in the constitution.
[7] David K. Clark and Robert V. Rakestraw, Readings in Christian Ethics,
(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1996), 289.
[8] http://www.genocidewatch.org/genocide/8stagesofgenocide.html
(accessed July 28, 2013).
[9] Theo. J. W.
Kunst “The Kingdom of God and Social Justice”, Bibliotheca Sacra 140
(April-June 1983): 111.
[10] Larry A.
Mercer “A Biblical and Cultural
Study of the Problem of Racism”, Bibliotheca Sacra Grace 153, no. 609 (Jan 1996): 100-103, accessed
June 19, 2013, https://www.galaxie.com/.
Wow, nice research bro Heng Kee :)
ReplyDeleteFor me, one of the effective ways to heal the racial illness is those who are coming from "hi-race" (feel superior) can adopt the children from the "low-race" (feel inferior/oppressed), then help them to pursue their hi-education so that they will have enough capacity to give good impact to their society.
And the simplest way for me to heal the racial illness in our society is to proclaim to our society through our words and actions that in God's eyes, all races are just equal in their dignity.
Thanks bro, god bless.
1. unfair treatments from government where certain race have special advantages more than other races.it's quite obvious and over. these incidents make me felt of great disappointment. however I know it's not wrong of the certain race, the root cause is certain groups which tend to raise up issue of discrimination.
ReplyDelete2. As a Christian Malaysian, I think my responsibilities are to build good relationship with all the races around me and live a good Christ-like testimony so that each of them could understand the God does not discrimate anyone but He loves us.
In my society, the issue of ethnic discrimination has been very dangerous. Before, some ethnic groups were not well educated so they were okay to be under discrimination but now they are well educated and they know their rights so that they want to take revenge against them who discriminated to them. Therefore, now Church has to play very vital role to bring them in unity by teaching them for valuing all people as image of God and teaching them to forgive as Jesus has forgiven our sins. The church has to show the example by accepting all ethnic groups as equal in God.
ReplyDeleteI am living in the society which racism has become serious and created a lot of issues. Racism has also bring the tension among races. The issue has made me felt I am not belong to this country sometimes. I felt angry while I read the news about the students who have their food in changing room. But I believe that Christian community can play an important role in this area. We should continue to love our nation by serving and accept all the ethnic groups. We should contribute in nation building. We should not stay comfortable in the church building but we should go out to show our love and concern. Most of the time, racism is using as a tool by certain group of people to bring fears to nation. As a Christian , we shall not fall into this trap but keep continue to play our role as salt and light in this nation.
ReplyDeleteRacism is in the minds of the people. This illness will also remain if the minds of the people will remain the same. We have to change the minds of the people. First of all this illness is in educated people generally they don't want to see anybodies prosperity in any field. This is the result of our education system in which smart and intelligent students are always been supported by teachers in class so other students get discourages. We have to take first step.
ReplyDeleteRacism is the problem from the ages. This is like a trend in world. People from powerful and wealthy background they won't allow anybody to avail any opportunity because they think this is our property we have to change the criteria to choose the official for any field
ReplyDeleteI'm living in a society where every races are not being treated fairly, and certain race are being taken care of where they have special privilege when it comes to the welfare of the people. I kept on questioning myself that does 'equality' actually exists? Besides, I used to despise that particular race because I felt that it was not fair and I could not simply just sit back and allow injustice things to happen. Apart from that, government are the one who created the racial issues which they are afraid of the unity of people could bring disadvantages to them. I'm truly disappointed and grief over the racial issues that happened in Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteSo what could I do about this? My own personal responsibilities as a Christian is to love every people regardless of races and skin colors, and to show them and let them experience Christ's love through my words and actions. Besides, I would also spread the gospel by letting others know that God loves everyone and allow no discrimination nor prejudice as every single one was created by God.
clearly that racism is the hottest issue until now. This is evidenced by what happened on May 13.1969, Hindraf demonstration on Nov 25, 2007, and several other incident.
ReplyDeleteIn addition there are many laws and rights granted to certain groups intended to protect them. for example, quota system in entering university, quotas in purchasing a home and land. resume should include religion and race if applying for a job. When we see all this, it's makes us dissatisfied and doubt that there are racist elements in all systems that have been enacted or planned in our country.
What practical Ways that I can do as a Christian?
1. Know well your neighbors. this is what i practice since my childhood in sabah. i know them deeper until i feel that they are my family even though they are different race than me, but it's never stop us to sharing whatever we have included foods, cloths and vehicle. i think this is where you can gain the trust and respect naturally to balance the differences of race and religion.
2. Sports also among the most effective medium to bonding with other people without any prejudice about someone's race or religion. We accept them because we sharing the same interest. just intentionally knowing other people while you doing sport. that what i want to develope in my personal life since i am in semananjung.
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, in my country there are alot of racial issues that our nation is experiencing now such as there are some laws that keeps protect one of the race, and trying to suppress other races, besides that the government will tend to unfairly give benefit to their own race only. In the other hand, we often face people using racial issue or religious issue to create anger or hostile among different races. These experience made me felt unfair, angry and being mistreated especially towards the government but toward to my friend of other races, i still treat them as my friend if they really appreciate what they have and doesn't misuse it.
Our responsibility is to continue to pray for them and always bear an open heart toward the given opportunity to love them if the is to show our love as a Christian to them.
Quote " The manifestation of racism could be wide-ranging from an individual to state institutions. When the later happened, it is identified as Institutional Racism"
ReplyDeleteI believes racism is most dangerous when the few leaders who has influence in different institution began to sow their racism mindset into the institution. Many people who are natural initially will be easily Influence. Therefore it is an important responsibility of every citizen of a country to monitor any laws or policy that the authorities or institution came out to prevent it spread out.
In many situation from our daily interaction with neighbor of different races, to the non-partisan movement or NGO in the country, I can says most of the people are tend to treat each other fairly regardless of skin's color. We want to see a community that is unity in diversity, loving and care to the less fortunate in society and justice to be prevail in our country. When we see the important of these few elements, racism can no longer find its place to stands because it will show its own inequity and weaknesses in keeping the human race together.
1. What are some racial issues that you are experiencing now in your society? How do these experiences affect your perspectives and behaviours relate to the other races?
ReplyDelete(Some back ground of Malaysia: basically we have 3 major ethnic groups, the Malay, originated from Bugis, Indonesia; the Chinese, originated from Mainland China and the Indian, originated from India as well as more than 10 minor aboriginal people groups)
There are many racial issues happened in Malaysia for the past few years although some of them become viral because of political reasons for example: there are some teachers from public school jeered at the student from other races than theirs to go back to their homeland, calling names for certain people group with the intention of insulting of showing disgust (eg. Pig refer to Malay, dog refer to Chinese and bull/cow refer to Indian) and the latest racial issue is students are arranged to have their snack in the school’s shower room which located just next to the toilet during fasting month.
When I was young, a near kin of mine used to stereotype reckless driver as Indian (or female >.<) and although he don’t do that anymore but somehow this thought rooted deeply in my mind that when I am driving, when I meet a reckless driver, the first thought comes into my mind is that driver must be an Indian although I know it’s not the truth for every reckless drivers are Indians but subconsciously I tried to avoid driving into the streets where most Indian lived.
However, as a Christian and also a language student, I have learn to appreciate and embrace the uniqueness of different races as well as constantly remind myself not to stereotyping any races for negative experience or thoughts.
2. What is your personal responsibility regarding the healing of the racial illness in society?
As a Christian, I can learn from the way how Jesus did especially in John 4, that is intentionally engage with people from different races than mine and seeing them in their truest form—people who need love and God rather than the differences we have outwardly. And another thing I can do is remove any racial stereotyping towards the people different from me. Remember that for a person to do things or think in a certain way doesn’t have to do with his race but more on the background, upbringing, and even personality factor.
Of course to educate people in my sphere of influence not to be racist can be a good way to heal this racial illness in my society, but the more crucial part is every changes must start with me. To know my identity as I am a Malaysian before I am a Chinese, just like I am a Christian before I am a missionary.
By Melody