égotistique,
Literary (Submission): Anti-Discrimination
To my friend,
Let me just remind you of something that may seem so obvious but needs to be blatantly pointed out.
In this nation, we are expected to celebrate each other’s differences, stop the prejudice spreading around, and promote the love for diversity. But what I see is the complete opposite of what things are supposed to be. Genocides, massacres, holocausts, segregations, caste systems, and all other hideous forms of bigotry, without a doubt, have become more prevalent in every state, in every county, in every city, in every household.
Well, what I mentioned was too extreme. But I’ll give you examples of how you, somehow, have added fuel to the fire of racism. When there was this shy, new classmate of yours in school, I heard he was being mocked and forced to shout he’s ugly. And the reason was so petty – just because of his “unusual” facial features: afro-styled hair thick lips, stubby nose, wide face, dark complexion. While he was being embarrassed in front of the school canteen, you just sat on the bench complacently. You even pretended to be unaware of the ongoing public humiliation. You did not have the courage to speak up for your poor classmate.
There was another time when this tan-looking, round-eyed, and bushy-eyebrowed lad was asking for your help in translating the descriptions shown in the menu. With a labored struggle to speak English, he pleaded that you order for him. But instead you became impatient – you thought he was dumb and grabbed the menu, as if you were retrieving something that was snatched from you. You cursed in front of everyone else, shamed him for not being able to speak the so-called "dominant language" fluently, and stomped off the diner with a huff.
You might have felt indifferent about what you did. Showing ignorance towards your classmate who was being bullied. Not helping a young kid who only knew a smattering of English. Yes, I understand that you would respond defensively and say you did not like their presence. I understand that you are a conservative, a conservative who wants people to be the same and not be included in a wider, more diverse spectrum. That you rather seek for uniformity in belief, in race, and other matters. But in this case, your traditionalism seems not to offer any help in solving the problem of racism.
You see, racism is like refusing to be friends with someone who eagerly wants to be so. Let’s say I do not know you. I approach you, wave at you pleasantly, and try to make small talk. But you, with an air of intolerance, judge me for my differences, think that I am a threat to you, and then go away. Of course, I would be very hurt! And not just that – you wouldn't realize the fact that you did not only close the doors of the mind, but also the doors that could lead to more possibilities! Had you not done that, we could have shared each other’s views and made a lasting relationship.
That shutting-of-doors scenario happens every day and everywhere. Someone will rigidly think that he is everyone’s master, and the people around him are his slaves. Someone will deny the fact that there exists a motley of people around the world and thus presume that only his race exists. On the other hand, someone will feel that he is not accepted by society. Someone will feel that he does not deserve humane treatment for being true to himself. Racism affects everyone negatively, harbors resentment, and takes advantage of others. It makes me feel indignant whenever I hear people being teased, snubbed, and massacred just because they are different!
Before I end this letter, I would like you to make a pledge. A pledge that you will spread awareness of the dangers of racism. A pledge that you will not hesitate to speak up for those who cannot stand by themselves. A pledge that you will help in extinguishing the fire of racism, which now seems to have worsened to a conflagration.
I am not telling that you should stray away from your conservative ways. Doing so would narrow down the wide spectrum of beliefs present in humanity. But I urge you to use your adherence to values to inspire others. You could perhaps construct new traditions promoting love for all kinds. You could even help your Church in its campaign against discrimination!
I hope that from now on you will be a member of the Anti-Discrimination clique spectrum.
Hoping for your reply soon,
Your friend and co-member of the Anti-Discrimination spectrum
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