Cultural Diversity

People are born in different cultures and with different backgrounds. Some of us are fair while others are darker. Big eyes, small eyes, short or long noses we have different looks and figures. We also speaks different languages; Mandarin, Tamil, Malay, English, Urdu, Hindi, Iban and all others. We also have different religions. Islam, Christian, Buddha, Tamil, etc. Therefore, we are practically different from each other. We don't look alike, we speak different languages and we pray to different Gods.

So what?

Hahahaha. There is NOTHING to be afraid of when people are different from you. Differences make the world colourful. Our cultural differences make us unique. Malays and Indian eat with hands while Chinese with the chopsticks. White men eat with fork and spoon. Does this mean Malays have to be afraid of Chinese or Indians or White Men? Hell no.

We are afraid of things that we do not understand. So it is wise to learn things that are not from our cultures. A sound understanding is crucial to exist together in a country with such awesome cultural diversities. It is not wrong to be proud of who you are. Yeah. I am proud to be a Muslim and a Malay. But it doesn't mean i have to hate others because of their differences. In fact, I should respect these differences and appreciate it. It is what make my country special.

If a friend of other religions or races ask you about your religion or cultures, one should never be offended. Why? Because they also want to know and learn the reasons why you behave in certain ways. So again, don't get offended if people ask things about your beliefs. Instead, you should treat them with respect because at least, they care about it. I've meet people who don't give a damn about my religions and cultures and trust me, you ain't gonna like them no more than one day staying with them.

Yes it is true that in the past, some of us suffered discrimination from others. Yes it is true we used to fight because of different races and stuffs. But THAT WAS LIKE 50 YEARS AGO? Why do we have to fight now? If my parents are discriminated by race X, should I hate all people from race X too? That was like dinosaur era, where people hate each other because of their skin colours. What THAT have to do with me and my friends now? What happened back there have nothing to do with my era.

Our parents or grandpas might killed each other because one eat with chopstick while others eat with hands. But I will not do so. This cycle of hatred must stop now. I don't want my children to grow up with suspicious and hatred to their friends just because they look fairer or darker than us.

Differences unite us. Because when you are different from each other, you'll try to find common grounds to live with. One don't have to let go of his identity just to blend in the society. We are who we are. No one can change that. So chillax and roll with the flow. Make new friends and don't be afraid of differences. Because in differences, lie unity.

This post is written in conjunction with Monash's Cultural Day on 13th September 2011.