Breaking Down Racial Barriers (Lessons Learned from the Tale of the Rainbow)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie makes life
a wonderful journey.

            Racial issues have dominated public discussion for ages and we need to put an end to this journey that only brings misery and causes complexity to the country. The recent incident, involving Johor Gerakan member Tan Lai Soon, has forced him to face the music following his controversial speech that touched on racial sensitivity.

With a Chinese friend, Tan Wei Pern

It is time we set the country free from racial conflicts. We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now (Martin Luther King Jr). Hence, I suggest we learn the lessons from the tale of the rainbow.             

            In the story, each colour of the rainbow claims that it is the most superior among all. Red brings passion and is also the colour of blood. Orange is the colour of health. Yellow symbolises happiness. Green is a sign of life and the world is adorned with lush greenery. Blue provides peace and tranquility. Indigo is the colour of silence, while purple indicates power and royalty. 

Spending time with dear professor, Dr. Soo Ling Howard

All of them brag about their individual qualities and insist that their colour is the most prominent, without realizing that they appear most beautiful when they are united on the spectrum.

During the Dean's List Dinner with the Jessica Lynn Adrew

Attending INTEC's Awards Night with Chung Yin Hui

            Likewise, Malaysia’s population comprises many ethnic groups that are special in different ways. The people are like a myriad of colours that should stay united in spite of differences and uniqueness. The colourful cultural celebrations bring joy, laughter and prosperity to all.

Standing next to a cool lecturer, Mr. Keshminder Singh

Being in the multiracial workplace, neighbourhood and school, it has become a norm for us to convey good wishes to one another when somebody is tying the knot, welcoming a newborn, obtaining good results in exams or being promoted to a higher position. During birthdays and farewell parties, we prepare gifts and exchange greetings. When others fall ill or are fighting diseases, we pray for their speedy recovery. When they deal with bereavement or mishaps, we express our grief and sympathy with the hope that they are given strength and patience to face the ordeals. Our unity is so precious and to break it apart is just atrocious.

Cherishing the day with a Bruneian buddy, Nazri

A snap with the multi-talented Elaine Daly during the Frogway show

Over 40 years ago, when the May 13 tragedy took place, it was a traumatic experience for many. We cannot afford another one. Some may find it trivial but a racial joke may invite misinterpretation, while a racist statement may lead to speculations and disharmony. We need to end racism by hook or by crook.

Hanging out with Middle-East friends 

Waving goodbye to Korean companions 

The old stereotypes that were used to define the races - Malays are farmers, Chinese are tin miners and Indians are rubber tappers - are not practical any more. Nowadays, there is no such segregation.

            We have been together through thick and thin and we should realise that we complete each other, just like the colours of the rainbow that finally stretch across the sky to mark a happy ending. The colours inspire us to live in hope, peace and unity.

At A Glance: New Straits Times Saturday the 25th Edition

In her 1971 poem titled Paul Robeson Gwendolyn Brooks wrote: “We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond”.

               

Courtesy of New Straits Times

25 October 2014