Spread empathy and kindness, not hatred to the young

Hatred is not inborn. It is cultivated over a period of time with the environment and surrounding people. Children learn hate at home or in school where they are taught certain groups or races are to be avoided.

Inculcating good values, exemplary conduct and positive attitudes, the children’s young minds can be moulded into being good citizens of the country.

But when children are taught to define their identity through race or religion, it often leads to a sense of “we” that is characteristically built on excluding the “others”.

We send our children to school to get an education and be taught good values, understanding and respect for each other.

So, the question is, why are some teachers gratuitous in spreading and encouraging hatred? Do they not lack a sense of common humanity? Why is compassion often limited to in-group, religion and ethnicity?

Spreading hatred, teaching negative values and encouraging toxic behaviour is certainly unacceptable.

A 58-second video clip circulated on social media exemplifies the hatred in our education system and its shortcomings where there appear to be no boundaries when it comes to what children are taught – in and outside the classroom.

The clip shows a group of primary school pupils being directed to stomp on the Israeli flag.

It shows a group of pupils at the doorway of a classroom and the lady teacher says: “Pelajar-pelajar, menunjuk solidariti.” (Pupils, show solidarity.)

“Bendera apa ini?” (What flag is this?) asks one of them.

“Bendera Israel.” (Israeli flag)

While the pupils are jumping and stepping on the flag, the teacher is heard telling them: “Dia bunuh orang Palestin… bunuh orang Islam.” (They kill the Palestinians, kill Muslims.)

“Pelajar-pelajar, tunjuk solidariti, pijak 20 kali.” (Pupils, show solidarity. Stomp 20 times.)

Breeding grounds of hatred

While most Malaysians are aware of the ongoing war in the Middle East and have expressed our sympathy and support, we abhor the killing of innocent women and children.

But there are appropriate platforms to express these sentiments, not in classrooms by primary school pupils.

As the prime minister has shown, he brought up the issue at every opportunity locally and with heads of government and diplomats on his recent overseas trips.

But why are schools turning out as breeding grounds of hatred? Why are teachers sowing the seeds of hate and divisiveness?

Was she acting “ikut arahan” (following instructions) or was she doing it of her own volition so that she could score brownie points now and in the hereafter?

Do we expect the Education Ministry to act? I doubt so. They will probably remain silent hoping the issue will go away.

But if they are compelled because of the publicity, they will probably set up a committee to “look into the matter”, after which a series of meetings will be held to finally conclude with a terse statement: “The teacher has been sent for counselling.”

Cynics will say she ought to be rewarded with a promotion to head of the school for her zeal and willingness to encourage solidarity with the people of Palestine which would resonate with a certain section of the Madani government.

But then, is this what our education system breeds? Is this not sowing the seeds of hate and discord? Is it not the worst form of religious education for young minds? - Mkini

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R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.