Time for a paradigm shift in how we see race relations

When we see people of only one race mixing with each other, we usually consider it a negative phenomenon, but why? Why do we take this as a sign that race relations in our country is deteriorating? What is the basis of our evaluation?

Our land has had a long and chequered history with race relations.

For thousands of years, people of different races frequented our part of the world. Throughout these times, different races have always lived in different areas. They always have had their own enclave or settlement, where they lived among their own people.

This was never seen as a negative phenomenon. In our country, living among those of our own race was never done out of hatred, malice or prejudice. Instead, it was likely done out of respect and consideration. We may have done it to ensure everyone was comfortable and at ease.

This may not have been so in the West. Whites segregated the Blacks and the Jews by putting them in ghettos. This was probably done out of hatred, malice and prejudice.

In this regard, Westerners have much to be ashamed about. They have a long and intimate history of systemic, ideologically driven, state sponsored and pernicious racism leading to colonialism, slavery and ethnic genocide.

The desire among Malaysians to practice racial exclusivism is not a sign of malice or hatred. So, why are we ashamed of it?

Unlike the West, we actually have an excellent track record of managing racial relationships. Prior to western colonialism, we never had any problem in our race relationships.

Historically, no race in our land has ever complained of being looked down upon. No race lived in fear because others were trying to eliminate or enslave them for ideological reasons. None of our ancient kingdoms persecuted or maligned anyone on the basis of racial prejudice.

That being the case, perhaps it may be better for us to evaluate and manage our racial relationships based on our own perspectives, standards and techniques.

Is it possible that the one major racial riot in the 1960s and the reason why we are stuck in deepening racial tensions is because we are using Western perspectives, standards and prescriptions to manage our racial relationships?

After all, it was when the West came into the picture, that we started having racial problems.

That being the case, are we likely to resolve our problems using the advice, suggestions and techniques suggested by those from whom the problem originated? Will it instead aggravate the problems that we have?

As a sovereign nation we must stay true to ourselves. That involves acting according to our own experiences and observations, not those of others, and especially not those who are clearly a part of the problem.

Instead of frowning when Malay, Chinese and Indian members of our community hang out with those of their own race, maybe it is time that we look upon it in a more positive light, as our ancestors did before us.

Maybe it is just our way of giving each other space, comfort and ease.

Countries such as Russia and India appear to have built healthier relationships among peoples of different races within their borders.

Both countries have a multitude of races and cultures within their respective folds. Despite this, they do not manage their racial relationships by compelling intermingling or assimilation.

Nobody in India shames a Tamilian for not hanging out with a Punjabi or Sindhi. Neither does anybody tell a Chechen in Russia to hang out with an Armenian to prove they are not racists.

Both India and Russia are composed of many states and territories that are created on the basis of race. Despite this, they have managed to forge a robust and durable relationship between the various races within their domain which has withstood the test of poverty and war.

Maybe it is time for a paradigm shift in our outlook on race. Maybe the time has come to discard Western perceptions and look into our own history and the history of nations which have successfully built race relations.

Instead of focusing on the physicality of race relations, maybe we are better off focusing on the outlook and intent behind them.

If we do not segregate ourselves out of hatred, malice or prejudice, if we simply sequester ourselves out of respect and consideration towards each other, that may not be a bad thing.

Perhaps if we change our mind about how we see our racial relationships, our views of each other might also change for the better. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.