‘In the hot countries the human being matures in all aspects earlier, but does not, however, reach the perfection of those in the temperate zones. Humanity is at its greatest perfection in the race of the whites. The yellow Indians do have a meagre talent. The Negroes are far below them and at the lowest point are a part of the American peoples.’ PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Prejudice within society has always been apparent. However, it seems now discrimination is upon revealing religious identity which is a staple of target.
The projecting of beliefs through religious symbols is now being attacked. This is due to the uncovering fact that others do not like the idea of projecting an alternative belief in openly saying ‘I am different, have different beliefs - and ultimately I AM PROUD’
For it is the want and desire for the minority and ’others’ to want to strive to be like the majority. This is their means of making you feel as though we need to ‘Fit In’ to their culture and community.
This dis-like of showing one’s differing beliefs and making these known have been cause for racial abuse.
Recently we have seen the inequality of Muslim woman in France being subjected to racial attack for choosing to symbolise their identity and embrace their faith through wearing the ‘Hijab’.
PROTEST
FRENCH HIJAB BAN
French President Jacques Chirac has asked
Parliament to pass laws legalising the
persecution of Muslims, effectively
criminalizing the practice of
Islam in France...
Innovative Minds (c) 2004
The French President Jacques Chirac has asked the French Parliament to pass a law banning the hijab in France. Hijab is an integral part of Islam, it is derived from Quranic injunctions and its practice is not symbolic or a fashion or cultural statement but rather it is a manifestation of being a Muslim and following the deen of Islam. An attack on hijab is clearly an attack on Islam. To criminalize hijab is to criminalize Islam. This is the intension of this law - to outlaw the practice of Islam.
In the same way for many years the turban has been attacked.
As seen throughout history, the concept of acceptance relatively does not come with ease. In today’s media enriched world the unique identity of the Sikhs, a uniform consisting of turbans and uncut hair, is often misunderstood. This is commonly seen through news agencies by not presenting information clearly on Sikhism, by major motion pictures stereotyping Sikhs in demeaning roles, or reference texts presenting conflicting information to what Sikhism is.
(Dhami, S.S: 2008)
The stereotyping in society has played towards the racial abuse by setting a divide and creating a way of defining a culture which is both un-true and bigotry.
The obstacles of incorrect media representation and lack of education have plagued the Sikhs as they travel to new parts of the world. Furthermore, these obstacles have started to infiltrate their historical homeland in India. Members of the community have either assimilated into the mainstream by removing their identity, or have altered their identity due to incorrect media influence.(Dhami, S.S:2008)
It is sad at acknowledging the accomplishment of the authorities whom have condemned us to these stereotypes, as we are now beginning to abandon out beliefs in order to conform to societies ‘uniform’
THE McCAULEY LEGACY
‘We must at present do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern; a class of persons, Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect.’
Extracts from Lord Macaulay’s Minute on Education 1835
(Kubler, G.A: No date)
Surely a nation should stand for their beliefs and culture and help maintain this?
Burka, turban and cross: in multi faith Britain, who dares to set the dress rules?
Where will it end?
In 2006 the BBC was reported to have been in talks with Fiona Bruce about her wearing of a cross to read the news. The agreed compromise was that she should not wear one that was large and shiny, as this would be distracting for viewers. (In the Sixties, when I lobbied the BBC hierarchy to let women read the news, I was told that it could never happen as their clothing would distract viewers!)
(Bakewell, J:2009)
Is it now that we are subjected to having a 'uniform' which we must live by?
A uniform is surely made to present all individuals to look as much like one another as possible. Therefore in turn to not bring your own identity to public examination.
The typical Muslim or Sikh should not have to hate all athesiets and treat woman as inferior.
* QUESTION: TURBAN BANNING WHAT IS THE RATIONALE AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
* FREE THE INDIVIDUAL FROM RELIGIOUS RESTRICTIONS
* FREE WOMEN FROM SUBJUGATION
* PROTECT FRENCH CHILDREN FROM BEING EXPOSED TO RELIGION
* ASSERT NEUTRALITY OF STATE AS SECULAR
* EQUALITY OF ALL BY MAKING EVERONE SIMILAR
In producing these divides and stereotyping we then embark on a natural path of seperation and fear of the other, which establishes hate. Is it not then this reasoning which lead so many to moral justice through war?
The Native Americans mis-understood and stereotyped causing the White man to feel threatened and separated form the Natives. We all are aware that this intiates the feeling of ‘Fear’ towards another society which is projected with means of War.
The textual definition of racism pertains only to race, but in practice racism is a consequence of group think, whereby a group of people decides to designate itself as a collective and starts delineating its relationship with other collectives - or other people in general - with a sense of supremacy. When coupled with economic and/or political dominance, supremacy translates into various forms of subjugation and cruelty.
The adulation of the self/collective and the disparagement of the other is an ancient practice, as old as human civilisation itself. It is everlasting for the simple reason that it has always served as a political and economic tool and will likely remain effective so long as the quest for political and material power drives our behaviour.
(Ramzy Baroud : 2007)
In employing these segregations within our society the political leaders become able to use us a puppets to gain political power.
This use of humanity can be viewed in many wars and disputes in both past and present life.
This fear became apparent for the Native American when the White settlers acted on an onslaught of all Native’s purely for engaging in a ritual which was the unknown to them- The Ghost Dance.
At the battle of Wounded Knee it was this very cause which insinuated a blood bath which is classified as genocide.
Since incidents such as September 11th we have seen prejudice grow within the easter-community.
Judging others by their covers?
“Turban-wearing Sikh cabdrivers have been yelled at by potential passengers; a local phlebotomist was told by a patient not to take blood because she is Indian.”
(Florangela Davila: 2004)
Muslim people and all Eastern people are being scrutinised and judged upon their ethnic origin.
“There have been 14 cases of passengers being denied seating or being pulled off airlines because of their ethnicity, according to the Anti-Discrimination Committee. And last week in Chicago, three men of Assyrian descent filed a federal lawsuit charging United Airlines with racial or ethnic discrimination. It is believed to be the first such "flying while Arab" lawsuit, as these incidents have been dubbed, the newest incarnation of "driving while black."
(Florangela Davila: 2004)
How is it that a passenger can be removed of an airline for merely being of an ethnic ascendant?
“To what limit will be profiling tolerated? Would we now ask somebody to leave on terms of being black. Have we not climbed mountains in equality today? It seems not, these means of placing a culture into a box have only be passed onto another ethnic group.” Florangela Davila
It is apparent that Asian groups are however not always at the discrimination but however are engaging in discriminating.
An ex war veteran, bus driver was attacked by a gang of Asian youths in a Oldham; A predominantly Asian town.
“Walter Chamberlain is awaiting surgery for his injuries
A reward for more than £13,000 is being offered to help catch a group of Asian youths suspected of injuring a war veteran in a racially-motivated attack.” (BBC News: 2001)
A bus driver was attacked by a gang of Asian youths in a predominantly Asian area of ‘Oldham’.
It begs the question does society form its racial attacks on those who are always the minority.
It is easy to view barriers between different cultures, however what about differences within one’s own culture?
We know Sikhs have had many wars against those cultures which are our neighbours; Pakistan and Hindustan.
However let us take a look into the prejudice within people of both are same ethnicity and religious beliefs.
Each Sikh is broken down into the caste system. The caste system controls and dictates a hierarchy in India which people live by. The caste ‘s are formed by higher caste and lower caste depending on ancestral occupation. This caste system sets a divide between a society whom follow the exact same belief system. It is through this caste system that people in both India and amongst British Asians man creates hate and rejection through placing us within social status. Those castes whom are seen as the lowest a known as ’untouchables’ not to be touched; subjecting them to being seen as a disease.
`India is ready to discuss racism so long as it is in other countries, but not caste in its own backyard.'' Indian officials describe caste as an internal problem that can only be cured by implementing - and strengthening - anti-discrimination laws. Ranjana Kumari, a women's rights activist, supported the Dalits' complaints but questioned the wisdom of looking to an international conference for help. ``It should not become a stick for the international community to beat India with,'' she said. Human rights activist Swami Agnivesh says much of the discrimination in the caste system results from the actions of Brahmins, the priestly caste.
It divides people into four main castes, but there also are those outside the system, the ``untouchables,'' who now call themselves ``Dalits,'' literally ``broken people.'' Though discrimination based on caste has been outlawed since India's constitution was adopted in 1950, the practice pervades society. ``Over time, this system was corrupted by the Brahmins to preserve their superiority and to ensure that people were available to do menial jobs without rising up in revolt,'' he said. Dalits long have done onerous work for low pay. They clean out public toilets, skin dead animals or labor to pay their forefathers' debts.
(Nirmala, G : 2009)
Why does society then do this to there own people?
Well the answer seems simple. Why did white people use Blacks as slaves for years, to gain power and control on others in order to achieve a better life for there own.
By asserting a social status upon somebody ie: ‘Untouchable’ or ‘Slave’ you immediately gain control of that persons ability to climb to the top. Therefore always being readily available to do those jobs they don’t want to do.
``Over time, this system was corrupted by the Brahmins to preserve their superiority and to ensure that people were available to do menial jobs without rising up in revolt,'' he said. Dalits long have done onerous work for low pay. They clean out public toilets, skin dead animals or labor to pay their forefathers' debts. After independence from Britain in 1947, India launched an affirmative action plan to wipe out caste distinctions, setting aside places for Dalits in universities, government employment and legislative assembly seats.
(Nirmala, G: 2009)
It is hypocritical of the Sikh faith , which states Caste should not be taken into account as all man is equal.
However it is eminent in our society today, and many still have personal feelings which are embedded within us to set us apart from our own people.
These suppressed growing of hate and prejudice against one another has on several times been acted upon.
Sunni and Shias are both Muslims however differ in slight ways due to differences of beliefs and prophets.
To the outsider, the differences between the Sunni and Shia Islamic sects are hard to recognize.
The five pillars of Islam – daily prayer; fasting during Ramadan; alms giving; the pilgrimage to Mecca; and belief in one, unitary god – are at the core of both faiths, and most mainstream clerics in each denomination recognize adherents of the other side as "legitimate" Muslims.
The Koran is the sacred text for both. They believe Muhammad was the prophet and that there will be a resurrection followed by a final judgment when the world ends, recent events in Iraq and Lebanon have shown, the differences between the believers are not only seen as important by the communities but now, as they have for centuries, rest at the core of bloody political struggles.
While religious differences are real and remain important, the breakdown over Shia and Sunni in Iraq is about group identity as much as it is about disagreements over proper worship.
In Iraq, many Sunnis and Shiites who are not particularly devout are participating in the bloodshed, fighting to advance group interests.
"I think that Sunni and Shia group identifiers have become more important in a lot of ways that are not essentially religious,'' says Barbara Petzen, an expert at Harvard University's Middle Eastern Studies Centre.
Though a majority in Iran and Iraq, Shiites make up just 15 percent of the world's Muslims. Their history of defeat and frequent subjugation has also led to a cult of death and martyrdom within Shia’s.
Such expressions of piety are looked at with disgust by hard-line Sunnis like the clergy in Saudi Arabia, who view the veneration of Hussein and other members of the prophet's family as a violation of monotheism. This view has frequently led extremist groups like Al Qaeda to attack Shia's as heretics.
(Murphy, D: 2009)
Sunni and Shia’s have engaged in this ongoing war of beliefs for a number of years now. It seems that there is no real reason to this other than the dis-like of alternative beliefs within the Muslim religion.
This is a clear examples of how one’s dissimilarity of beliefs can lead to an underlining detestation of another society can cause bloodshed.
I was told only a few days ago of a Sikh boy living in my home town was attacked by a Muslim gang. They began sawing this man into pieces. Everyone claimed to have heard screaming however no body thought to go to look or help. This murder was due to a racial attack within the Sikh-Muslim divide. This divide has been known to have gone of for many years since 1947, when the British separated India and Pakistan.
Ever since the partition of the sub-continent in 1947, when Britain dismantled its Indian empire, India and Pakistan have been arch rivals.
The animosity has its roots in religion and history, and is epitomised by the long-running conflict over the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This has recently escalated into a dangerous nuclear arms race.
This boy a young man from India who‘d come over to study, was horrifically tortured. At hearing sirens of a police car which hadn’t been for them they panicked and cut his head off.
At hearing this news I felt stunned and mentally shook. The idea of such a traumatic death, the horrors of it seeping in my mind. I was frozen. Immediately the people whom I was with began a discussion which soon turned into a outpour of intolerance.
The cultural and religious segregation of India and Pakistan goes back centuries, however one would think in the countries. Today’s Asian-British society is not there so why do they still carry this injustice on?
It was apparent that the more these racial attacks occur the more retaliation and hate is created. It is a vicious cycle. The reason society is not able to move forward is due to the underlining fact we can not let go of our ancestral past’s.
References:
1. Innovative Minds (2004) Innovative Minds: Protest French Hijab Ban [online] available from: http://www.inminds.co.uk/french-hijab-ban.html [accessed: 10.04.2009]
2. Murphy, D (2009) Islam’s Sunni-Shia split [online] available from: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0117/p25s01-wome.html%202009 [accessed] 10.04.2009]
3.Baroud, R (2007) Racism and War [online] available from: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=6846 [accessed:10.04.2009]
4. BBC News UK War (2001) veteran in racist attack [online] available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1294021.stm [accessed:10.04.2009]
5. Nirmala, G (2009) Indian Caste System Discriminates [online] available from: http://aad.english.ucsb.edu/docs/georgesept62001.html [accessed: 10.04.2009]
6. Davila, F (2004) Typical Muslim families with Jobs and Now Bear Burden of Suspicion [online] The Seattle Times available from: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/nation-world/sept11anniversary/oneyearlater/suspicion.html [accessed: 10.04.2009]
7. Dhami, S.S (2008) Restoring The Pride [online] Dashmesh Pictures available from: http://www.restoringthepride.com/mission.html [accessed:10.04.2009]
8. Kubler, G.A (No date) Tensions of Stereotypes as Politics Jasdev Singh Rai [online] http://www.cultuurwetenschap.be/conferences/ASIA-LINK/downloads/Tensions%20of%20Stereotypes%20-%20Jasdev%20Singh%20Rai.ppt. [accessed: 10.04.2009]
No comments:
Post a Comment