“Just because It is doesn’t Mean It should Be”
June 26, 2009Racial Inequality/ Discrimination
Sexual Inequality/Discrimination
Social Inequality/ Discrimination
No one is/should be any more or less than another based on colour, gender, or wealth/status. All Man stand on equal ground. There is/should be no superiority or inferiority in racial and sexual differences. And no one is due any more respect than another by virtue of being any richer or of a higher social status.
Injustice
All heroes and superheroes fight for one thing. And that is Justice. Justice in our actions. To do others justice. To do ourselves justice.
Racism
“A black Italian does not exist,” read a soccer banner put up by some Italian soccer fans, in discrimination against their own black Italian soccer players. Racism and the ideas of racism have, through the evolution of our history, become ideology subconsciously or unconsciously imprinted in our mindsets. No, they are not superior, not any better. No, they are not inferior, not any worse. No, that’s only what you think. Dream on. We can’t change out history. But we can determine our future. Racism and racial superiority is a myth held on faithfully, clung onto tightly by those deemed superior by such a myth for fear of losing that supposed superiority. Awareness of our history and how such a myth came about helps stem out racism from our system; ignorance and lack of awareness perpetuate it.
Colonialism/ Colonisation Oppression Marginalisation
No more coloniser/colonised, no more master/slave, no more colonised people, no more colonised minds.
Disrespect
Respect is earned. Basic respect is given. And mutual, ideally. When you respect others, you respect yourself.
Religious Discrimination/ Intolerance/ Elitism
“You know what, I’m a Christian,” was one unfortunate incident that happened to me years back. As if to say, “I’m an angel. I won’t lie.” A black sheep, I would say. Religion: Nil as yet. I have always believed not so much “religion” itself, but more Man’s “need for religion”. Something supernatural to guide us, tiny individuals amidst the vast universe. Well, all (non-extremist) religion teach good, have their own beliefs, and their own rituals. One religion does not judge another, and has no right. Taoists burn joss papers and cars and houses for their deceased loved ones and it’s a very heartwarming gesture; Muslims don’t eat pork; Buddhists don’t eat beef; Christians chew on biscuit and sip syrup symbolic of Jesus’ flesh and blood in a meaningful ritual ceremony. Discrimination, intolerance, and elitism are derived from self-centredness and self-righteousness, ignorance and lack of understanding. Why do we have to vie for superiority in all aspects of life, even religion which is a very personal thing? Boils down to respect. All (non-extremist) religion teach good; each, with its own heaven.
Intolerance of Differences
Othering
When the concept of “Self” is too strong, one no longer feels empathy for “Other” than self and “Others” cease to exist, except “Self”.
Stereotyping
Abuse of Authority
Exploitation
Violence
Poverty
Arrogance
Just because it has happened or is happening does not make it right.
There are some things you have to stand up for.
What do you stand up for?
“One of the most significant forms of power held by the [relative] weak is ‘the refusal to accept the definition of oneself that is put forward by the powerful’.” — Hooks, Bell.
“Just because it is doesn’t mean it should be.” — Australia, the Movie.
No ‘Turtles Can Fly’?
:)
I read kite runner! A very touching story!
I remembered one quote…
“There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft… When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness.”
“Racial Inequality/ Discrimination
Sexual Inequality/Discrimination
Social Inequality/ Discrimination”
I think this is one of the most common discrimination, especially towards racial and sexual. Human always thinks Man can do more things than Woman. They are much stronger and more capable. I beg to differ. There shouldn’t be any discrimination. Maybe in the past, Man are more capable cos woman stayed at home but nowadays, woman are able to survive by themselves and alot of things that Man can do.
“Religious Discrimination”
I don’t believes in religious differences. No matter U are a Christian, Buddhist, Free thinker or etc, everyone should be treated with respects. We respect everyone’s religion and there shouldn’t be any comparison of which religion is better.
No matter what, if something have to be done, we have to stand up and make our points noted. Cos if we don’t stand up, people will treat it as we accept it.
Meaningful, reminded me of my sociology class lol :)
I can’t stand people disrespect others…
I also can’t stand people look down on people, talk bad about people, back stabbing and etc…
For me, I will stand up for everything that is injustice.
We are humans, of the same race, species, genus. Why should we hurt each other? Why should we EXPLOIT the weak ones…
In other words, we should love each other…
OH yea, you read THE KITE RUNNER? I found that nice, too…
Did u try to ans the questions behind?
Or it’s doesn’t have any coz maybe we had the different edition…
Check it out…
Just because It is doesn”t Mean It should Be
There is a quote same as this “The way things are doesn”t mean its”s the way thing are meant to be
I totally agreed with what you say,everyone should be treated equally no matter of racism,religion,colour,gender,wealth/status because everyone is unique.
Respect is very important.
When you respect others,you respect yourself,i totally agreed.
We should stand up for ourselves and be true to who we are all the time because life is what you make it yourself and not what others tell you to.
What is your stand/view on sexual orientation discrimination?
You seem to have neglected this aspect of discrimination; I guess…
Very good looking man (like myself) is very vulnerable to homosexuality (various evidence suggest).
kite runner is a very touching and meaningful book.
humans are equal. no one has the right to harm/discriminate against another person :)
elvin gor, u damn “chim” lor anyway, i publicise for u in paul’s blog already. hope pple come and read, hope they learn something too. pity u die so quickly in ultimatum. but overall quite ok performance..maybe when u relax your facial muscles more u’ll be even better.
kite runner was really good! it was really heartwarming and truly touching deep into the hearts
but i guess, one cant change everything and everyone
but it’s possible to instill values to everyone.. truly and surely, things might slowly change. it takes time for this to happen.. =)
Everyone is equal. no matter u are a male or a female, rich or poor, no matter which religion or race u r from… all are welcome into my life, my circle of friends. i dislike and do depise on ppl who look down on others just because they have 2 more cents worth in their pocket or they are from the oh-wow-high class status. Behind all these, we are all still humans who live on earth. so why must we be racist, or discriminate others.
I’m a freethinker for I believe in myself. but i do agree with you on Man’s “need for religion”. Each religion do have their own beliefs, and we shld respect them. It’s just the same like we all like something and dislike something else. Basic respect shld be given to everyone.
I agree with the majority of what you mentioned. Well I think the main focus is respect and equality. Without either one, no doubt there will be chaos. Since there’s so much diversity in this world, these 2 elements cannot be neglected, to live in harmony and love for one another other than yourself.
Really sorry for you about that unfortunate incident with the fellow Christian. Maybe he/she is being misled by false teaching, or have own wrong perception about Christianity. It is important to practice discernment when listening to any preaching.
Every convention has “black sheeps.” All I would do is try to stay away if they try to make me astray.
Depends on how bad the black sheep is right? Grey is not black. Everyone is a grey sheep in that sense. That’s why I need God to “make me whiter.” And also the reverence, appreciation, and love for what God has done in my life.
Hope that you find your spiritual path soon. Whatever it is..
Oh..N jus a sudden passing thought, u mean u r no longer a male chauvinist pig-like u said? (refer to June 2008 Style mag article)
=))))) V good.
What I always thought: Men and women are born different to play different roles. To complement each other, not compete. Given different nature, doesn’t mean one is better than the other.
So many real thoughts…:)
“You know what, I’m a Christian,” was one unfortunate incident that happened to me years back. As if to say, “I’m an angel. I won’t lie.”
That’s so ideal and unreal sometimes..
I hope you will find some ans soon. Do you talk to any friends about these thoughts?
“A black sheep, I would say. Religion: Nil as yet. I have always believed not so much “religion” itself, but more Man’s “need for religion”.”
Something came to mind and I’m curious to know… Do you feel that a ‘need’ makes something that we believe in true?
Elvin, please read this with an open mind ok? =)
And to the other people who are reading this.. The more the better..please do read with an open mind too. =)
I don’t want to post this in the Elvinology board because it is the place where elves talk about you only. I think they wouldn’t like it. …..Should I or should I not…
(I find this so coincidental since I’ve commented about equality. I’ve been to church today, heard the pastor’s preaching. He showed us a few passages.)
John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.
Acts 2:17-21
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people, Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
(It’s really happening today…)
Luke 21:10
Then he said to them,” Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
(Jesus spoke)
Matthew 24:29-30
“Immediately after the distress of those days ” ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
The pastor elaborates that God recognises that everyone is just as important to be in his kingdom. Fellow Christians, whether made a leader or not, have a part to play in expanding God’s kingdom. By spreading the Good news and God’s word.
The pastor urges that fellow Christians receive more of the Holy Spirit by praying to God, and requesting to be filled, rather than focusing and relying only on ourselves. The Holy Spirit guides and uplift our soul, gives strength, wisdom to have a deeper, clearer understanding about everything.
Do you have a bible? Hmm..I wonder. Never mind, I’ll type down.
(this is the first time I read this…)
Elvin, I think it answered very accurately of your previous entry on your desire for more wisdom, strength and courage.
Proverbs 2:1-15
Moral benefits of Wisdom
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair- every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
Stumbled upon another:
Psalm 146:2-10
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.
Stumbled upon yet another..
Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
After having sooo many coincidences, do you even think that they are just a matter of timing?
I really don’t think so. This already shows that Everything happens for a Reason.
Seriously, I was flipping the bible for better understanding, and true enough, I landed at the book of Psalm and Proverbs, at the few exact pages of the few hundred chapters of both books.
When I was reading them, I could feel that they matched the topics that you talked about in your blog.
So you see, God loves you a lot, so much that clearly he shows me pages that he wants you to know. (The passages are really direct and accurate you see? =))
To Elvin and to anyone reading:
Can’t use logic to understand this. I can feel..So can you..
Hope that you will open your heart and all your senses to read the bible, as a form of literature, for now, because I understand that you need more time to accept, believe in something. (So was I).
Perhaps Elvin, when you are ready, you could attend church with Jesseca Liu? She’s a Christian you know? Don’t think she would mind? hmm…
And to the people who are reading this too, why don’t you attend church with your friends? Those who are Christians of course.
I sincerely hope that in the near future you will walk in the Christian faith. =)
Even if you don’t, there’s no need to discriminate. Everyone have to make a religious choice, and it’s ok.
Another inspirational post there (:
“No one is due any more respect than another by virtue of being any richer or of a higher social status” — Agree with this, people tend to use their high social status to put others down and it’s just so…
Anw, “Together” filming starting soon yea? While u’re busy, remember to take care! :)
What is the title of this song? i like it very much…
ooo …very sociology, psychology and philosophy in the same time…i didn’t expect you would have such deep thoughts about discrimination and stereotyping and prejudice.
well said overall for the post
Take Care
hello again, i lke the topic discussed as it touched on a cause very close to my heart, just my 2cents worth on this topic.
Just as the law does not equate to justice, intelligence does not sum up to wisdom, equalilty does not imply impartiality.
No man is born on equal ground, from the very day we are born into a family/social status/enviroment etc, the force of disparity has separated us from our mother’s womb.
nice entry.
I like the topic discussed too…..加油！
I totally agree with Chermayne about everything happens for a reason. One or Two coincidences might really be just coincidences…but if it continue regularly than it’s not just a coincidences but a purpose or reason for us to discover…
Don ever surrender toward fate cause fate is in our hand. Things might not work out exactly the way we hope to but that doesn’t mean it’s the end.
There’s always another way, or path for us when we see an end so don’t lose faith and hope.
Stay strong as god will guide you if only you allow him to….
Great entry… “All Man Stand on Equal Ground”, short yet powerful phrase…
Wow, another deep-thinking entry…
There should really be no discrimination in any form but somehow we tend to judge others and are judged upon …that’s the sad reality. But of course, we should practice not to discriminate others so that we can enjoy peace and harmony.
Last Saturday, I watched the Indian movie “Jodhaa Akbhar” on tv . The movie touched on religious discrimination. The emperor is a muslim and he was to marry a Hindu princess. His subjects were against this marriage but he was a good King and accepted the Princess’s condition that he does not force her to convert to his religion, she can keep to her religion. They gradually accepted each other’s difference and genuinely fell in love. It was a great movie with beautiful actors and great settings. I enjoyed the show even though I understand it by ‘chasing’ the sub-titles. Did you watch it too?
Hi Elvin,
I really like your deep and clear analysis on this topic. There is a question which has been bugging me for quite some time and I would like pose this question to you.
“What is life?”
People have been living on Earth for many centuries, while life for some may have ended, new life for others are also being created. But what is life? Why are we here?
I use to think that life is all about not having a choice. For instance, why are we brought to this Earth? Because we do not have a choice. Why are we born into this family/ society? Because we do not have a choice. However, we are given choices to make decisions in our life, hence, this answer isn’t valid.
If you don’t mind, I would like to know your views on this. What is life, really.
Thank you.
Hi Elvin
An insightful post but I am too ‘drained at work’ to analyse so much.
All I can say is that we should stand up for what we believe in and to do what we always wanted to do. Life is short, we cherish those we really care for us.
Hi Elvin, do you mind giving me your email address?
Just because it’s happening does not mean it’s right!
yeah that’s very true. So we are born and taught to differentiate right and wrong.
As long as u know what is right and what is wrong, and u practice it.. Ur living the right way.
We look at things in our own perspective, maybe sometimes we should disassociate ourselves from ‘sudden situations’ and think throughly about what we have to do next.
Reflect.
hello, i’m not actually a fan because i don’t believe in having idols kind of thing. actually, it kind of links to all men not standing on equal ground. quite ironic.
okay, my take is that yes, i agree we need to be fair but, e.g. people dislike the US for she seems to over rule. however in every place we need a leader. like colonialism, it may be discriminatory in some ways, but it helps a country progress too. in religion, we are all taught to be humble. thus an acceptance of other’s choices and to put other’s before self. it’s the individual, not the religion. it’s a case by case basis, i think.
i feel though, religion is quite important in one’s life.
anyway, i’m just a secondary school student so correct me if my opinions are rather immature, elvin ):
cheers! (:
& i think we shouldn’t give much thought to things we cannot prevent. it’s globalisation.
so cheer up!
I have always believed not so much “religion” itself, but more Man’s “need for religion”. I agree .
Hi Elvin, so what religion do you believe in?
i know i’m very late in posting this. but yea..haha.. i’m just curious..