Written by Laila Hairani Abdullah Sanggura
Overriding Stereotypes by Laila Hairani Abdullah Sanggura
We are Malaysians
Diversity is in our midst
With varied cultures, colour, and creed
None came with our choosing
So, why do we face discrimination because of all these?
Why do we overgeneralise the Malays?
Why do we stereotype the Chinese?
Why do we name-call the Indians?
All of these will sow the seeds of distrust
All of these will breed fear and factions
All of these will bring a scourge of hatred
Threatening the fabric of our co-existence
Why can’t we see the human side in all of us?
Why can’t we move on and believe in humanity?
Why can’t our diversity complement each other?
Like nasi lemak, char koay teow and roti canai
There is variety in our array of dishes
There are various talents in our midst
We had the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee
We have the iconic Datuk Lee Chong Wei
We have the eminent Jomo Kwame Sundaram
Let us stand united as one nation
Celebrating our differences
Unity in diversity for one goal
Building our beloved country as Malaysians
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Cover image by Ravin Rau on Unsplash. The copyright of ‘Overriding Stereotypes’ belongs to Laila Hairani Abdullah Sanggura.
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