Night and day I am surrounded by people who are pious, and take religion very seriously.Yet, as I continue to mix and mingle with them, I find that they constantly judge and stamp labels on every one's forehead. I asked a girl, aged fourteen, why she attends "Samelan" (Sikh youth camp) every year. Her answer: 'To connect with my spiritual side, to remember and thank God at every turn.' At first I was impressed, but it did not last long. Not more than 3 minutes later this same girl sees someone she recognises and she says, 'Ooooohhhh that girl, she stole something in Samelan. Look at her face...she looks retarded.' Wonderful isn't it...the way people are...
I am writing this based on my own experiences with the Punjabi community. I have no knowledge about other races, and therefore I cannot criticise. In a place of worship, during times of celebration, I see people lighting fireworks everywhere. I have no problems with enjoying the festive period with fireworks, but I do have problems with people who play with fireworks, make a mess, and don't bother to clean it up. Now, I visited the Petaling Jaya Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) a few days after new years day and I saw a big mess of firework debris all over the sidewalk, but as I step into the gate of the Gurdwara, its spotless. How in the world does that happen? Are these so called "men of god" so blind that they cannot see outside the gate of their temple? Sikhism preaches service to others, service to the world, service to nature. But for some reason that constantly eludes me, emphasis is only placed on service INSIDE the Gurdwara. In all honesty...I hate putting labels on people, but for these people who sit in air-conditioned rooms all day to pray and don't lift a finger to help a person outside the perimeter of the temple walls, are NOT men of God.
For now thats all I can say. Too tired, I'll continue soon.
To be continued.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
An attempt to change people's perception
For some reason I cannot explain, the Malaysian focus has forced many potential bright minds into a cage where they are not allowed room to think for themselves, to expand their thought process. The Malaysian education system has laid a track for students, a track from which should you stray from, would cause you to fail. It is because of this system that parents and teachers are judging students based on examination grades and not their natural gift. Be it mathematics, art, sports and so on.
Why is it that teachers today do not approach students asking them, " What is your passion? Maybe it isn't in studies; maybe you are better doing something you love." Is this not what guidance is all about? A talkative student in a classroom may be a nuisance , but, as teachers and guides should you not take this attribute and turn it into a strength of the student? Advise the student to participate in a public speaking contest. Guide us, teach us, stop writing us off as failures.
People don't take a second look at a person's skills. He or she might be a talented speaker, poet or artist but the students are not given the chance to show it because individuality has been suppressed. Schools strive to inspire teamwork, but there has to be a balance of individuality as well. Allow students to express themselves, by doing this you discover new talents and potential leaders. The most unexpected person may surprise you with an uncanny skill with words thus inspiring people to follow in their lead. Do not narrow down your vision to just good students inspiring others to lead, watch the slightly naughtier ones as well. Leadership comes in many forms, formal and informal, the so called "bad influences" could be just crying out for you to notice their talent, to speak to them instead of punish, to acknowledge their creativity, even if it is to do something wrong, it is still creativity, only wrongly applied.
Thank you, and I hope I managed to change your perception of students. Be it a slight change, a change is a change.
- The Malaysian Student-
Why is it that teachers today do not approach students asking them, " What is your passion? Maybe it isn't in studies; maybe you are better doing something you love." Is this not what guidance is all about? A talkative student in a classroom may be a nuisance , but, as teachers and guides should you not take this attribute and turn it into a strength of the student? Advise the student to participate in a public speaking contest. Guide us, teach us, stop writing us off as failures.
People don't take a second look at a person's skills. He or she might be a talented speaker, poet or artist but the students are not given the chance to show it because individuality has been suppressed. Schools strive to inspire teamwork, but there has to be a balance of individuality as well. Allow students to express themselves, by doing this you discover new talents and potential leaders. The most unexpected person may surprise you with an uncanny skill with words thus inspiring people to follow in their lead. Do not narrow down your vision to just good students inspiring others to lead, watch the slightly naughtier ones as well. Leadership comes in many forms, formal and informal, the so called "bad influences" could be just crying out for you to notice their talent, to speak to them instead of punish, to acknowledge their creativity, even if it is to do something wrong, it is still creativity, only wrongly applied.
Thank you, and I hope I managed to change your perception of students. Be it a slight change, a change is a change.
- The Malaysian Student-
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