2018 Mar 21
- There is a special day for literally everything now; World Storytelling Day, Beer Lovers’ Day, Cookie Day, Hug an Australian Day. You get it.
But let’s pay attention to what we celebrate today; amongst the many other quirky things that the 21st of March has been commemorated for, one particularly special event marked for this date is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day in 1966 and urged the international community to redouble its efforts to get rid of all forms of racial discrimination.
Not long before, I came across an article that said that Sri Lanka was one of the only nations in the world to have the four most followed religions functioning peacefully. It is sad that my first thought was to wonder if this was actually true.
Although we tend to do otherwise, racism is no laughing matter. It is at the root of why our country suffered nearly three decades of brutal civil war. It is the reason why an estimated 100,000 lives were lost in that particular war. It is the reason why some are still afraid to walk outside because they fear that they will be the next one of many cases of racial discrimination. Even though we celebrated 70 years of independence this year, the reason why some of us still don’t feel free is due to racial conflict; ultimately our communities live in fear and anxiety.
There is no doubt that we have come a distance from the incidents of racism and nationalism our country saw since the early 1900s, yet the riots we witnessed a mere couple of weeks ago makes me wonder if our minds are already forgetting the decades of bloody violence induced by racial conflict. Have we not lost enough? If we haven’t already learnt valuable lessons from that bloodshed and constant fear, when will we?
We can’t change the world overnight, but a few small steps in the right direction can ultimately lead to a much needed change. For example, if everyone properly disposed of their garbage, along with governments and even private sector businessmen and women who take the initiative to correctly reduce, reuse and recycle, it is very likely that the level of pollution in the world could fall rapidly. If enough funding was directed to cleaning up the lands and seas, we would probably see a reduction in the amounts of indigestible materials killing the Earth’s wildlife. Of course, it isn’t as simple as this, but it’s a Utopian ideal.
Similarly, our collective, small yet impactful, efforts to be more accepting as well as respectful of others’ beliefs and to live peacefully with other ethnicities can make things a whole lot better. If you have found yourself wondering what you can do to take a step in the right direction to eliminate racial discrimination, here are a few humble tips from a simple minded Sri Lankan.
1. Think before you speak
Yes, our elders have told us this on countless occasions. Sure, sometimes you say things you don’t mean; a slip of the tongue is a part of human error. Nonetheless, the topic of another’s race or religion can be extremely volatile, especially in light of the current state of the world. You never know how and when your words can affect another person. Your words can be a trigger.
2. Don’t condone racist jokes or assumptions
By laughing at such jokes, you acknowledge and encourage them. Even though the intent behind these jokes could be harmless, the person they are targeted at may feel otherwise. He may laugh along with you, but after constantly be the runt of every racist joke it is quite understandable that he would feel like his race and religion are being disrespected.
3. Listen to people who report racism
Listen to and stand with those who say they have fallen prey to racism. Let the afflicted know that they aren’t alone and that they have support. Take them seriously.
4. Don’t let your silence speak for you
If you see something, say something. During the anti-Muslim riots that took place in our country, a large number of Buddhist monks and activists organized a silent protest against “communal clashes destroying national unity”. They openly condemned the violence instilled by the riots.
You can do the same if you see someone being harassed, verbally or physically. Step in and try to resolve things in a non-violent manner.
5. Be friendly to everyone regardless of race or religion
All it takes is an acknowledging nod or a smile or a simple “Good Morning”. Whether it be a person passing you on the street, or the tuk-tuk driver transporting you to where you need to be, be kind.
6. Learn about other religions and cultures
This will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the different people living in our world; why people are the way they are and why they believe in what they do. Religion preaches love, not hate. The notion that certain religions condone violence and acts of hatred should not be entertained.
7. Vote for candidates who prioritize ending racism
I can’t say this enough; your vote does count! Listen to what politicians and candidates participating in elections have to say. By voting for a candidate who doesn’t tolerate racism, you’re giving them the power to actually do something about it.
8. Don’t limit religion-related functions to just people of your religion
By this I mean if you’re hosting an Ifthar, invite friends from other religions as well; let them be a part of something that is important to you. Invite your Buddhist, Hindu and/or Muslim friends for a Christmas or Easter meal. Let others be a part of your Deepavali festivities and your Vesak celebrations.
9. As a parent, expose your children to cultural diversity
Don’t teach them to be prejudiced and biased. Encourage them to be friends with kids of different cultural and religious backgrounds; give them the space to expand their horizons.
10. Ask yourself about the prejudice within you
Have a hard conversation with yourself, especially when you find yourself jumping to conclusions and assumptions about people based on how they appear.
To conclude, I shall leave you with this:
“To end racism, we must combat it everywhere it lives and thrives. We must confront it in ourselves, in our communities, and in our nation. No one person can do it all or do it alone, but we can all do things to help, and in doing so, work collectively to end racism.”
– Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D.
