Difference between Criticizing and Discriminating/Insults

Difference between Criticizing and Discriminating/Insults

While I was walking to the SAAS Tower in UiTM Shah Alam Campus, I was thinking of a topic to discuss about. While I was passing the Cempaka Kenanga Residential College and the buildings which house the Faculty of Applied Science, the idea hit me: what’s my opinion on criticism and discrimination/insults. As among the few to jump onto the blogging bandwagon, I publish my opinions – however critical or controversial it may be – on my online blogs, thereby making it accessible to about every and any Tom, Dick and Harry. I believe that I must make myself clear when it comes to my interpretation and style of writing: the difference between criticizing and discrimination/insults.

The primal and fundamental difference which I can see is criticisms focus less on the characteristics of the person, which cannot be changed naturally, and discrimination/insult are negative sentiments focused on the person or group of persons. Example, saying X is blind because of his “small” eyes as he’s a Chinese/Japanese is an outright insult/discrimination. Whereas saying X is stubborn because he refuses to wear glasses or any other aids can fall under the ambit of criticism. Another example is to say UiTM graduates or students are all “products of subsidies” and “can’t stand on their own feet” is an insult and, to a degree, discriminatory. On the other hand, to say that the same group of students lack the exposure to a multicultural environment is a criticism or a comment.

In my articles which I have written and will continue to write, I will try my best to give criticisms instead of insults/defamatory. You will find that I will criticize the Malays of West Malaysia more than any other group. I criticize them not because they are Malays but because of the common mindset. If I find similar “common mindset” in a different group, not necessarily races, I will do the same. As a defense, it is worth mentioning that I enjoy great relationships with a number of West Malaysian Malays.

Moving on, I personally condemn all person, regardless of their rank or position, who continuously discriminate and promote hate. In fact, I would spit on these people because they act as if they are “the best”. Based on experience I would like to improvise on a common saying: pride always comes before fall. These people, if given authority, will always see corruption everywhere but within – a line I quote from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame (it was referring to Minister Frollo). This “holier than thou” will never achieve anything good; the “success” which it guarantees is the “success of hate, discrimination and failure”. To play with such discriminatory sentiments is worse than playing with fire. The first time, people will tolerate. The doer will do it again, the people will tolerate, but at a lower level. Just remember, enough will be enough. How will the people react? See history. The principles repeat themselves over and over again. Why? We just don’t get it.

Coming back, criticisms can be worked on and overcome. Discrimination/insults are always directed because the person is who she or he is. An example, if people say that I’m too liberal, I accept that as a criticism. Conversely if people say I shouldn’t write because I’m not a Malay or not a Muslim or not Chinese or not Buddhist, that is plain insult and discriminating. In the former example, I can tune down the degree of my articles. Instead of being an Ultra-Conservative on Sarawak affairs, I can write in a more moderate manner.

Another thing which must be taken into consideration is on “recovering”. When you criticize reasonably, people will respect you if your criticism is accepted and proven right but if it isn’t, you have room to “learn”. Hostile environments can and would, theoretically, be avoided. If you insult or discriminate, people will hate you regardless of the outcome and if you’re wrong, we’ll call you names. Consider this when you have to “pick a bone” and “giving your two cents”.This article is an opinion article, hence not citation as I would normally do. If there’s something you’d like to add, feel free to do so.

(Written on February 23rd, 2007)