I wrote to The Sun after feeling so exasperated. Larry said don't bother, but I decided the diva in me needed to voice out my frustration.
Dear Editors
I realize what I am about to write may never get published or maybe even read. But I am just desperate to be heard. I am Indian Malaysian. I currently rent a room with a sweet Chinese family. My big plans for 2010 include renting my own place. Since I am still young (at least I'd like to think so!) I am not ready to commit myself to real estate just yet.
Just like everyone out there, I look to good old Google to search for the best place for a young and independent working girl. But alas every add including the papers have a disclaimer that stabs me every time I read it. 'Chinese ONLY' or 'Chinese and Malay preferred' The best part is, I would find the dream rental and get my hopes crushed when I get a rude awakening. Of course I am not totally naive. I have been a victim of racism for as long as I can remember. Due to my skin colour, I have been treated like a social leper all my life.
I am not about to list down all the unfortunate events leading back from kindergarten but I do wish that for 2010 (may as well since its just around the corner) that my fellow Malaysians would learn to be more accepting. Just because your favorite food is from an Indian stall does not make you racially tolerant. If you are unwilling to rent your place to an Indian because you feel that I am going to terrorize your place then its taking 'your people' backwards I am sadly disappointed when alot of my extended family of different races have worked so hard in changing the society's perception towards race that there are still a handful out there that insist on keeping their rotten thoughts and are not even embarrassed to advertise it in big bold letters.
So to 2010, whatever it is you bring, I hope it includes a nice racist free apartment for me to live in without the fear of torch wielding neighbors waiting at my door step
Happy New Years to The Sun family, may all your resolutions come true.
Best Regards
Sharon
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A Plea for 2010
Posted by sharon at 12:36 AM
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1 comments:
Dear Sharon
This is really a beautiful and lancing post.
I am of mixed parentage myself, of Chinese, Indian, Burmese Indian and an illegal but smidgin enough trace of Brit.
I look Malay and have a name that I can neither explain nor aid the confusion that follows in my wake as people try still, to this day, to pigeonhole me.
I was born when mixed marriages were not yet fashionable.
Yes, it is a gravelled road you tread but you will know that you bridge gaps that those who choose against you do not. You possess liberties and open horizons that would cloister many.
Rejoice. You have it right. Yet, I so identify with your lamentations. And, I am proud that you said it in the etchings of myopia that does not yoke you.
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