The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

            It is said that our individual prejudices and societal isms are the roots of inequities and oppression in the society.  And, we develop these biases and prejudices when we are even at the young age.  As a result, biases and prejudices are pervasive in every corner of our society; at home, in school, in market, in office, and in hospital.

            I am Chinese, was born in Malaysia, a country where my parents had emigrated to from China before they were married.  Malay, the natives of the country are considered to be in control, having the ruling power to run the country.  However, they seem to be biased against people who are not originated from the country, and thus classify them as second-class citizens.  As a result, my race has not been treated equally with Malay.  Many times we are being denied of human rights and resources.  For example, a quota is used to limit Malaysian-Chinese studying in the local state universities.  In fact, I was a victim of the system, not being able to access to the local university because of the limited quota, even though I did well in my study. 

            When one particular social group is being rejected to access to a needed education based on an unfair system or policy, it diminishes equity and justice in the society.  Using a discriminating system to limit certain group of people to education is unfair and inhuman. 

            When a person is discriminated under such unfair system, he/she will feel marginalized, excluded, humiliated, and dispirited.   On top of that, others in the society might stigmatize him as being intellectually inferior.  Studies found that when people are reminded that they are considered inferior cognitively, their performance may fulfill this prophecy.  It is said that when a person is expecting not able to do well in his performance can turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.  I had been in that kind of feelings and dilemma for a number of years. 

            I believe the prejudiced incident can turn into an opportunity for greater equity if the society can work together in a structured environment to tackle the issues of bias and prejudice.  The attitudes and behaviors about diversity can change dramatically.