MALAYSIA is made up of a mixture of different races, religions and culture – it is what some might call a melting pot and the epitome of diversity. However, in the midst of all of this, there are those who are resolute in reminding us that we are different.

Gender, age, education, social status, political and religious beliefs have all become measures of how those in power can divide us into different classes and categories. They continuously find ways to pit us against each other and keep us distracted from ever realizing how petty such government sanctioned, self-righteous campaigns really are.

Human beings are creatures who cherish familiarity as it brings a sense of stability and security. It makes us feel safe and that is what everyone wants at the end of the day.

There are those who live amongst us who have a tendency to regard anyone different as the enemy. They prefer to keep a distance with those whom they consider to be unlike themselves.

They simply are unable to understand customs, incapable of seeing pass language barriers and refusal to accept the diversity is just damaging. The distrust that manifests from ignorance dictates their way of living and as a result, this is projected by how they treat others around them.

Ignorance breeds misunderstanding. Misunderstanding breeds fear. Fear breeds contempt. Contempt breeds hatred – and these are elements that can ultimately trigger violence. For us living in Malaysia, given the spew of hate-filled rhetoric and endorsed hate speeches, violence really is a ticking time bomb.

All of the above points to the collective victimhood that propagates an unnecessary siege mentality that flows deeply into the social veins of pessimism by spreading the idea that things are bad and our ‘enemies’ are becoming stronger because globalisation has broken down the walls of religious and cultural divisions.

For Malaysians, we see this narrative being persistently played out and framed by radical interpretations of religion and overzealous preachers who find it difficult to articulate their insecurities, so, they circulate this illogical sense of apocalyptic fear instead – creating a siege mentality where the gullible and fearful correspond with.

The siege mentality also excuses the leader’s bad behaviour (i.e. constantly telling some Malaysians to ‘Balik Tongsan’ or comparing ‘liberalism’ to something as sinister as Satan reincarnated) as it tries very hard to justify irrational decisions (i.e. the new year barking chicken).

They want us to believe that our very existence in danger, therefore, society should not worry too much about honesty, respect, humility and basic human decency because in times of war, everything is allowed and everyone is too besotted to becoming a martyr for their causes.  

Regrettably, both resentment and fear are great motivators because these emotions encourage people to conform blindly and follow orders without questioning. Mainstreaming bigotry is regarded as a cause worth fighting for but this ends up being self-destructive more than anything else we can possibly imagine. There are just too many things at stake if we continue to allow this sort of idiocy to permeate and fester.

So are we doomed? Is there a way out of this, at all?

Siege mentality exists because our country is so divided and some feel threatened – they feel as though they are under constant attack and there is this urgent need to defend or preserve their values, above everything else.

This overgeneralisation or perhaps, oversimplification, of the challenges we face in modern times, is something that can be dealt with by educating those around that, in order to create a greater balance in our lives or society, there is a need to embrace diversity and accept those who may be ‘different’.

Members of different religions can learn the common beliefs of their religious values rather than focusing on the differences, the young ones can acquire wisdom from the more knowledgeable and people from all walks of life can share experiences to enable us to obtain a greater understanding of what makes Malaysia unique.

There is a definite need to initiate social discourse at a healthy level. The beauty of our universe lies with the diversity it brings and we need to find ways to heal the scars left behind by our own prejudices.

Think about it, a world that lacks diversity is a place that is uninspiring, unpalatable, and monotonous. To allow negativity to fester would quite possibly be one of the greatest tragedies of modern times. – February 17, 2018.

* Syerleena is a councillor at the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). She is a Malaysian who believes that our life experiences shape us into fascinating beings.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.