Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

If you are living in a multicultural country,  one of the challenges  is stereotype. 

Most people like to label other based on stereotypes. Sometimes it is good. Other times it gives trouble. Let's have a look at these videos.

• Asian stereotype

• White stereotype

Hanna and her story

Hanna shared her story about how Muslims being discriminated in her country back then. Years ago, the Muslims had less privileges in job employment and education. They also could not wear hijab. Some were being bullied in school and were called 'terrorist' even before the tragedy of 9/11. She further explained that Muslims were being stereotyped as bad people that love to kill. This is because one of the tribes, mainly Muslims, always appeared in the local news causing uproar and disturbing the peace. However, as the number of educated Muslims growing day by day, they are now accepted by the society. She also shared the prejudice against  the Filipinos where most people especially the Arabs would think them as domestic helper. Due to this, some are embarrassed to mention their nationality. Hanna experienced this a few times in her life where she was called bibik (maid).

Hanna's stories had made us think back about ourselves. Have we done this to other? Are there times when we do it unintentionally?  This is something that we really need to check back guys. We sometimes tend to judge an individual based on the particular group he or she belongs to. Cultural identity is important but we must remember to appreciate an individual as they are. I believe that having stereotype is normal but we must be aware of it and prevent it from blinding our judgment towards an individual.