Essay

                                                     Discrimination Lives Within Everyone
           
              How far is the truth of this statement? As a matter of fact, it is very true. No matter how much one tries to deny harbouring prejudices towards another, he or she is ultimately guilty of committing the act of this misdeed. One differs from another in terms of the level of being straightforward and blatant in showing discrimination towards a certain someone or group of people. As for the general masses who wants no part in committing crimes or unlawful acts driven by over-zealous discrimination, they might be unconscious of thoughts of bigotry and partiality that rises in their minds every now and then after coming across a particular group whom they perceive of with narrow-mindedness. Even so, they have not the slightest intention of creating strife against them as those negative perceptions are solely brewed by societal influences garnered and drilled in since young.

               Not many people know the scale of the issue of discrimination happening all over the world. I attest to it because it was only after I watched the movie called The Freedom Writers have I realised the truth about discrimination in human relationships much farther and wider than what I knew, enclosing racial issues, different classes of people and cultural division. Discrimination is in fact a prejudicial trait of mankind that has contributed in many wars, strife and suppression of the people for many centuries. It is the natural reaction of man towards some one that is simply different from themselves be it in colour, race, beliefs and behaviour. It is also motivated by age old stereotyping in the society most commonly on the grounds of age, sex, qualifications and wealth. Discrimination is one of the very core reason why war still happens in certain parts of the world and is among man's detrimental weakness.

              Although in this present era where world peace becomes the ultimate foundation upheld and heavy conflicts and discord greatly reduced, discrimination is still alive, discreetly affecting people some way or another. Much hype about it has ceased as the current generation are living in a much better world making them unaware and unexposed to the plight of the remaining groups of people who are still hoping to see light in their lives. Those are they who are still facing brutal and unsparring discrimination. They question, "Where is justice?", "Do we have no rights?". The inequity people are facing now is largely due to racism or at least that is what it says in The Freedom Writers. People are discriminated and marginalized for their colour and that prods them to stick to their own, their clan. They are anchored to the responsibility of protecting their own and trusting no one but themselves. The result of it is staggering. It has been deeply ingrained in them that the world is a dangerous place, living every day means surviving a day in war- assaults and gang fights. They have this idea that everybody is against them because they know how much they are looked down upon, how much they are not wanted. Subsequently, they lose all hope in this world and take upon their 'fate' and just live. That is the adverse consequence we bring to them when we discriminate.

               Discrimination also takes the form less heinous than racism but still underscores being biased that unsurprisingly lurks in many of us. In this case, age, sex, qualifications and such are referred to. Most of the time this form of discrimination is not to hurt another rather it is a matter of preference based on ideas accustomed to the society. For example, companies often turn a blind eye on the older applicants for a job as they deem them unable to cope with tough and long hours of work but instead welcome fresh graduates who can give the company a breath of fresh air. Discrimination towards female workers that are thought to only belong in the kitchen are fast diminishing as more influence and power are bestowed to them in economical and political sectors. The automatic negative perspective towards dependent old folks and the handicapped can be overturned by having genuine understanding and compassion. Thus, we should not discriminate if they are given extra attention and care, alternately we must respect and treat them equally.

              In conclusion, every one should try to relinquish discrimination since it lives within everyone. We have to keep in mind that every one of us is the same beyond our skin, language, nationality and religion. Every time a thought of discrimination arouses, we should remind ourselves that we too are not perfect, not better than others, so, why judge? Renounce arguments and discord, instill respect for others and by this principle this world can be a better place.

June week 4

I've just finished reading a book called Rebecca assigned to me to read by my teacher (that's probably the best way to force me to read!) and I can't say that I regretted it. I'm amazed myself to be able to complete the book in just a few days! What a record! ;-) The tone of the story is quite dark and a little scary  just as how every mystery books leave me but for the sake of overcoming this fear I went on till the end. Mystery books never appealed to me, mainly because it induces unnecessary anxiety and jitters that overall brings my mood down. Though this book is not that perfect for someone who likes being worry free, but I quite like it. So, though the title suggests that Rebecca would be the main character, ironically she's not even alive in the story but it's true-the whole story revolves around her. The person who tells the story had just married to Mr De Winter who she already knew was having a hard time letting go the thoughts of his late wife, Rebecca, who died tragically. However, following him back to Manderley was nothing like a fairy tale she wished for as with all the pleasures and riches, everything else in Manderley reminded her of the former lady of the house. Thoughts that she wasn't ever going to replace Rebecca no thanks to Mrs Danvers who blatantly showed her disapproval towards the new Mrs de Winter bombarded her mind. Along the way, many clues and questions about Rebecca and everybody else in the story were popped up underlining the theme of mystery. Was it an accident or suicide that caused Rebecca's death? Or could it have been a murder!? If so, who did it and why? .... Hehe I sound so cool..Don't mind me! As it turns out, Mr de Winter murdered Rebecca himself! From the start it has been conjured as though he deeply loved his late wife and was in a lost after her death but the truth is he had hated her so much to the point of murdering her. What a turnout! Totally unexpected and a very interesting twist. I can't think of any reason other than that the present Mrs de Winter was obsessed in her love that she would rather be sucked in to share the guilt of her husband, a murderer when she could use that as the perfect reason to escape her unhappy life forever.That's something I found quite amusing....

June week 3

Time flies when you're having fun. Agreed. Is it just me or did the second week of holiday just flew by in a blink of an eye? Much faster than the week before. I guess it is because I already anticipated the reopening of school way earlier in the week. Well, I'm glad to say that I enjoyed every second of it though many a time it was wasted away with some unedifying activities :-) I won't say that I detest going back to school because it is about time to get back into student mode and assume tight daily schedules, bringing myself back to earth and reminding myself of bigger goals.

On this final day of rest(for now), I visited the Pavillion mall and had lunch at Food Republic that I confess markets a brilliant concept suited for every one's taste. However, only the level for food and dining interest me as for the branded goods ranging from international clothing lines to accessories and beauty products that the place is known for, I consider too up market and high end for me to dwell too long with ease. Well, maybe some day I'll be able to appreciate it when I have an independent and greater spending power! :-P

June week 2

I'm loving the holidays!! Holidays are the best as I often lose track of time and it's renders me with no guilt indulging in my pleasures. So far it's been great as I got to do things that I missed during the stress period before this, even those things that might be insignificant and ordinary. One of those activities are cooking for fun! It's been awhile since I whipped up something for my family to sample and critique and I did missed doing it especially during exams where I would think I'm deprived of this simple pleasure and many more, say reading a nice magazine at a slow and relaxing pace because my studies were constantly at the back of my mind, so my study breaks were often short-lived and I find myself wishing that I could appreciate everything that I do. So now having to water the plants, cook and play with my pet guinea pigs are just so enjoyable and I really feel contented. Everyday I try to slot in at least one fulfilling activity, that is, apart from the tv and computer, and that is enough for me. I'm enjoying every bit of it, need not decline dinner with my family or secretly peeping into the hall from a corner to check out what's playing on the tv. Though there's just another week left of carefree life before resuming my exam laden year, I will try to make the most out of it. By the end of the holidays, I hope that I would be satisfied with how I spent my time and be reenergized for school. =)