Ever Continuation of Discrimination

Discrimination has been in existence for so long, all over the world. Even during the great Islamic Empires, there were traces of discrimination, where as some Arabs believed themselves to be more superior than non-Arabs. Then there's always the African-American conflict during the early 20th century and the Apartheid in South Africa. In Malaysia, whether it be Malays, Chinese, Indias, Bumi's and non-Bumi's are all discriminating against one another.

Recently I was shown by a friend news regarding this one Muslim student track runner who was disqualified from a meet. The reason: Her custom-made outfit she wears to conform to her Muslim faith violated competition rules. Fuh... Fact is, she has been wearing that same uniform 'for three seasons while running for Theodore Roosevelt's cross-country and track teams. '

'Meet director Tom Rogers said Kelly's uniform violated rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, which sanctioned the event. Uniforms are required to be "a single-solid color and unadorned, except for a single school name or insignia no more than 2 1/4 inches," he said.'

Read more of this nonsense here.

More recently, we Malays in Vanderbilt were about to play a game of volleyball at the rec center last weekend. So we waited until one of the courts were cleared of people playing basketball and then set up the net. Upon setting up the net, another group of Americans came to the court and asked us whether we had the court reserved. We said no. But since we were there first, common sense says we get to play first. And so the Americans obliged. But then came along this janitor, mind you, a JANITOR, and for some reason he thought he had authority to tell us to leave because the 2nd court (which we were about to use) was given priority to those who wants to play basketball.

We didn't budge without a fight. So this janitor took us to see the lady at the front desk and another big fuss erupted. But being tolerant as we are, we gave in and left the court. She then mentioned that the third court was prioritized for sports other than basketball.

For crying out loud, for all I could remember, we've always been fussing with the rec officials regarding what court to use. A few months back, I remember the same rules regarding the courts usage were applied. Then later, the same lady worker (if I'm not mistaken) said first come first serve. That was when we had an issue with some Chinese who wanted to play basketball. Then now, when some Americans want to play basketball, the rules are changed again.

So from what I understand, for disputes involving asian-asian the rules that apply are first come first serve. For asian-americans, the rules are the first two courts are for basketball and the third one is for other sports.

Fact is, we've never asked others to leave courts, whether it be the first, second or third court. We've always waited until they finish whatever their playing before we take over. That's how it should actually be.

And in Prophet Muhammad's final sermon, he said," All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action."

Let us all learn from this.