We are more than we are, we are one

My groups arguement paper for our thought + writing class.

Thesis statement: Gays should be accepted as human beings in Malaysia.


Have you ever been looked down at and discriminated against for doing something different than everyone else? Laughed at for dressing or speaking in a way that was unlike your peers? Been in a situation where you felt like the whole world was against you? Now, put yourselves in a gay persons shoe and try to imagine having to live in a world that was indeed against you, depriving you of all your rights and freedom simply because of your sexual orientation. Not a very good feeling, was it? ‘Gay’ as defined in the Oxford dictionary is ‘having or showing a merry, lively mood’. Gay people, like the ‘straight’ people are alike in almost every possible way, except of course, for their sexual preferences. In a recent talk by Yasmin Ahmad in Sunway University College, she brought up a very interesting subject of racism in Malaysia, stating that all the past and present Prime Ministers have not been pure Malays. If such a situation is allowed and accepted, why can’t we have and accept a Prime Minister who is pure Malay but is gay? Moreover, there isn’t actual proof that Anwar Ibrahim is indeed of the gay society.

Privacy is something that is highly valued by every citizen in Malaysia, and all over the world for that matter. Whatever that may occur behind closed doors, be it family problems, one’s sex life or even the smallest secret shared between two seven year olds at a slumber party, will be conceal and appreciated if it is not invaded or disrespected. However, when it comes to the issues of gays and their privacy, this policy is all together ignored. Sodomy, for instance, according to Section 377 of the penal, is illegal. When a gay couple performs the act, serious actions are taken against them, such as punishments up to 20 years in prison and/or fines and whippings. However, when a ‘straight’ couple does it, it is either just frowned upon with no actions taken against them or even worse, it is simply ignored. Homosexuality itself is a crime, and according to Section 377a, the act of public display of affection between two gay partners, is labeled as “gross indecency with another male person”, and is punishable up to 2 years in prison. It’s understandable and acceptable that one can get punished for public display of affection, despite it’s it unruly labeling of ‘gross’ and ‘indecent, but arresting a couple, gay ones especially, is disrespectful and mere injustice. What is the law’s justification for invading the private lives of a gay couple and how has the gay’s sexual behaviour in their bedroom affect the Malaysian government or its society?

In August 2003, a memorandum was submitted to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUKAHAM) by a group of citizens, requesting for the discrimination and violence against the gays, lesbians, transsexuals and bisexuals to be brought to an end. The three conditions of the memorandum were:
• respect the human rights of all citizens, including gays and lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, as "Federal Constitution" and "Universal Declaration of Human Rights",
• to drop criminal penalties of voluntary adult sex laws.
• That the media be allowed the freedom of fair and balanced portrayal of gays and lesbians, bisexuals and transgender policies and regulations, and the media should be maintained to deal with issues of fairness and non-discrimination.
The media is a place where society receives information, good or bad. While the media is portraying violence such as war so openly, the issue of censorship somewhat brought up when it comes to the topic of gays and homosexuals. In a recent screening of this year’s Oscars, we learnt that the movie ‘Milk’, a story about the first openly gay man elected to public office in California who was then assassinated, won the Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor awards. . The acceptance speeches by screenwriter Justin Lance Black and actor Sean Penn were moving, bold and timely. They spoke up about the need for equal rights, to love, to share this land and to be heard. This year, the Oscars celebrated the kind of diversity that the arts is able to champion; it’s the kind of diversity that desperately needs championing in a world so overwhelmed by racism, war, and hatred.

This is part of Justin’s speech:
“When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married. I wanna I wanna thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally, across this great nation of ours. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you, God, for giving us Harvey Milk.”

And this is Sean’s:
“For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame, and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.”

However, if you caught the Oscars on Astro, you would have noticed something so bizarre; it can almost be considered ironic. The words “gay” and “lesbian” have been censored from both these speeches. To many, this act of censorship defeated the very victory won by these two men. The two moments of silence rang out like the gun shots that killed Harvey Milk. Evidently, Astro has failed to live up to its purpose. Is it not better to educate the future generation of love than war? Aren’t majority of the local Malaysian personalities, like Chef Wan , gays? These ‘outcast’ have not caused a threat or a negative effect on society. If anything, they have indeed raised and made Malaysia a household name, with their talents and quirkiness.
Although majority of religions prohibit and view homosexuality as illegal and sinful, it could not be agreed that all of their ‘followers’ actually abide to their beliefs. Walk into any night clubs in Malaysia, and rest assure one will be able to find Indians and Malays (most of who are Christians, Hindus and/or Muslims) drinking, smoking and probably groping each other on the dance floor. Like homosexuality, many religions also view drinking and making sexual advances with someone who isn’t your spouse as sinful. Are we not all but hypocrites, for accepting these acts so willingly simply because we, the ‘straight’ people, do this on a regular basis? At least the gays have the decency to keep their hands to themselves and be respectful towards others in public. Saying that, there are also many religions; such as Conservative Jewish order, Unitarian Universalist, Episcopal, Lutheran and Unity Church, that accept homosexuality.

In conclusion, in order to create awareness in public of human rights for the gays, more foundations and organizations like the Pink Triangle should be formed. For if we can convince ourselves and the public that gay people are also normal human beings, we have then served prejudice in fighting for equality and fairness in society. Gays (homosexuals) not only deserve, but have earned their right to be treated as equal human beings in Malaysia.

You'd be Suprised...

People underestimate me.

A little bit more than they should.

Mabe it's because of my height.
Maybe because of my bimbo-ness.

But I guess we all do it, don't we?
I know I do.

It's human nature, I guess.

I think we should stop.

I mean, we don't like it when people do it to us right?


Why do I live up to people's (lack of) expectation of me?

Victoria has her secret.

You'd be suprised...



I have mine too.
;-)

Say It Right, Spell It Right

This is a short simple blog (probably more useful for students) that I just couldn't help but write. So many people attempt to use big bombastic words in conversations, SMS and essays but always wind up making the silliest and simplest spelling mistakes. Hate to bring it to you kids, but these mistakes are simply unacceptable.

COMMON MISTAKES:

a) Then & Than
* 'Then' is best said to describe a period of time (exe: it was THEN I noticed it was already morning). 'Than' is used to compare two object or subjects (exe: I'd rather be short THAN paralysed).

b) -ing
* I've noticed many tend to not remove the 'e' at the end of a word before adding in the '-ing'(exe: 'coming' becomes 'comeing', 'loving' becomes 'loveing', etc).

c) And & End
* 'End' is the finishing or conclusion to something. 'And' is to combine two or more object, subject, event etc.

d) Pronouncing 'Ate'
* The word 'Ate' is NOT pronounced like 'at'. The correct pronounciation would be something like 'eight' without so much of the 'i'.




That's all I can think of for now. Will add in more as time progresses and more mistakes grab my attention. Till then...

TO BE CONTINUED :)

Sorry Isn't Always the Hardest Word

Every individual is different in their own way. Whether it’s the way they talk, dress, behave or express themselves. I’m rather sure that many of us are familiar and probably able to relate to Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”.

Well, clearly not for Mr. Anonymous. With a strikingly loud colour that could possibly blind us by the busy streets of Bandar Menjalara, I’d say it was a wise choice if he was trying to make passerbys experience a slight, if not all, hint of his pain.

Love trouble. That’s my guess, not necessarily romantic but still love of some sort. I’m not saying that I’m right, but judging by the fact that the ‘O’ in ‘Sorry’ is shaped like a heart, it’s the best assumption to go by for now.

I have to admit though, I truly admire his guts. Although the act maybe anonymous, I’m sure that it still did take a lot of courage to pull off something like this. The words are simple but so out there, literally, it’s practically impossible to miss. Let’s face it; he’s surely got our attention! I’m not saying that it wasn’t a little crazy, but to me, it gravitated more towards being creative and sweet if not desperate.

I haven’t got the slightest clue on who the mastermind is behind this or how badly he screwed up. I don’t even know for sure if it’s a male, I wouldn’t at all be surprised if it was a female. Love does make us do crazy things after all. There is a lesson behind this actually: We all mess up, some worse than others but apologizing is the very first step to fixing things. It doesn’t have to be as outstanding as this banner, but keeping it simple and sincere should hopefully do the trick. As for the person behind this banner, I believe I speak for all when I say, “Good Luck!”

No Place Like Home

How often have you found yourself in a face-off with your parents? Demanding your (so-called) independence you've worked hard for and counting down the days till you're able to live alone by studying abroad? As the wise man once said, "Becareful what you wish for."

I'm writing based on my own experience and many of others whom I am closely aquainted with. We may not have stormed out of a room screaming in anger (I did but then again, I'm a self-proclaimed drama queen) but we were surely under the impression that the grass was greener on the other side with a lot more space to run around freely.

I went to Australia to further my studies by myself at the age of 15 but I was back home within a year. No, I didn't become a wild-crazy-outta-control teenager, I just felt like I was missing out on so much back home..Something that I was not ready to sacrifice.

My cousin's engagement(the very first!), family holidays & vacations, birthdays, the good variety of food at a reasonable price and shops that were still open after 5p.m. Basically, i was just home sick!

One of the things i missed most about home was the weather. Shocking but true! I use to complain (and now I still do) but at least I didn't need to change my wardrobe every 3 months as the weather changed.

Oriental food back home was simply the best.. It actually tasted good (one cendol i bought in Perth nearly gave me diabetes with just one sip, I kid you not!), it came in big portions and we were not at all over charged for it.

Back home, I didn't have to worry about being organized and getting things done. Being the youngest of three siblings and the only girl(no I'm not spoiled or pampered), I had my parents and brothers contantly reminding me of what was to be done but things were usually taken care of.. Life was rather carefree. I could get things done at the 11th hour without any worry as shops were (luckily!) open till late.

I won't deny the fact that studying abroad did have its advantages. I grew up so much as an individual, emotionally and mentally. I became more responsible and organised; I even developed a more matured perspective on life.

I made friends from all around the world and participated more in school activities. I even enjoyed school more academically as the education was far more student-friendly as we had the opportunity to choose from a wider range of subjects.

Therefore, you would understand that I'm not out to discourage anyone from studying abroad. I'm just pointing out the good things in life we don't know we have until it's gone.

So often we fail to realise that with freedom comes responsibility and when we're on our own, we face the consequences of our choices on our own.

Just remember not to be in too much of a rush to grow up, you have all your life to do so. Until then, feel free to be young and crazy, but don't forget to appreciate the little things in life while you're at it.

Yours Truly,
SNF