The world is huge and cultural difference makes everyone unique as they are. Growing up in a multicultural society teaches us to be appreciative of other cultures, and learning to live in harmony. But, being abroad right now is not that easy when you meet people who are from a monoculture society who judges everyone else based on their culture. They do not appreciate other culture or want to at least try understand and accept other culture. I am not asking anyone to HAVE TO accept my culture but I mean, at least try to see things from my point of view too. I have my culture too, and I shouldn't be the one who HAVE to accept whatever you think or say. Ok, let me explain this to those who are confuse by what I am ranting about this time.
[Disclaimer: I am not prejudice of another culture but certain people of this culture has been doing nothing but proving this point which frustrates me a lot! If you are going to be offended, I advise you to walk away, or in this case, click away?]
I met several ppl from China who had judged me based on their culture of what women do and what ppl should do and not do at certain time. Not only by action but my knowledge of the "authentic" chinese culture knowledge and practices. They get offended because apparently I am not chinese enough and I am not what a girl should be. Let me say something here: You can't tell me what I CAN and CANNOT do as a female. You CANNOT tell me what I should know or what I should become.
- Firstly, I am MALAYSIAN. I am partially chinese but that doesn't mean I am Chinese chinese. Ok? I do not, and i say DO NOT, cook clean and stay home for anyone. I do not sew or cook for guys. I am NOT inferior. I am not any less smart than guys. I am not to be expected to act like the girls in China. I am MALAYSIAN. I am not to be expected to HAVE to accept everything in your culture. I am only partially chinese by my ancestors [not even sure how many % that would be! I am not 100% chinese but I am 100% Malaysian.] I wash and clean after myself, not GUYS. I know what I can do in my life and you cannot convience me otherwise. I will not comprehend people who tell me otherwise! I'd been working all my life to prove otherwise and I am not giving in to anyone!
- Second, you do not convience me of my identity. I am Malaysian, not Chinese [chinese as in from china]. I was born and bred in MALAYSIA, not china. I have malaysian identifications and I am Malaysian no matter how much you try to convince me I am not!
- You can't expect me to behave like you! I have my culture and practices too. People get upset at me or misunderstand me just because I have my views. I embrace different culture and growing up in a multicultural society have taught me how important it is to integrate and get along with others well. I do not like to be judged based on just some other culture w/o my own culture being understand. Hey! my culture is unique too and it's not inferior to yours! From my point of view, I think that if you can't accept another culture without expecting others to be the same as you are, you should just return to wherever it is you are from. Studying abroad may not be suitable for you at all! But then again, the world is becoming dependent on each other. We will, at some point, have to interact with other culture..no matter what occupation you are in.
- Do not judge me based on things you do not understand. Do not expect me to be the girly girl..I am taught to be an independent and modern girl. Chores are to be shared, if everyone does their part, everything will turn out fine, don't you agree?
- Take time to learn about other cultures and you will be surprised how much more you can learn from someone else. Not just languages, but their thinking and practices..it's fun and informative! I love to learn but I get offended when some people think that their culture is superior and should be practiced by everyone. EVERY CULTURE IS UNIQUE! that's my point!
Malaysia is a great example of a multicultural society. People say christians and muslims can't get along, but look at us, we'd been living under the same government for 51yrs now. My neighbours are Muslims. I have friends who are of different races and ethnicity and religions. We go to the same school, eat the same food and yet have different cultures under one roof. We celebrate every culture, so, why can't you? That's what I miss the most in Malaysia, our multicultural yet harmony society! Trust me, embrace other cultures and learn about them. Do not expect every one to be the same as you are. Do not expect every asians to be the same (chinese from other countries have different culture than chinese in china!) and you will see, there will be more to life than just your culture. Life would be better and more fulfilling. God has created each and everyone of us in HIS image. None of us are the same. Look at your own country, are there any one the same. Not even identical twins have same characteristics or beliefs, do they? So, why judge others when you can celebrate diversity and embrace others? Be open minded and learn! Trust me, it will make life better, for you and me..
