By Natalie Chia
The concept of ‘race’ is outdated.
Race focuses on superficial physical characteristics, such as skin colour, hair type and facial features.
This oversimplified classification does not consider the rich diversity within human populations. It has long been a source of division and conflict among people. Such categorisations not only perpetuate stereotypes but also create barriers to understanding and acceptance.
In contrast, the term ethnic group offers a more nuanced understanding of human identity. Ethnicity encompasses shared culture, language, traditions and history. It allows for a more comprehensive, respectful recognition of the many dimensions contributing to individual and group identities.
Emphasising ethnicity encourages us to appreciate the intricate tapestry of human experience. It fosters an environment where differences are celebrated rather than shunned.
A lesson in assumptions
Abdul Razak Ismail’s mistaken assumption about Elijah Ling Zhao Zhong – judging him as Malay Muslim based on appearance – highlights the pitfalls of racial categorisation.
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This recent Family Mart incident underscores how reliance on superficial traits like skin tone can mislead us. It urges us to move towards a more nuanced understanding of identity.
Race vs ethnicity: Definitions matter
- Race – A socially constructed concept rooted in physical traits (skin colour, facial features), historically used to justify hierarchies, discrimination and inequality
- Ethnic group – Centred on shared culture, language, traditions and history, offering a holistic view of identity that embraces diversity and fluidity
Why the term ‘ethnic group’ is superior:
- Reveals complexity of Identity – Human identity is multifaceted. The term ethnic group acknowledges the interplay of various cultural attributes rather than relying solely on reductive physical markers. It captures the reality of how people experience the world and influence one another through interactions
- Reduces discrimination – Historically, the concept of ‘race’ was weaponised by the British colonialists to divide and rule. This led to fragmentation, and biases continue to fester in contemporary society. Recent phenomena – such as the association of the DAP with communism, the rise of Islamophobia, and the derision of religious rituals – serve as stark indicators of the distances that remain between us. There is considerable work to do to overcome parochialism, heal the rifts and build bridges of dialogue and trust
- Promotes inclusion – The term ethnic group fosters a sense of belonging while celebrating diversity. It sees value in the contributions of people from different backgrounds. For instance, a visiting French chef was delighted to discover Peranakan cuisine, describing it as a veritable symphony of flavours
- Counters stereotyping and racial labelling – Racial categorisation often leads to harmful stereotyping and blanket assumptions, eg “All Chinese/ Indians/Malays etc are like that!” In contrast, the idea of ethnic group recognises the unique stories of individuals within that group
No biological basis for dividing humans
Unlike animal species, humans interbreed freely, creating blended identities such as Eurasians and Chindians.
The concept of race lacks genetic validity, as extensive research has shown that the genetic diversity within so-called racial groups is often greater than the diversity between them.
There is no scientific justification for dividing humans into distinct races.
Intertwined cultures and shared heritage
Our cultures are inextricably intertwined, shaped by centuries of interaction and exchange. Archaeological discoveries in the Bujang Valley in Kedah and elsewhere provide compelling evidence of communities enriched by Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous influences, predating the advent of Islam in the region.
Consider grilled satay. While the ethnic Malays are recognised as masters of the art, sa-tay in Chinese means three morsels, and this version may have origins in Yunnan, China.
The blended beauty of shared heritage and historical interplay is the hallmark of Malaysian culture.
Finding the gold within
Validating ethnicity over race aligns with universal values of empathy and kindness.
Instead of fixating on external, superficial factors that generate divisions among us, we should appreciate the depth of our interconnectedness. As the saying goes, “Everyone you meet is going through a struggle you know nothing about. Be kind.”
The intrinsic nature of all living beings is pure and clear. However, just as water can become muddied, gold nuggets often emerge covered in dirt.
Gold symbolises the capacity for empathy and compassion that resides in our heart of hearts. The essence of the human experience lies in the endeavour to remove the dirt and reveal the pure gold within, as well as in distilling water to rediscover its original clarity.
Spirituality serves as a guiding force that leads us toward our primordial purity. On this path, we transcend external differences and come to understand that we are all interconnected, much like distinct cells within the vast body of life.
‘Madani’ identity
By reframing our view of identity through the lens of ethnicity, we can begin to construct the “Madani” identity based on noble values such as compassionate and trust.
In doing so, we embody the change we wish to see in our society. The lesson we can draw from the Family Mart incident is one of restraint – an imperative not to judge others based on superficial appearances.
Instead, let us redirect our focus inwards, to the gold that resides within each and every one of us. We can then celebrate the joy of our shared journey as one nation, embracing the diverse narratives that enrich our collective identity.
Nathalie Chia follows the Aliran website.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
