REFLECTING SOCIAL MEDIA: DO YOU SPREAD HATRED TOO?
- Akademi Rohingya
- Mar 24, 2021
- 2 min read
By: Farhah Nadhirah
During my early time of service to Sekolah Islamiyah, I scrolled around the school's Facebook and Instagram pages in search of a more in-depth understanding of the school. As I continued my venture, what broke my heart was the negative comments and backlash the school received in numerous posts. Here was a school with the noble intent of educating children and helping them and their families for a better future, yet there were people out there- netizens, that throw hate and heinous words to the school, teachers, and the students.
Ever since the existence of social media, hate speeches have been on the rise. Why? The answer is obvious. People relish these platforms' anonymity nature, leading them to think less of the consequences of their words and actions (1). Generally, hate speeches can be defined as any communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses prejudicial language relating to a person or a group based on who they are (whether it is based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity factors) (2).
If based on the definition given above, the negative comments given are hate speeches. Most of them targeted Rohingyan refugees taking shelter in Malaysia (as Sekolah Islamiyah's students are majority Rohingyan children). Some commented how the children did not deserve an education, while others just told them to go back to their home country.
Imagine being forced to flee from the land they called home, finally finding refuge in a peaceful country, only to be told to go back. Imagine their pain, their blood, their sweat, and their tears.
As a Malaysian myself, I felt disgusted by their despicable behavior. I believe one of the main reasons for their vile actions stems from their privileged background. Had they, perhaps, felt the grief of losing their homes, losing their loved ones, losing their livelihood, then maybe they would have been able to empathize with the situation. Then maybe, they could refrain from hurting others while hiding behind their screens.
I remember, during my first time meeting the coordinator, Ms. Syahirah, she had asked me a very interesting question that had made me look at life differently. "What is your opinion on refugees in Malaysia?" I thought for a while, as I had never thought much about the topic, but at the end of it, my answer was simple - they deserve a peaceful and prosperous life here because they are humans just as much as Malaysians are. They are human beings that deserve a home, education, and a future.
Allow yourself to ponder, "If I were in their shoes, what would I have wanted?"
References:
**This article is personal opionion of the writer and does not represent Sekolah Islamiyah as a whole.
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