Two days ago, the world awoke to the aftermath of the Paris terrorist attacks. As shockwaves spread across cyberspace and accusations of double standards fired back and forth, the one thing that bounded everyone together, was deep heartbreak, outrage, and ultimately the question: "What is wrong with the world today?"
For most of us, it is unfathomable to commit such blatant crimes against humanity. To treat a fellow homo sapien as though he or she is no more than a mannequin void of emotion or thought, to toss away as they please. We now hear of strengthening security, blocking borders, and French president Francois Hollande vowing to strike back at ISIS.
I couldn't help but wonder - could this be perpetuating an endless cycle of violence? Prevention and intervention are undeniably essential during such crisis, but what I believe the world needs more, is proper education.
After years of schooling, we are knowledgable, but not necessarily wise. We discover little things we wish we knew before entering the 'real world' - how to peacefully resolve conflict, how to respect differences, how to compromise and love equally. Issues that resemble common sense, but are surprisingly difficult to execute. Why weren't these ever taught in schools, if the point of education is to mould us into stable, mature adults?
Sure, we have moral education in schools. In Malaysia, this subject is known as Pendidikan Moral. But ask any non muslim student, and they will tell you it's just another
And while calling for moderation and tolerance in school, the country is doing the exact opposite. For instance, the recent proposal on introducing halal and non-halal trolleys in supermarkets. A government who is segregating society while preaching for unity simply stinks of hypocrisy. Kids these days are not stupid. Their sources of information are no longer limited to textbooks when the world is just a click away. They can see and decide for themselves whose words to trust. How do you expect to raise a generation of morally sound citizens when leaders show otherwise?
To cultivate real change, it is not Pendidikan Moral alone that needs a revamp, but the way education and society works. We have an education system solely focused on grades, a world consumed by money and materialistic greed. It's just sad, how this misses the whole point of education and life. Children go to school without understanding why. They stress over scoring As for the one goal of getting into college, then to graduate, then to find a job. . . then, what? It is a lonely and endless chase marred with frustration and confusion.
In this factory-like world, our children are growing up without solid values and principles. They are exposed to risks of being easily misled by what they see and hear. In light of recent events, misinformation could breed a generation susceptible to stigma and discrimination such as Islamophobia. In the worst case scenario, with no foundation to lean on, the misunderstood youngster joins terrorist movements and continues the cycle of violence, pledges, and answering with more violence.
Following the Paris attack, I've observed many netizens showing their support by changing their Facebook profile photos to the temporary French national flag's colour. While I believe they are sincerely sympathetic and concerned, I can't help but feel that many are just jumping on the trend and doing it because others are. And as with any internet sensation - be it Kylie Jenner's lip challenge to Gangnam Style - it's a wildfire that burns bright for a few seconds and dies down afterward. People forget, and continue their daily lives.
There's nothing wrong with the FB picture changing. I think the support is great, it tells that you care - but you want to make a real difference? Start showing compassion in real life. Help a stranger, make friends with people of various backgrounds, tell your friends and family you love them. Teach your children - and each other - to respect one another regardless of race and religion. And remember that a work of a few bad apples never justifies condemning an entire religion.
Yes, not everyone is fortunate enough to afford a traditional education, but does education simply have to mean attending school, and graduating with a degree? Why does 'education' have to be defined in black and white? Take for example (JUST an example): An illiterate man who has a honest and kind heart versus a Harvard graduate who is full of greed, pride and envy - who is the educated one here?
#PrayforParis
--> On the issue regarding Moral Studies subject - Personally, I agree with its implementation in primary schools. Young children are impressionable, more eager to learn, and easier to groom into good citizens. However in secondary school, you are dealing with teenagers with a mind of their own (and a heck load of hormones). They should be encouraged to make their own decisions, think for themselves, and withstand the consequences. Moral studies should not be made into a compulsory subject, but an elective, and taught in a more engaging and effective way - perhaps through practical projects, volunteering, peer mentoring etc? With the current education system, the intentions for Moral Studies may be good, but the way it's implemented is unfortunately miscalculated.
