Food for Thought: Discrimination

I do not understand why some people can discriminate other people just because of their race or religion. Looking at the behaviour of my aunts, as well as comments from various social network service, frankly speaking, I think it's stupid to stereotype people or race due to certain happenings in the past, or as a result of the stupidity of certain prominent people, like politicians.

Is it really necessary to hate on someone just because of his or her race, or even religion? Whatever happens to mutual respect? We, humans, are said to be the more intelligent species living on the face of the Earth. Yet, looking at the behaviour and action of certain people in the society made me think twice. There's no intelligence in such behaviour, nor even rationality.

I remember reading an article about this Korean show called Healing Camp and how one of the hosts, Lee Kyung Kyu, actually researched about homosexuality for Hong Suk Chun (who was known to be the first Korean celebrity to come out of the closet). Lee Kyung Kyu himself was initially strongly against Hong Suk Chun's appearance on the show due to his own beliefs (as he was from the older generation of Korean people) and also other factors such as unintentionally hurting Hong Suk Chun by bringing up past painful memories. However, in the end, he relented as he believed that the show 'Healing Camp' should be able to handle any subjects of whatsomatter. Hence, he learned more about homosexuality so that he could understand Hong Suk Chun and will be able to conduct the interview in a professional manner, without unintentionally offend him. Full article here.

Lee Kyung Kyu's action is really applaudable. He was still able to conduct the interview in a professional and respectful manner, despite the fact that his beliefs have not changed. And this is what I think people should do more. It is understandable that people have different opinions and beliefs, which they have the right to think so, since they firmly believe on it. Some people may not be able to accept homosexuality or dislike other people due to their race or religions. However, no matter how much you mistreat gay people or people of other races, they will still exist in this world and also in our society. You may have to even interact with some of them due to certain circumstances. It would have been better if people actually learn to tolerate this reality and not mistreat or insult those people. Then, our society will be able to progress on another level. Because, in the end of the day, regardless of our race, religion, skin colour or even sexual orientation, aren't we all just the same human beings, living in this world?