Entry 7 : Racism and assumptions

I always hear about Monday blues because its the day after Sunday and everyone has to go to work, school, etc. What I don't get is Saturday night blues, and some people make a big deal of it for not going out and enjoying the night life on a Saturday night. I know else where there are bars and night clubs that I don't know why appease to the public; I don't drink, smoke, gamble and strongly dislike crowded places. Even in Brunei, the night life is quite alright, I'm appreciative of the no alcohol policy - no bars and what not places that lead to trouble.- everyone else just goes to Gadong and crowd at the Mall. Many foreigners complain that Brunei is boring cos it lacks bars, casinos, etc --what they dub as tourism.

This came to light when news about suggesting to make alcohol readily available in our little home country (like when they used to a long time ago) in 2010? My friends had this discussion in our office and were saying the topic is stupid to be even addressed and then realising that I'm the only non-muslim in the room, they quickly apologized to me. And I asked why, just because I'm not Muslim that makes me associated with alcohol and gambling?(a.k.a I can take 'haram' things) A friend then answered that, "Isn't that what Chinese people do?" I did not feel insulted, I agreed with them that allowing such contraband's to be allowed in our country is a bad idea, but I also couldn't help but feel that some of them were daft in the way they see the world. ( Muslims in other countries such as Morocco consume pork and alcohol and own dogs!)It's so judgmental and its the similar way how westerners assume that every Muslim is a terrorist and that pisses everybody off. A wise man once said "We have no choice but to deal with stupid people" even if you wanted to slap him one time or another.

Then I think, racism lead to assumptions of particular groups of people, and people blame one another for bad things that happen- say in an argument with a black and a white man - most would think the white man is innocent but it could be the fact that the black man did no wrong and it is the white man that started the problem.

People always blame those who are weak, of a lower status because they assume with their so called 'higher status" they can get away with things. This occurs a lot in Brunei too, saying how they know this VIP or member of the royal family when its pure bogus. I find these people stupid, suggesting who you know and what threat they can do to you is CORRUPTION and plenty of people don't know this shit.

People are always talking about changing the mind set but when the mind is set for change, they protest citing traditions and whatnots. I apologize but I don't see this as a way for development, if we want something done we many have to step on some toes and probably kiss some asses, because in this world, We can't please everyone.

Such as this story:
"This happened on TAM airlines.

A 50-something year old white woman arrived at her seat and saw that the passenger next to her was a black man.

Visibly furious, she called the air hostess.

"What's the problem, ma?" the hostess asked her

"Can't you see?" the lady said - "I was given a seat next to a black man. I can't seat here next to him. You have to change my seat"

- "Please, calm down, ma" - said the hostess
"Unfortunately, all the seats are occupied, but I'm still going to check if we have any."

The hostess left and returned some minutes later.

"Madam, as I told you, there isn't any empty seat in this class- economy class.
But I spoke to the captain and he confirmed that there isn't any empty seats in the economy class. We only have seats in the first class."

And before the woman said anything, the hostess continued

"Look, it is unusual for our company to allow a passenger from the economy class change to the first class.
However, given the circumstances, the commandant thinks that it would be a scandal to make a passenger travel sat next to an unpleasant person."

And turning to the black man, the hostess said:

"Which means, Sir, if you would be so nice to pack your handbag, we have reserved you a seat in the first class..."

And all the passengers nearby, who were shocked to see the scene started applauding, some standing on their feet."

Have a read on the blame game, as much as I'm not a fan of math this read makes plenty of sense : "Maths doesn't suck, you do."