Last two weeks, we have heard on what is perception or prejudice behalf on our part.
So......
This week......
we are going to share some information on what Nani (our international friend) has shared with us regarding on the issue 'PERCEPTION'.
She mentioned that she has a stereotype on the taxi drivers in Malaysia.
Why did so?
She mentioned that whenever she wanted to take a taxi, the taxi driver always charged them higher than usual price.
Apart from that, she also said that it is hard for them to take a taxi.
Maybe it is due to the fact that they are foreigner.
Has she ever been prejudiced before in our country, Malaysia?
Hmmmmm.
She said that since it is now only been three months since she was here, so she has not encountered yet any perception towards her.
However,
she mentioned that the biggest fear she has is, she afraid that people would not befriend with her.
Maybe she is scared that people might have any stereotype towards her.
Meet our friend,Nani!!!!
(the brown shawl)
In the context of culture,Nani said, her hometown in Pattani, Thailand majority of the
population is Muslim. We shared our story on Eid celebration in Malaysia and
she said it is quite similar to Eid celebration back in Pattani. In her
hometown, on the morning of Eid, they would go to the mosque with
their family to perform Eid prayer and they have to bring foods along with
them. Unlike us in Malaysia, we would eat in a small portion before we go to
the mosque to perform Eid prayer. Moreover, the community in Pattani they do give money to the children on Eid celebration, however, they give it right after the Eid prayer to the children that come to the mosque that morning. It is interesting to know someone's culture that is quite same with your own culture..
Hey there Zuk & Hidayah. I have to admit that people will always charge foreigners more than the locals. Not just in Malaysia, but in other countries people will do the same too. I guess they have a stereotype that foreigners or tourists are basically rich, that is why they are out from their own country or that is why they travel!
ReplyDeleteAssalam Hidayah and Zuk! It is nice to have a sense of familiarity in the case of the Eid celebrations. But I do wonder, what kinds of food do they bring to the mosque? Surely, not rendang and ketupat? Hehe.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I'd like to touch on the I'm-still-new-so-my-thoughts-about-Malaysia-is-still-pretty-much-neutral phase. I believe it is good that you approach her now, so she can form the positive perceptions. I fear that if international students do not have many local friends for such a long time since they've arrived in IIUM, they may think the locals are arrogant and whatnot. But in actual fact, some of the locals are just as scared to approach them. Someone has to take the big step and cross the intercultural bridge.
Assalam Hidayah and Zuk! It is nice to have a sense of familiarity in the case of the Eid celebrations. But I do wonder, what kinds of food do they bring to the mosque? Surely, not rendang and ketupat? Hehe.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I'd like to touch on the I'm-still-new-so-my-thoughts-about-Malaysia-is-still-pretty-much-neutral phase. I believe it is good that you approach her now, so she can form the positive perceptions. I fear that if international students do not have many local friends for such a long time since they've arrived in IIUM, they may think the locals are arrogant and whatnot. But in actual fact, some of the locals are just as scared to approach them. Someone has to take the big step and cross the intercultural bridge.