Less Human Than Human

My sister related a disturbing story just now, and if it's true, I will say this:

We Malaysians deserve every bit of all the so-called "injustices" we get.

According to my sister, a woman was invited on TV3's morning talk show MHI. The reason being she actively takes care of children born with HIV, even the unwanted ones and TV3 wanted to give her an award of some sort. Uplifting as this is on its own, unfortunately it brings a price that is too ugly to contemplate.

The woman is ostracised in her neighbourhood, her children teased and bullied in school. The community tells their children to not play with hers, in case they get infected. The worst so far is that they even petitioned the local council to ask her to leave the area. The children she takes care of are mostly ones whom no one else wants because everyone is scared shitless of getting HIV.

Is there any reason to be proud to be Malaysian anymore?

Not in my opinion. We're as insular, cruel and stupid as any other culture out there. We're so busy with our heads up in our collective arses complaining about the weather, the haze, the price of petrol, toll rates, reality shows and all the other crap that makes us oh-so-evolved that we forget the first thing about being human:

That it's never just about us.

Just before she went off air, she apologised to her neighbours and promised them she would move out as soon as she found somewhere new to stay. My sister said that part more than anything made her want to cry. Not for the lady (for I like to think she has a special place), but for all our ignorant, cruel souls.

To the lady with the quiet dignity, I wish you well. Maybe that's all I can do for now, that, and pray God grants you the strength to continue.

And the rest of us mercy.