WE saw three Bangladeshis, in their early 20s, standing at our front gate. One was holding a rubbish bin trying to protect himself while the other two asked us for help because some boys were chasing and throwing stones at them and blocking their path.

My parents asked if they had done anything to the boys to receive such treatment but the three, almost in tears, said all they did was to go to the night market near my home to buy some food. The boys had followed and harassed them.

The poor foreigners also grabbed the rubbish bins in front of my house to shield themselves.

My parents and my brother followed them to the corner of the street and saw a group of boys, who upon seeing them just laughed and ran away when my parents called them.

My parents then watched the three men walk home to their quarters.

It was a pitiful sight. We were upset with the actions of the boys.

Is these how human beings deserve to be treated?

Don’t they too have feelings and dignity?

These are basic human rights. Just because they are foreigners does not mean that they can be bullied and no one would come to their aid.

We are easily influenced by all the stereotypes of the world and become prejudiced and judgmental when encountering foreigners like Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Indians or Africans.

One of my friends told me her Nigerian college mate said that when he travelled to college by bus, no one would sit beside him, even if the bus was full.

He said some Malaysians gave him suspicious looks as though he was up to no good. Sometimes, they would close their noses and mouths when he stood near.

We are known as a friendly and warm people but is this perception really true?

The time has come for everyone to learn to respect and treat one another with love regardless of race, religion or nationality.

“Treat others as you would like to be treated”

That is the golden rule of life that is to be found in the holy books of the major faiths – phrased differently but all with the same message.

KAREN,

Selangor.

Source: The Star – March 3, 2008