It seems that many people just will not let this pass and continue to use it as an example of how things should be, of what "bravery" should be, of how to "stand up" against the government etc,etc.
I continue to beg to differ.
For I still see it as nothing more than a Public Relations exercise, where first you crate an uproar by a vulgar, offensive and crude rap song and accompanying video.
Present it on the world stage via youtube as a "David versus Goliath" struggle when it is not, and garner people's sympathy and reflex gut support.
Then challenge the authorities to do something about it knowing full well that given the set stage and setting, damn if they do, damn if they don't.
It is such a farce to call such vulgar, crude and offensive PR stunt "brave", "courageous" and "patriotic".
It is nothing but shameful and childish and degrades further the image and credibility of the perpetrators and by default, all of us Malaysians as it is made in our good name.
I may not be in my swinging teens but even I know that there is a better way to make a statement through music.
Most of us who knows the music of Bob Marley knows that there is always a better way than to resort to vulgarity, foul signs and images in order to try to make a better world for all people.
Perhaps most of you will identify better with Black Eyed Peas than with Bob Marley so here's an alternative to bad behaviour.
I think this is as close as you get to Bob Marley these days:
Where is the Love - Balck Eyed Peas
"What's wrong with the world, mama
People livin' like they ain't got no mamas
I think the whole world addicted to the drama
Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma"
"Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here livin'
In the USA, the big CIA
The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK"
"But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah"
"Madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all"
"People killin', people dyin'
Children hurt and you hear them cryin'
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek"
"Father, Father, Father help us
Send some guidance from above
'Cause people got me, got me questionin'
Where is the love (Love)"
"I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder
Most of us only care about money makin'
Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction"
"Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema"
"Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness in equality
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity"
"That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down
There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under"
"Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found"
Youtube Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJpyskHMwRs
Black Eyed Peas
Where is the Love
Make your country and people proud of you, what ever you do !!!
So, to the "rap generation", keep the faith that we can built a better nation for all without the need to resort to vulgarity and notoriety.
There is always a better way forward, no matter what medium you choose to express yourself.
Never forget, you are the future of the country and the fate of the nation depends on you.
Make the nation proud of you !!!
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Comments
"But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah"
LOL - doesnt this part fits this country perfectly?
Sad .... u dont even practice what you preach.
I chose this song because it has a good message. one that even Malaysians can learn from.
I have never claimed that our country or the government policies are perfect. but unlike you, i see the affirmative action policies as a price that all Malaysians has to pay in order to preserve the social fabric of our multi racial society.
However, I understand how you feel inside and that you cannot see beyond this bitterness. That's not unreasonable at all.
If you have read all my long-winded posts and comments, it is my hope and believe that one day, our nation and people will be able to discard the clutches of affirmative action policies and society will be matured enough to look after all its member regardless of race or origin.
This day will come when Malaysians can see the world more from a socialist point of view like the English and Europeans, and less of the capitalistic point of view like the Americans or Singaporeans.
Deep inside, everyone wants to feel the pride that they have achieved success in life through their own hard work.
However, the differences between the haves and have-nots must be narrowed, especially in a multi-racial society, if there is to be stability and harmony amongst all the people.
This is a fact that we and our leaders cannot escape from.
At the same time, we must not underestimate how strong this need for self-reliance is and all races need to do their part to facilitate this so that all can stand tall and proud in the family.
In order for this to occur there must be further economic development of our country to reach the status of "1st world nation" and continued peace and harmony for political maturity to develop amongst all the people.
Unless the people are politically matured in their outlook, unscrupulous and Machiavellian politicians from all sides will continue to pit one side against the other in order to acquire short term gains for themselves and their supporters.
This will restrict the political ability of the moderate and progressive leaders from all parties in moving our nation forward.
The bottom line is this.
The faster our nation achieves the developed nation status, the more stable politically it will be, the more peaceful and prosperous all Malaysians will be.
The end result of this state can but only result in the natural death of affirmative action policies as there will no longer be a need for it and unity of our people at the deepest level can then be achieved.
The fact that our country has achieved so much within such a short time frame despite all the unique challenges that we face shows that there are more sensible people in the right places than we care to give due credit or recognition to.
As the people,we just need to throw our weight and believe in this group of moderate leaders from all parties and trust that they will continue to lead us through the path of light, as they have done through out the last 50 years.
Thank you.
That is all that matters, isn't it. A better nation for the future generations.
Bersatu teguh. Bercerai roboh.
This is the reality for Malaysia and all Malaysians.
While we might not see eye to eye on certain govt actions and policies, I have no doubt that we would have stood up for each other as Malaysians should it be necessary. You have my best wishes! :)
Make the nation proud of you !!!"
That means one must not be an apologist for the UMNO/BN government!
One must also not be a hypocrite!
for once, i feel ashamed of myself, that i happened to use some harsh words in some of my comments.
thank you again for penning such a 'long-winded' comment.
you put all your thoughts very well, which is very much something for me to learn.
while i agree with your outlook with regard to the nation's future well-being, there are some items which i beg to differ.
Rightfully, affirmative action policies are much needed in order to narrow the gap between the rich and poor, and also to provide a temporary crutch to those less competent, but you would not want to forcefully tag things like :the space program, F1 racing team, submarines, jet fighters, leaking courthouse complexes, non-bulletproof bulletproof vests, grand glamorous mosques as affirmative action policies.
The money could be channeled to feed so many starving fellow Malaysians, if not to create oportunities for them to grow up.
anyway, i like to read your comments, keep them coming.