A Leap in Embracing Our Common Humanity
The MH370 incident has undoubtedly broken the hearts of many. With the great deal of mystery that has surrounded the situation, confusion, fear and speculation cast a dark cloud of worry locally and internationally. Under the circumstances, however, I have been especially inspired by the spirit of Malaysians who have come together through vigils and offered their thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement to the families of the 239 people on board. Through social media, faith groups, youth networks and various civil society, I believe millions of prayers bursting with messages of sympathy and perseverance have poured out of our hearts and into the conscience of our society.
At a time like this when such an overwhelming outpour of emotion is understandable and unavoidable, nationality, race and religion holds no power of division. Everyone I know – whether Malaysian, Chinese , Korean, Aussie and so on – feels a great deal of empathy when they watch videos or photos of the crying family members. There is no need for translation of their expression and there is no need for explanation of why. This, I believe is the power of our common humanity. We feel and care for each other as fellow human family. We know deep within us that every human live is invaluable. Our value is not defined by our colour and creed, gender or status.
We feel and care for each other as fellow human family. We know deep within us that every human live is invaluable. Our value is not defined by our colour and creed, gender or status.
But why must we express these unifying feelings and thoughts only at times of crisis; when life and death seem close enough to taste? Why do we bury this deep inside us? It’s time to remind ourselves of what defines us as humanity. What has bound us together as humanity is the love and compassion that comes from recognising that we are fundamentally one human family. We are essentially brothers and sisters. Like any family, brothers and sisters argue sometimes, but we do not hate nor harm and we want the best for each other. This is what we all long for, to live and to belong to a loving family… the human family.
Let us stay united as one family at this challenging time and beyond.
– Dr. Teh Su Thye