be instilled in us that others may be less hardworking or less efficient, and this brings about economic and job discrimination. A businessman may refuse to do business on equal terms with members of a disfavoured group. Or, he may refuse employment to workers of another race, just because he feels he should support his own. The Chinese have been known for their favouritism towards boys, the ones who carry on the family name. When China implemented the law that each couple could only have one child, most wanted to have a boy, and that led to the killing of many baby girls. At home, it is the girls who do the household chores, with the stereotyped thinking that a woman’s place is in the house. In the workforce, women are paid less than men. Employers doubt their capabilities and commitment, base on the misconception that women are not as intelligent, inferior and belong at home. Religion is the most influential on our value systems, and is therefore a very sensitive issue. There is no intrinsic harm in upholding and living in accordance with a particular set of religious beliefs. However, these beliefs should not preach or foster malevolence towards others. Yet there will be, to a certain extent, a sense of superiority of one religion in view of another. This is because we all think that that religion we believe in is the ‘right’ one. We feel that the others are following a wrong path. We then tend to separate ourselves from them. We are still living in a world where the earth is flat, figuratively speaking. We lack the courage and the willingness to realign our ancient customs, traditions and religious teaching with the world today, where there is increased globalisation. And because of our traditional values, we are unconsciously prejudiced against other groups and societies. ...
