What Makes Us Human? - The Algerian Hostage Crisis

I happened to chance on the Algerian hostage crisis article today while reading the papers. Yes, my dislike for mainstream media controlled by the Malaysian government made me into some kind of backwater idiot who usually relies on Twitter or Facebook to be updated on world affairs. Due to the fact that the 13th Malaysian General Election is looming nearer, I have been "uncaring" of any other news not related to Malaysia.

But today, I will touch on the news in regards to the Islamic militants hostage taking and killing of those around the gas field of Amenas in Algeria. As the story goes, Islamic militants from the neighbouring country of Mali had planned this attack in advance. It goes without saying that it was a well planned attack judging from how these militants knew their way around the gas field production area and also other information that would have only be known to insiders. Many died in the ensuing fight.

The horror stories that has surfaced from this incident left me sad. What is happening to the world today? What is with people these days that make them do the things they do? What makes these crazy Islamic extremists think that they will be welcomed into God's bossom with virgins waiting for them if they go on these crazy so-called "jihad" endeavours? Why do people love doing and saying stupid things all in the name of God or religion?

I grew up in a nation that is predominantly Muslim. Although I do not know in depth of the religion of Islam, I do know enough of the religion. I know it is also a religion of love and peace just like Christianity (albeit not as loving to the extent of getting slapped on one cheek and offering the other). Islam still stresses on "an eye for an eye" which can be really dumb at times but hey, Christianity is no better in certain aspects too. There are a lot to be discussed in religion and we all can agree to disagree but I am not going to delve further into this matter today.

Are we even humans? What is it that makes it okay to take hostage, detain or even take the life of a person in exchange for another? Why is it that the targets are ordinary people trying to make a living to provide a better future for their family who has nothing to do with how their government behaves? Why foreigners? Why lives of non-Muslims? Why your neighbour? Is life that cheap? And the biggest irony of all - you were bartering lives of mostly non-Americans with the USA in exchange for the release of 2 detained men not even on Algerian soil.

If that 2 men is so important to you and your organisation, what makes you think that the lives of the people that you took hostage of and killed are less important than them? How many families rendered helpless with the sole breadwinner of the family killed? How many parents lost their only child? How many spouses lost their only support? How many children lost their parent who could have played a bigger role in their life as they are growing up?

Yet many of these extremists would believe that what they did that day justifies a place in heaven. What heaven? If your religion practices the concept of "an eye for an eye", what makes you think that killing that white man working in that gas field who probably is the world's most loving father would grant you a place in heaven with 77 virgins serving you? In Islam, if a man is caught stealing, the punishment according to Hudud laws would be to chop of that arm(s) that was caught stealing. And this is only on Earth, so what do you think happens in the after-life when you are facing judgment before God?

If you believe that your God is a just God, surely that deed of killing even a kafir will not go unpunished even if you are already dead? I am not writing these just because I am not a Muslim and I am against all Muslims. Far from it. I am writing these because I do not see the justification in killing others to demand money or the release of certain people or to make a point. 

That is why we label ourselves far more superior to animals. That is the ability to think and rationalise the situation. We, have something called a mind of our own. But when we go and do stupid things like waging a war under the pretenses of eradicating an evil regime or kidnapping and killing hostages in order to get demands fulfilled, how are we superior to the animals? 

The last I checked, animals have not wage wars nor have they kidnapped and killed other animals when their demands were not met. Are we animals? No. Even animals would not behave in such a way. Humans are not animals for animals would not have even thought of such atrocities. So, I will end this post with a question.

WHAT ARE WE?

KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!

Humaning (?) Out,
MaeQ

Of Education and the Educated

So, there has been hoo-ha (or is it spelled brouhaha?) amongst the internet community in Malaysia these few days. It is about this one "smart" fella talking down to an undergrad in a local university. You see, the scenario was actually like this:

University holds a forum and invited a few panelists to speak about the role of undergrads in Malaysia in regards to politics (or somewhere along these lines). In the midst of the forum, students were invited for a Q&A session with the panelists as it is quite a normal practice in any forums of academic purposes. So, a brave undergrad brought up the issue of free education in Malaysia and compared this country to other countries (but of course, what else can you compare it to?).

In the midst of the undergrad questioning the panelists about what is so wrong about "Bersih" (the Coalition of Free and Fair Elections Committee or Bersih which also means Clean) and why can't this oil rich country provide free education, this undergrad was interrupted. On top of that, she was reading out statistics and findings which leaves no doubt to everyone listening was researched extensively. And then this lady panelist decides to walk towards the undergrad and tells her to "Listen!" for God knows how many times and grabs the microphone away after failing to shut the undergrad up.

Lo and behold! This crazy lady demanded for respect. And continued so on and so forth about animals have problems without really addressing the issues or questions asked. At one point, another panelist tried to calm things down or explain the undergrad's stand and was brushed off rudely by this lady.

Okay, so that is about the summary I can give. The video is up on Youtube and Facebook. Haha. Go browse and watch. But only if you understand the Malay language.

Just watching it made me feel disgusted with the way this lady panelist behaved. So uncouth, so demeaning. Demands to be listened to but will not listen. Demands respect but puts up a mask of so-called respect by sneering and ridiculing the undergrad at the same time. Says to not compare to other countries in terms of education especially Cuba but is okay with world ranking and shit like that I presume.

The thing is, this forum was supposed to be an intelligent discourse of current issues with the undergrads. By shushing the undergrads because what he or she says do not fit into the panelists' ideology or thoughts are just plain un-intelligent. And then goes on to compare the thoughts of one with an 'O' level certificate and Degree level. First of all, Cik Sharifah, in Malaysia, we don't use 'O' levels okay? It is called SPM, but if you come from wherever it is that you came from except Malaysia, then it is a forgivable mistake.

Next, you said that Malaysians like to complain, complain, complain and you don't see animals complaining because cats got problems, dogs got problems, fish got problems, cow and goats got problems and sharks have the biggest problem of all! *cricket sounds* Uhm...were you guys having a discourse in an agricultural forum? I fail to see how Malaysians complain has anything to do with the problems of animals. Unless of course you were actually labeling all Malaysians animals...so, by association you are one too. Again, unless of course you are not Malaysian so you are perfectly human, not animal at all.

However, judging by the way you speak the Malay language like a "pro", I assume you are quite Malaysian. And then of course you go on and blab about why there exists a hierarchy. Go on yada-yada-ing that the undergrad must learn respect and how to speak to an elder. O...kay. But, Cik Sharifah, in what way was she rude to you or to the panel of panelists during the forum? Was she considered rude because she questioned your logic and your way of thinking? So, I dunno what you are trying to speaking-speaking here Cik Sharifah.

And you oh-so not-very-subtly end this discussion by asking the hall who wants a free Samsung smartphone. Hahahaha. Wow. Bravo! You just behaved exactly like how the ruling coalition government has been behaving these past few years. How so?

First: You will not accept any kind of dissent even though it is civilised and logical.
Second: You change the topic of discussion into some kind of non-existent problem such as those in the animal kingdom like dogs barking and shit like that.
Third: You show how shallow and uncouth your behaviour and thinking is.
Fourth: You try to cover it all up at the end of it by handing out "goodies" to those present there.

A true blue Malaysian government tactic! Especially during the election period. Way to go on causing the ire of the Malaysian public. Especially those who has received education, be it UPSR, PMR or SPM level up till the Degree, Masters and Doctorate level. For a supposedly educated person, you sure talk as if you received no education Cik Sharifah.

Educated with love,
MaeQ