A Reflection...
“Ayah borek, anak rintik” is a popular saying in Malay which simply means “like father, like son”. It’s all about a reflection. Even though it is not always the case, we’re actually what we produce! Now, let us bring this concept into our academic world, specifically in the context of educators and students. Do you agree with a statement, “Students are the reflection of their lecturers or teachers?” Well, you can have your own answers with your own arguments but to me, some way or another, it’s true. If this is the case, it means that if we see our students as lazy types of people, not willing to read or updating their knowledge, we’re actually looking at our own selves! Sound harsh haaa…..but a fact is a fact!
How many books do we read per year? If we read, what type of book that we read? What type of matters that we’re always concerned and busy at? I’ve attended one meeting for setting up examination questions. It was a serious and important meeting and yet one lecturer says, “I can’t come tonight because I want to watch the final part of AF!”. Well…well…west! I was expecting him to say “I can’t come tonight because my son is ill” or “My wife is going to deliver anytime” or at least “I had enough for today!”
Now, let us discuss this concept from our community perspective. Our youngsters are “sons” to us, the community. Nowadays, social illness is like virus, “killing” our young generation – be it their attitudes, the way they dress up, illegal racing, drug abuses, gengsterism, etc. Where do you think this “virus” comes from? Somehow or rather, I think from the community. As a community, we ourselves to certain extend, are individualistic, materialistic, unconscious, not serious, complacent and what not.Whether we realize it or not, we’re instilling a negative culture in our young generation by keeping silence to immorally ill activities. Silence means okay, allowed and accepted. Our youngsters take it that way. There are activities that suit this phrase, “okay first, damage later!”. To make ourselves comfortable and not feeling guilty, we say, “Let it be! It’s a new trend whattttt….” or “Why not? It’s a modernization and we’ve to move forward!” or simply, “Everybody is doing it! Don’t worry; it will be corrected when the times come”. Remember! Prevention is better than cure!
Criticising own self is the last thing many of us would do. However, it is the first thing one should do to correct oneself. My discussion above is on a general ground and based on personal observations. There are people who’re simply unaware of this aspect. I hope we’ll take this positively and improve ourselves for the betterment of our life and our younger generation. I’m very sure that collectively or individually, we have a role to play. It should start from us because we’re the one who hold the mould…..
