Tag Archives: Racism

[People] The Holocaust and Freedom from Racism -by Fr. Shay Cullen

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#HumanRights #Racism

The Holocaust and Freedom from Racism
Shay Cullen
29 January 2021

Every year on 27 January, the most horrific crimes of genocide and mass murder on an industrial scale by the criminal Nazi regime in Germany are remembered. As Spanish philosopher George Santayana said, “They who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.” These crimes must never be allowed to be repeated although they have been. In a premeditated planned genocide, six million Jews and other minorities and political prisoners were exterminated by individual and mass shootings. Hundreds of thousands were worked to death, killed by starvation, and millions more gassed to death and burnt in the ovens of the infamous concentration and extermination camps that the Nazis built around Europe. This happened during their vicious and brutal conquest of Europe from 1939 to 1945.

I have been to visit the extermination camp at Buchenwald, near the City of Weimar. It was a terrible place of isolation, cruelty and mass murder. In the countryside, it was bitterly cold and forbidding. I saw a massive prison camp surrounded by an electrified fence. There was no escape for the hundreds of thousands of political prisoners, prisoners of war, Jewish people, Roma people, mixed race people and Afro-Germans. Anyone who disagreed with the Nazi regime was sent to the death camps where the SS death squads executed them.

I walked around the camp. The wooden huts where the prisoners slept were demolished. In a concrete building in the corner of the camp with a tall chimney, I saw the “murder room.” One by one, prisoners stood against the wall to have their height measured and they were shot dead through a hole in the wall. In the basement, there is a room with hooks fixed in the cement ceiling. The innocent prisoners with hands and legs tied and a wire around their necks were hung to slowly die by strangulation. Then, their bodies were placed in a large metal bin that was elevated to the extermination room where six large ovens were continually incinerating the bodies like rubbish. Outside, a greatly enlarged photograph showed a large pile of emaciated bodies of those who died of cruel starvation or firing squad waiting to be delivered to the ovens. Prisoners were forced to do the dirty work.

Memorials of these crimes are held every year by a repentant German people and a new generation all over Germany. Many monuments honouring and remembering the victims have been built so that every German and people everywhere will mourn, be informed, be aware and strengthened in their resolve that such crimes and neo-Nazi hateful ideology and racism in any form are resisted, opposed and countered by peace initiatives. There have been genocides since. In Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, Sudan, Iraq, Cambodia, Myanmar, the list goes on and on. The Jewish people were the main target of hatred and racism by the Nazis. The Nazis arrested and deported everyone to the death camps, to be systematically beaten and gassed to death, six million in all, one million were children

People everywhere have to take a stand against such arbitrary killings and atrocities and never standby in silence and allow it to happen without protest. Such silence is to approve and give consent by inaction and be an accomplice to the crime. To stand against such killings, people need a conscience formed by the Gospel values of human rights and dignity to repudiate and condemn such murders, war crimes and genocide. Here, we condemn as evil and wrong all such killings.

The Nazi regime was built on a political party of national socialism that was racist and politically extreme right wing. They believed themselves to be the white supremacists destined to conquer and rule by violence, if necessary. Adolf Hitler, an Austrian migrant, got German citizenship by astute political manipulation. The mainstream political parties compromised with his racist policies and ideology and paved his way to total power. He became chancellor and his cult-like fanatical followers started a fire in the parliament building, The Bundestag, and he blamed the communists and had them all arrested and thrown out of Parliament by presidential decree. Then, his Nazi party had a majority and he ruled Germany with an iron fist and worked to exterminate the Jews and the communists.

When we see the white supremacists and neo-Nazi extreme right-wing groups in Europe and in the United States marching with Nazi swastika flags and symbols, and a US President supporting them, we should think of Hitler and summon up the courage to stand and oppose by word and action this insidious racist political movement.

Everyone ought to support the freedoms and human dignity and freedom of true, fair democracy or for sure we will lose them. This white supremacist ideology has divided America, threatens parts of Europe as neo-Nazis proliferate once again, spreading hatred and violence against migrants.

Some member states of the EU have right wing populists in power and they pass odious oppressive laws. The police and armed forces of America and Europe are reportedly infiltrated by racist neo-Nazi sympathizers, it seems.

Witness the killing and harassment and abuse of so many immigrants, asylum seekers and people of colour in Europe and the United States. It is a poison affecting the police day by day, a dangerous trend of what has yet to come. The police brutality is inciting protests and demonstrations themselves. Witness the Black Lives Matter movement, demonstrations in Belarus, Lebanon, Tunisia and many more.

Complacency, ignorance, apathy, indifference and tolerance that give consent and support for such racism is participating in the politics of racism, hatred and violence. We should not be surprised that the US Capitol was attacked by these Neo-Nazi groups trying to overthrow the democratic process egged on by President Trump and blaming the progressive groups for its ransacking and desecration. It smacks of Hitler-like dirty tricks in burning the Bundestag.

The reluctance of the Republican members of the US Senate to convict Trump for this blatant attack on the Capitol, the heart of democratic processes, is shocking and disgusting. They are in effect condoning this criminal action by the Trump mob. The Trump followers have to throw off the mesmerisation and worship of the Trump cult and admit they have been duped and lied to and reject all that hatred and racism that Trumpism promotes and encourages. They must resist and break free from the manipulation by social media. Freedom from racism and hatred is the freedom to love our neighbour in peace and with understanding.

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[Blog] In Defense of Love and Humanity: Down with Racism, Sexism and all forms of Discrimination By Jose Mario De Vega

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In Defense of Love and Humanity: Down with Racism, Sexism and all forms of Discrimination
By Jose Mario De Vega

I am writing to highlight two seemingly apparent different stories which in my view in a closer introspection are connected by the same cause of love and humanity.

Mario De Vega

The first one is with regard to the racist, discriminatory and utterly preposterous comments of a certain Divina DeDiva with regard to her unjust and undeniably distasteful attack on Megan Young, the recently crowned Ms. World.

As reported by PDI’s Bayani San Diego Jr., “Beauties take up cudgel for Megan Young”, October 2:

“On Sunday, a certain Facebook user (Devina DeDiva) criticized Young’s Miss World victory, dismissing the Philippines as a country of maids.

“The Facebook user said: “Miss Philippines is Miss World? What a joke? I didn’t know those maids have anything else in them. Hahaha.””

Immediately, Filipinos rushed to the defense of their local beauty. Here’s what a fellow Beauty Queen, Precious Lara Quigaman, former Miss International 2005 said:

“We should just dismiss her and not give her the fame that she craves.” Thereupon, she also lavishly praised the sacrifices and contribution to the country of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs):

“We are a country of beautiful, smart and loving maids, nurses, teachers, doctors and beauty queens… No one can take that away from us.”

It is also heartening to see that a “self confessed Pinoy-at-heart, British native Malcolm Conlan could not help but defend his Filipino family and friends against this Facebook basher. The 42-year old Conlan is married to a Filipina and runs a small UK-based charity that provides books to poor Filipino communities around Batangas and Laguna.”

Here’s Mr. Nolan’s letter in full:

Dear Ma’am

Please look around you and wake up. Who do you see working in hospitals in your country as nurses, health care assistants, pilots, drivers, working in banks, customer service, restaurants, shops etc? Filipinos.

Exactly the same kind of jobs that everyone is employed in, oh and yes even in houses as house helpers and nannies. Yes Filipino’s. The Philippines has always been a big exporter of labour overseas and what’s wrong with that?

Filipinos work in all kinds of industries, I can say one thing, they all want to work hard to support their families and do not enjoy claiming benefits or help from the Government. They do the noble thing and work very for a living, contributing to taxes and the Economy. I hate the word ‘maid’ it’s old fashioned and not necessary, but actually ‘maid’ as you call it, yes many Filipino’s do work as domestic helpers in the Middle East as well as across the world, they do so to help their families and their country.

They should all be very proud. I am married to a Filipina and we have two wonderful children who are also Filipino. I am honoured and consider myself very privileged indeed to be part of a British/Filipino family

Finally don’t know what your issue is with the winner of Miss World is?

Megan Young is Filipino, she is also very proud, as I am sure many millions of Filipino’s are across the entire world, so before you really do upset many millions, please think very carefully and apologise. Thanks so much.

MALCOLM CONLAN

Though I am happy that people are united in condemning this undeniable racist and discriminatory comment of an undeniably sick creature, bastard bigot and pathetic freak, this event also made me a bit sad.

I am sad to think that at these modern times, still some fiendish and detestable individuals are still practicing racism and discrimination!

Needless to state, I join the world in condemning the unjust, unfair and indisputably barbaric comment of that bloody idiota. She does not deserve to live in a civilized society, because she is not a human being, but a mere human form in an animalistic character! Shame on her!

It is my view that Ms. Megan Young won the said competition not because of her nationality or her beauty alone. She got the nod and approval of the judges by virtue of her wit, intelligence and true, natural beauty.

This is what she said, which in my view bag the bacon, so to speak:

“I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides her into understanding people, why they act the way they do, how they’re living their lives. And I will use these core values and understanding not only in helping others but to show other people how they can understand others, to help others.… So that as one, together, we shall help society. Thank you!”

Indeed, she is beauty and brains in one…

As I’ve stated in my own FaceBook account dated, September 30th:

I don’t care whether she is a Filipina or an American or both, in my view, what is more important is the fact that she personifies both beauty and brains! In the end, what defines her is not her nationality but her Humanity! Mabuhay ka, Bb. Young! Yehey! Yabaduwap to the max!!!! 🙂

Moving on to the next issue, this refers to the moving letter of an unnamed grandfather who heavily criticized her own daughter because the latter has booted out of the house her own son when he revealed that he is gay.

Here’s what that great grandfather stated:

“Kicking Chad out of your home simply because he told you he was gay is the real “abomination” here. A parent disowning her child is what goes “against nature”. The only intelligent thing I head you saying in all this was that “you didn’t raise your son to be gay.” Of course you didn’t. He was born this way and didn’t choose it anymore than he being left-handed… If you find your heart, give us a call.”

While the first issue that I’ve tackled deals with racism and discrimination, this one deals with sexism and discrimination.

I was so moved by the letter of that grandfather and he has shown the world that his duty as a father to his daughter does not end, even if the same has already have her own family.

That kind and great grandfather has also shown us all that his duty is not only for her child, but extends to that of the child of his child.

The grandfather is blasting his own daughter has shown that he will not stop in his duty as a father and he will continue correcting her daughter, no matter what.

I like it most when grandpa stated in no uncertain terms that: “I am disappointed with you as a daughter.”

This single line alone has restored my faith in humanity and made me respect more said old man.
In the same letter he also defended the status or situation of his grandson to his daughter:

“The only intelligent thing I head you saying in all this was that “you didn’t raise your son to be gay.” Of course you didn’t. He was born this way and didn’t choose it anymore than he being left-handed”.

Clearly the old man is saying that it is not the fault of Chad that he is now what he is now and the duty of his parent is not to abandon or discriminate or curse or kick him out, bit to accept and respect him for what he is.

As grandpa categorically stated: “A parent disowning her child is what goes “against nature””.

Of course, even if the old man is disappointed with her daughter, still the love is there and the hope that her daughter will apologize to the family and do the right thing.

That is why the letter ended in an admonishment:

“If you find your heart, give us a call.”

In relation to that racist and discriminative creature, Devina DeDiva:

Ms. Idiota: if ever you find your reason, love and humanity, do apologize not only to the Filipinos but to the whole people of the world that were offended and hurt by your backwardness, ignorance, idiocy, arrogance, racism and discrimination!

It is only in doing so that you will restore your humanity and self-respect!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
College of Arts and Letters
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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[Blog] China acting not only as a dirty dog, but as a lousy bully and a racist freak by Jose Mario De Vega

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China acting not only as a dirty dog, but as a lousy bully and a racist freak
by Jose Mario De Vega

Mario De VegaToday [Feb 28], the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that a restaurant at the historic tourist city of Houhai in Beijing put up a sign which says: “This shop does not receive The Japanese, The Philippines, The Vietnamese and dog.”

This is palpably racism in its worst kind and discrimination of the lowest order! SHAME!

I concur with the statement of condemnation issued by Professor Walden Bello that “the blatant display of racism shown by a Beijing restaurant which posted a sign prohibiting Filipinos, Japanese, Vietnamese and dogs from entering their premises” clearly exemplify China’s disregard to the basic sense of decency and humanity.

Bello added that:

Obviously, this act is in the context of the current territorial disputes between the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam on the one hand and China on the other. It is deeply saddening that this kind of discriminatory and racist practice still exists in this day and age…

That this bully is capable of carrying-out this outrageous act is beyond comprehension.

I also agree with Vietnam’s state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper which ran a story saying the sign had “ignited online fury”. Indeed, they are correct in their claim that many Vietnamese feel this is another example of Chinese “extreme nationalism that deserves to be condemned”.

“It’s not patriotism, it’s stupid extremism,” Sy Van wrote in Vietnamese in a comment under the story, published on the paper’s website.

I join the Vietnamese, the Japanese and all people of the world who are against all forms of racism, bigotry and discrimination in condemning to the strongest possible degree these latest antics of the bloody bastard Chinese bullies, especially that idiotic bigot restaurant owner!

Just to register their stupid and flimsy point; they are not ashamed to stoop to this uncivilized and utterly barbaric level.

If the Chinese authorities has nothing to do with this ridiculous act, then the right thing to do for the government is to order that bigot and stupid restaurant owner to tear down his discriminatory and racist signage.

The whole world knows that China is “currently in border disputes with Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.”

The international community had heavily criticized China for practicing “gunboat diplomacy” for aggressively asserting its claims on islands and waters even without effective control of them, base on their preposterous and laughable assertion that they owned those islands and waters by virtue of the fact that the name of the sea wherein those territories are located is name after their country.

That would be the height of absurdity and the glorification of stupidity!

Recently, “the Philippine government has pushed for a legal and peaceful process for deciding the dispute by submitting it to the processes of an international arbitral tribunal in accordance with international law”.

The case is already before the international court, hence it is but proper for this bully to observe this convention and cease from its insidious and persistent provocative remarks!

I am writing this line, not as enemy of the Chinese people, but an ardent critic of the Chinese government, especially their warmonger military.

I certainly believe that the majority of the Chinese people do not agree with that idiotic restaurant owner and even to the way their government handles the whole issue of the dispute with regard to the South China Sea; the great problem of humanity as of the people is: political leaders of China and their military hawks and bullies.

The whole world and the rest of the international community must come together as one to tell China in its collective and firm voice that: it cannot do everything that it please.

We must all act now to contain this bully, before it is too late!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Institute of Arts and Sciences
Department of Humanities, Literature and Philosophy
Far Eastern University

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