Racial ill-will<\/p>\n
I think it is important for Indonesia to understand how and
\nwhy the appalling riots of mid-May came to pass. And an informed
\ndebate on the subject is welcome. Masli Arman's contribution,
\nEthnic Chinese at fault for riots, July 30, however, is most
\nunwelcome, as it is a distorted and incoherent effusion that
\noffers nothing but a window into the prejudiced and chaotic mind
\nof the author.<\/p>\n
It is hard to know where to start in refuting Mr. Arman's
\narticle, such is its rambling and disjointed nature. Broadly,
\nthough, Mr. Arman blamed the riots on Chinese arrogance, and
\ntrotted out three or four and isolated examples of discord
\nbetween Chinese-Indonesians and indigenous Indonesians which had
\nled to violence. It is true that such incidents may have
\ntriggered mass violence. But Mr. Arman ups the ante to a
\ndangerous level when he suggests that this makes the riots the
\nfault of the Chinese. This is akin to blaming rape on women who
\nwear mini skirts. Even more sinister, though, is the implication
\nthat the widespread atrocities committed against the Chinese are
\na reasonable response to the isolated abuses and insults he
\ncites.<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post should not have given such prominence to Mr.
\nArman's detestable views. The article contributed nothing to a
\nbetter understanding of a complex issue, and served only to
\nheighten racial ill-will. I hope that the Post will show better
\njudgment in future.<\/p>\n
RODERICK BRAZIER<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/racial-ill-will-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }