LETTER | CNN host Don Lemon says that there are two viruses killing Americans, ‘Covid-19 and racism’. Racism is not only a problem in the US but rather a global one. 

For example, former Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha Katie James (above) recently made appalling comments in regard to the current 'Black Lives Matter' protests happening in the US.

James is a public figure and allowing her to say such offensive remarks on her large audience-based platform is only going to perpetuate racists and validate their motives. If you have never walked the shoes of a black person, an Indian, a Chinese, or a Rohingyan, it is not in your place to tell them how to react or to belittle their anger and invalidate their feelings.

If you are a public figure, it is your responsibility to promote kindness, tolerance, and empathy. The way to do this is to educate yourself on the struggles of being a person of colour in this world, rather than carelessly assume that their struggles are manageable if they just ‘relax’ and take it as a ‘challenge’. 

Once you have educated yourself, it is important to fact check your findings by reaching out to knowledgeable people in the field. In this stage, you will be surprised to find yourself fuming with anger at the injustice that takes place in the world. Lastly, you must educate your followers and play your part in the war against racism.

It is important to note that even if you are not a public figure, you can also play a part in the war against racism. Change starts from within your own home. If you notice any racial encounter, speak up. Desmond Tutu said, “If you are silent in the face of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.