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i know this isn't worth my time nor my effort, but the term meleis is not to define the entire race of malays, but a subset of close-minded, bigoted group of people who use their race/beliefs to act superior. it is meant to be offensive, but only to a specific subset. (cont) https://twitter.com/aidi_ezzhar/status/1266268759708205057
what defines a racial slur?
and is the term 'meleis' considered as oppressive and demeaning as other slurs?
to answer the first question, a racial slur can be a nickname or name to demean a specific group of people BASED ON THEIR RACE, that historically comes from (cont)
and is the term 'meleis' considered as oppressive and demeaning as other slurs?
to answer the first question, a racial slur can be a nickname or name to demean a specific group of people BASED ON THEIR RACE, that historically comes from (cont)
a historical background of oppression (the N-word), a usually derogatory term by the major race to address a minor race (ch*nk, keling, etc). so does the term 'meleis' have any historical connotation steeped in racism/oppression? definitely not,knowing the status of malays (cont)
in malaysia since it came into independence. if anyone is not aware, malays/bumiputeras enjoy special rights in education and business and general welfare that sets them at a higher level of privilege as compared to other people in this country. the system benefits them the most.
disclaimer: i'm not here to fight the constitution or wtv, so save your racism to yourself; i respect the king and our constitution. just speaking facts.
now, to answer the second question, based on the evidence of special privilege and systemic benefit that the malay race holds, can they say that they're oppressed? definitely not, because it would be a blatant lie. but that is not the whole answer.
'meleis' cannot be used to define the entire malay race, because not all malays are racist, bigoted, sexist, homophobic, and et cetera. that would defeat the purpose, as this term is only meant to address those specific people (who sadly make up a big chunk of the malay race).
a similar term to 'meleis' can be rednecks or Karens. are all country people or white women with short hair racist and bigoted? nope, definitely not.
can you use the term 'Karen' on any random white woman? also no.
does the term 'melei' bring about oppression to malays? nope.
can you use the term 'Karen' on any random white woman? also no.
does the term 'melei' bring about oppression to malays? nope.
this term calls only malay people out for any racist and bigoted tendencies, which we have to admit is a problem in malaysia, especially since the malays are the majority, and by extension, have the loudest voices.
by contrast, any indian can be called a keling, and any black person can be called the N-word. the difference is that not only are these terms offensive, but fit the proper definition of a racial slur. do not say you're oppressed when you never had any experience of it.
this thread is not to justify any race-based name calling (which i will again reitarate, does not apply to meleis, based on the evidence), but merely to explain facts that people don't seem to understand (or have too much cognitive dissonance to do so).
also to my closest malay friends, y'all are amazing, please never change <3
last note: those who are mostly triggered about this term are the racists and bigots shshshshshs just like karens in the USA. we love parallels
