Channel S host hate comments, apology and social implications
Racially motivated hate speech should be taken seriously. Any statement made by anyone in society that is intended to insult, demean, intimidate, create anger or incite violence against someone based on religion, ethnicity, race, gender, country origin or regional identity or in any other way it is dangerous and harmful. should be cause for serious concern. Anti-religious prejudice, the malicious intent to dehumanize others is not only illegal but can create great social unrest and even violence. Such an act must be avoided by anyone and as such must be condemned by society without reservations or personal interests. This is not just an insult to the victim, individual, group or community, but to the whole of society and humanity.
This has recently happened in the Bangladeshi community in the UK. Channel S TV host and founder of the same channel, Mahee Ferdous Jalil, made such inflammatory comments on the “COVID-19” program that it was broadcast live between 12 noon and 2:00 pm on the channel on 3 May 2020. The derogatory and highly offensive comments made have created a huge outcry amongst Hindu communities and others in the UK. It immediately went viral on various social media channels and people expressed their disapproval. Local political and community leaders were informed. Multiple petitions have been launched and a serious community movement has been launched against this hate crime. The local Mayor and Member of Parliament issued a series of official statements, with both John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Rushanara Ali issuing strong condemnations of the racist comments about Hindus, stating that the comments were shameful and derogatory. Biggs demands an unqualified apology, further stating that such “religious disrespect and prejudice” have no place in the community. Tower Hamlets has the highest Bangladeshi population in the UK and has become the largest ethnic group with over 81,000 (according to the latest census) making up 32% of the population.
What did Mr Jalil say? (The show was broadcast in Bengali; the key message is translated into English below.)
“The Muslims who came to the UK from Bangladesh have inherited the low, impure and heinous blood of the Hindus causing problems in the community. Due to the blood inherited from the Hindus, the Muslim merchants cheat their customers—-” .
We live in a free society where freedom of expression is well protected and respected. Everyone’s ability to express their individual views is always respected and should not be threatened. Article 10 9 Equality and Human Rights Commission in the United Kingdom) focuses on freedom of expression that protects the individual right to have their personal opinion and express it freely without fear or interference from government or regulatory bodies. However, if the personal opinions encourage religious or racial hatred or are dehumanizing or derogatory, in which case the authorities may restrict that freedom of expression and such comments or opinions may be considered illegal. Free debate, good deeds, and convincing arguments are important in countering hate. Civil society, society at large, and governments must condemn hate, or anything that might foster hate, and set the right example by bringing to justice those behind such conduct. There is certainly no place in this world for hateful and mendacious comments that have in their hearts prejudices or twisted notions of those who may be different or hold different beliefs.
Mr Jalil finally apologized. Channel S also issued an official statement of unqualified apology on May 9 and apologized for the comment the TV host made that may have caused distress. There was no “may” about it, the comments were deeply offensive and have hurt and alarmed many people.
Is the apology enough to heal the community? Was the apology made in the most effective and sincere way?
It is not enough to convey apologies or apologize. As sometimes some apologies are not sincere; and they are often motivated by ulterior motives, such as fear of public censure or loss of business. It stands to reason that people won’t forgive someone until they receive an apology, and that should be without reservation and with remorse. The inability to convey an apology correctly when it is legitimate indicates the dysfunctional life of an individual. A proper apology is paramount to healing the emotional and physical well-being of the victim. The correct apology has great power to transform both the person who made the intentional or unintentional comments that hurt, demean or anger others. However, such an apology must come with sincerity and remorse. Some legitimately wonder if Mr. Jalil’s apology was said with genuine regret. An apology such as gratitude, appreciation or kindness has a profound impact on an individual and society and can transform the world if done in the right way, at the right time and in the right place. An effective apology validates that the person realized that a wrongful act has been committed for which he has shown regret or remorse for it and the person agrees not to commit the same wrongful act in the future and offers reparations. Realization, remorse, restoration, and asking for forgiveness are some of the key elements of an unqualified apology and seeking forgiveness.
It is sad to note that the community does not always work together. People have different agendas and individual interests. Therefore, many of these crimes never get the correct justice and punishment, and therefore as a society we do not get the best outcome. I’m sure in time this too will be considered yesterday’s news and people will forget about it. The community became fragmented and divided, and unfortunately sometimes put profit before principle. Unfortunately, those who want to ensure that issues are properly resolved often see issues outdone by others pursuing their own interests. Unfortunately, as a consequence, society is the loser.
Why can’t society be united by a common goal?
It reminds me of the following quote: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Mark 8.36)
This quote helped us review the world social order and the attitude of humans. I am compelled to recall a truth highlighted in Gandhi’s observation: “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not enough for every man’s greed.” We are living in a society of intoxication that is based on estimation, quantification of human beings. Wealth maximization is becoming the theory of normality, an accepted mantra. This has become the norm of society. In 1973, EF Schumacher published one of the world’s most influential books entitled “Small is Beautiful…”. He realized that if the current form of economic, technological and scientific specialization is not replaced by a simple form of economic system, then the world will face limitless and endless misery. Now we see the result of his prediction.
Society is too greedy. We all run after the maximization of profits and wealth. To do this, crime, dishonesty, bribery, multiple dishonest and unethical relationships, forgery, fabrication, unethical acts are acceptable standards. We do not want to ask, we are all here to enjoy ourselves, increase our pleasure, increase the status and attention of others. This is the degradation of human values and morality. The loss of the soul is the loss of peace and happiness. If we lose it, we accept the misery of what is happening now in our society. If we neglect our soul, loss is inevitable.
an evil is an evil
If there is a lesson that we should all learn from this most unhappy episode, it is that we cannot be sectarian about serious errors and injustices. An evil is an evil regardless of who comes. If we choose to remain silent about it, there is always the danger of giving the impression of our tacit approval. We need to speak out, if necessary, to censure members of our own community, because like a child, if we never tell them when they’ve done something wrong, how are they going to learn? It is essential that we use moderate language and that we are measured in our approach. A person can express their pain, displeasure or even anger, without resorting to threats and abuse. Each of us should strive to conduct ourselves with dignity and mutual respect. Defamatory, slanderous, or grossly offensive comments warrant quick and decisive action. We all have to work hard for a kinder and more respectful world.
Dr PR Datta FCIM, FCMI
May 11, 2020