Different Worlds

I grew up with this staple diet of the TV series, Different World, (1987- 1993) It was a spin-off from the Cosby Show, one of my favourites. What struck me was the world that it introduced me to; the world of the blacks in America. And it subtly promoted the virtues of higher education to the African American youths at a time when the many blacks were being plagued by problems like unplanned pregnancy, date rape, racial discrimination, AIDS and gang life.

Different worlds... the world's of the whites and the blacks. That struck me then. Two different worlds!

I think my children's world is an insulated world. Insulated from the 'lack-of-needs'. I'd say theirs is a world of more-than-enough. Remember Silver Spoons? But my son might argue and say that his friends get 'this' and 'that' which he doesn't get and because of that he leads a deprived life. 'This' and 'that' refers to high-end mobiles, cars and more $$$ which is the very reason why I think theirs is an insulated world. The lack of deprivation contributes to some form of depravity?

Enter the world of where 'life-is-a-constant-struggle-because-that's-my-fate (takdir). This is a world where you are resigned to your lot in life. A possible scene. A family of 5 - mom is a housewife but occasionally takes on some jobs. Dad is a labourer who drifts in and out of jobs. Eldest kid is 25 but didn't even complete his Form 3. Married at 19 with 2 kids, he's now selling handphones. His wife doesn't work. He is trying to make ends meet and finding it tough. Rarely does he give his family any financial support.

2nd kid is a daughter is 22 and she dropped out earlier because of a boyfriend. She got married at 16 after finding out she's pregnant. She is now divorced and living with her parents with her daughter. Third kid is another daugther. She is 18. She dropped out of school for a while when she was in Form 4 to work to help ends meet. But she's a bright girl. She did okay for her Form 5. For a kid like this, there is no other option except to continue to Form 6. So she pleaded with her family to allow her to study. They let her with a heavy heart for the 'loss' of her income is really felt. But soon the parents pressure her to stop. They tell her, this is your lot in life. This is your fate. You can't change your fate. Just accept it. Quit school and go to work. Don't have all these lofty ideas in your head about studying. It's not going to change your fate.

The above is fictitious but written with encounters in real life that I've had over the years. You'd think in Malaysia which is becoming more kiasu by the day, everyone would at least understand that an education creates a path for more opportunities. But sadly, in such worlds where fate rules, it's hard to get yourself out of your world into the other worlds. Every step you take to get yourself out of that vicious cycle is mired with obstacles. Fate becomes the excuse for everything, encouraged by ignorance!

Different worlds - my children's and those who think fate put them in theirs.