CEKU Editorials

Ever since civilisations started establishing themselves on the planet, inequality, a phenomenon of unequal distributions of wealth, could be seen manifesting within these societies. In the early stages of civilisation, it is seen as who had more land, more livestock, and more of something, as it indicates that they had more “assets” than the other. However, these “assets” were not quantifiable as economic systems were not developed enough to quantify the value of these goods. As such, it was challenging to measure inequality.

As we browse through our favourite online shopping websites, a notification suddenly pops up, informing us our favourite brand has just released its latest collection. Suddenly, we feel a rush of endorphins and dopamine signalling through our brains as we imagine ourselves wearing these clothes, blindsided by the price tags. For a moment, we take a step back, telling ourselves not to give in. However, our desires soon take over as one item multiplies into two. Within 15 minutes of retail therapy, our shopping cart consists of four pairs of ZARA jeans, 7 H&M blouses, and three pairs of Shein shoes. Although we feel a sense of pleasure, the environment might think otherwise. Whether we are aware or not, we have contributed to one of the biggest polluters on Earth.

Can religion heal and cleanse the body? Is it able to protect us from diseases that attack us? Could it challenge the results of modern healthcare? Faith healing has existed for a long time as a practice for people to receive spiritual and physical healing when faced with physical, mental, or spiritual compromisation. This form of healing typically manifests through religious prayers and rituals that aim to evoke some form of divine intervention.

As 6,932 ballots are flown back to our homeland of Malaysia, each one containing a voter's voice, the postal voters' drive in the United Kingdom and Ireland comes to a conclusion. The past few weeks have not been easy on any Malaysian student abroad, and Cheng Jie interviews a few who were in the thick of the action in this editorial. As we count down the hours to a new Malaysia, the youths can sigh in collective relief, knowing that we have made a difference by speaking out and exercising our democratic rights to vote in the 15th General Election. The rest is up to fate.

Try binge-watching romantic films and you’ll realise one thing most of the films have in common; the male lead will stumble upon a different, “not-like-other-girls” female lead who helps him realise another perspective in life and aids him in his character development. This trope is known as the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl”. As we go deeper into this seemingly positive trope, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl has its cons and its dangerous effects towards film audiences, especially young women.

How do we stand apart from the rest without losing our sense of belonging? How do we gain that sense of belonging without losing our sense of self? What is the role of authenticity in all this? What is authenticity in the first place?

With the rise of speedy information and awareness in this generation, people are becoming more vocal about human rights. However, there are opposing views with regards to progressing human rights laws in Malaysia, especially from older generations and leaders like Mahathir and Lee Kuan Yew. Believing that human rights would jeopardise the development of the community due to excessive freedom, it is seen as a form of Western imperialism in disguise and Asian countries like Malaysia should stick to Asian Values.

These days, the media is the main source of news and entertainment. With TV shows and video games being at peoples' fingertips, it is easy to become overexposed to content, including those of violent nature. As a result, violence - be it through the news, videos or pictures - is slowly being normalised, and people are gradually becoming numb.

There has been a lot of movement all over the world towards being more green and sustainable in the recent years. However, one could not help but wonder if we have made progress on being kind to mother earth or was it all just in the heat of the moment?

COVID-19 has finally met its match. 3 main life-changing vaccine discoveries have given the world a hope of life returning to normal, but how do these vaccines work to save the world from an impending doom?