LETTERS: SINCE the publication of Edward Said's seminal book, Orientalism, readers have had their eyes opened to how the West can control the narrative of major historic events.
With the rise of nationalism and secularism in formerly colonised countries, one thing that continues to haunt these countries is their tendency to follow Western narratives.
For example, after the Sept 11 attacks in the United States, Muslim academicians and leaders were scared to use the term "jihad". When some scholars used the term, they were labelled radicals.
Yet it is completely justified for the West to kill civilians, with terrorism often the main excuse. When civilians revolt against injustice, they are also labelled radicals.
Many civilians have been killed in Gaza with the excuse of eradicating Hamas fighters, who are deemed to be terrorists. Are we aware that we have meekly accepted the labelling of Hamas as a radical group?
People are now changing their minds as more and more distinguish between the occupier and the occupied. Israel has been an occupying power for more than seven decades.
University students in the US and elsewhere have realised the hypocritical narratives of Western political leaders.
These students, Jews among them, have chosen not to be silent as Israel commits atrocities against humanity in Gaza.
University students will be future leaders. They are learning about justice and they are striving to realise a future that is in line with humanitarian values.
MD MARUF HASSAN
International Islamic University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times