A comparative study of the race relations in Lloyd Fernando`s green is the colour and Yasmin Ahmad`s "Sepet"

Abstract

This study compares the treatment of race relations between the Malays and Chinese in Malaysia through discussions made of a selected novel and movie. The novel is by Lloyd Fernando Green is the Colour while the film is “Sepet” by Yasmin Ahmad. To lend further credence comparisons are made to examine if there are similarities and/or differences between what is portrayed in the written world (novel) and that in the visual world (movie) where race relations is concerned. The study also seeks to decipher perceptions of race relations by two writers of different gender. Issues relating to gender difference are also employed in an attempt to reinterpret literature from various perspectives regarding the issue of race relations. This comparative study is important to pave a new way of communicating and exploring cultural significance of race relations. The study provides some form of conclusion on Malay-Chinese race relations in Malaysia as portrayed by Fernando’s Green is the Colour and Yasmin Ahmad’s “Sepet”. It is significant in the sense that not only does it attempt to explore this crucial subject in a new manner but also it brings in two different genres to enhance a better understanding of Malaysia as a multiracial nation.