The reproduction and resistance of oppression in futuristic Malaysia: a Marxist reading of Zedeck Siew’s The White Mask / Raphael Thoo Yi Xian

Given the communal nature of human societies, deviations from established norms are often viewed with trepidation. Such norms include certain ways of thinking and behaving that are not only prevalent, but remain fairly stable through time. This creates an imbalance as those who belong in the majority would have a much greater influence on most aspects of life over those in the minority. While studies on the topic of oppression in postcolonial and modern literature abound, the focus has mostly been on a time period set in the past or the present. This study, on the other hand, examines oppression in a futuristic setting created by author Zedeck Siew in his short story – The White Mask. Analysed through a Marxist perspective, the main ideologies presented in the story were identified and discussed in terms of how they were reproduced and resisted by various characters. The depicted society believes that the law of nature as set by God should not be tampered with and that revered politicians should not be subject to criticism. Its members would often advise or admonish those who do not conform to these ideals, including the two protagonists who are a couple. Their relationship itself is a protest since they are both girls, albeit one of them being more masculine, and their works of art often reflect their dissatisfaction towards the establishment. Consequently, both of them are often discriminated. Overall, the text invites readers to consider the consequences of certain ideologies on the society, especially the minorities.