Former US Vice President Hubert Humphrey is credited as saying that "the greatest healing therapy is friendship and love", and this perhaps highlights the relationship of surprise 'bro-friends' comedian Nazeem Hussain and right-wing Macquarie Media broadcaster Steve Price.
After Hussain's elimination from Network Ten's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! this week, the 30 year-old reflected on how the pair's rapport helped them both cultivate a new respect for the other's cultural group.
"The most important thing I learned was that people who don't share the same ideological views as you, but have the same aspirations, are to be respected," Hussain told Fairfax Media.
"Steve is the kind of person I wanted to hate. But once you end up meeting Steve, you end up liking him a lot."
The comedian stated that they have a mutual love of their family, friends and country, Australia. These shared values helped to break down the racial barriers that may have existed prior to the show, while building two-way respect.
"His conservatism was challenged in the camp and I hope with the various platforms he has, he may continue to appreciate other people's experiences," Hussain said about Price.
"That's something I have to do as well."
Who would have thought that a reality television show like I'm A Celeb had the capacity to help break down stereotypes by promoting a little understanding?
Despite having joined the program to help raise money for charity, the comedian became an advocate of tolerance after his speech about his sister's experience during the Lindt cafe siege went viral.
"I didn't go into the jungle wanting to change people's minds about anything," Hussain said.
"But when you live with people [with different views], you have to learn to respect the views of people you don't necessarily agree with - I hope other people were able to appreciate my view."
"That actually made me cry when it happened" @nazeem_hussain opens up about the effect of #illridewithyou ❤️ #ImACelebrityAU #JungleRadio pic.twitter.com/SV328N52d1 — #ImACelebrityAU (@ImACelebrityAU) February 20, 2017
Want to know more about how to alter a person's view of culture and race using science? Watch The Truth About Racism online via SBS On Demand here.
