5/05/2022

Hari Raya Greetings - Issues of sensitivity can be very unpredictable

 


On Twitter, activist Lim Jialiang wrote that the picture shows “how these photo ops reduce Singapore minorities to mere props during their own festive celebrations as a shallow, ritualised adherence to the CMIO (Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others) model.”

Some wondered why the scarecrow was included in the greeting, and expressed dismay at what this seemed to imply.





Above are posted in theindependent.sg. The issue is a photo of Chok Tong and his wife and a scarecrow, meant to be a festive greeting to the Malay brothers during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Some felt that this is insensitive and asked him to take it down.

The moral of the story is that in our multiracial society, it pays to be extra careful, especially when one is a political figure or national leader or ex leader, or even a blogger. Everyone looks at things from their own perspective and that can be very different from yours, and what you think is funny or nice, may not be funny or nice at all. That is also a reason why when I post a joke or satire, I must state it clearly that it is a joke or a satire. Some people may take things too seriously and a joke can become an offensive matter.

In this case the intent may be innocent and meant well, but how it is received is another thing.

I can empathise with those that found this regrettable.

PS. “I am dismayed that some have misinterpreted the post as portraying Malays/Muslims as ‘scarecrows’. This is far from my mind,” said Mr Goh. CNA

12 comments:

  1. Here's Russian sense of humour:

    Ze to Macron: I want to see Putin in jail.
    Macron: it is impossible, he is not going to be visiting you there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Irrespective of what is/has been in your mind, readers will read it differently.

    So, therefore, be extra careful on what you have posted, especially so if you have been an ex-Prime Minister, because there is no excuse for you to have made such a regretful mistake!

    Don't need to try to explain after the event has been overtaken. This is very regrettably regretful!

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  3. Erh, which is the scarecrow? Or which one is more scary with fantastic long tales. Remember Goal 2010? Or Swiss standard of living? Or upgrading will increase the value of your HDB flats at 99 years old? Or earning less that S$500,000 is mediocre? What about earning S$50,000 a month and brushing aside that as peanuts? Wonder which is more scary?

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    Replies
    1. Scarecrow with scarehumans. That should clarify and put pic in perpective.

      Delete
    2. Pls give woody some slack. He is aged now may be a bit of dementia. So do forgive him

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  4. Aiyoh..at this age still politically fumbling..headshake.

    So without LYK's guidance, MIW is like a bull in china shop..if Mr Wang Yi retires from his post, we should consider hiring him as Special Mentor Consultant for Minsters.
    Ha ha ha ..my bad!!

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  5. “I am dismayed that some have misinterpreted the post as portraying Malays/Muslims as ‘scarecrows’. This is far from my mind,” said Mr Goh. CNA

    Dismayed that what he really thinks and feels has been inadvertently exposed and on full display?

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  6. No news is good news ? The former Millionister n his Mrs Peanut shld have worn Malay dresses to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa with our Malay/Muslim community. I m sure they can afford to buy the attire in Geylang Serai, right ? Y, instead, trying to scare everyone during a religious celebration with a "dead statue" ??? Shld have just post a simple greeting instead of rocking the boat !

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  7. It is greatly regrettable that all the Sin Leeders ate leaving behind long lasting stenches in their posterities in history.
    They are big disappointment and shame.


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  8. The big question is:

    WHY ROCK THE BOAT?

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  9. Portrayal of Malays/Muslims as "scarecrows" maybe "far from your mind" but what exactly was in your "mind"?

    "I am dismayed that some have misinterpreted the post as portraying Malays/Muslims as ‘scarecrows’. This is far from my mind,” said Mr Goh. CNA

    Maybe it was worse? You could have depicted them as a group of people who scare away all the "crows" or any unwanted animals?

    Hari-Raya is a very auspicious occasion, without any doubt. Why, as an ex-PM of Singapore, must you put up such an unsavoury and uncalled for picture to include in your "post"?

    Why can't you simply put a picture of yourself and wife and wish all Malays and Muslims a Happy Hari-Raya like every other people before you?

    Is it because you want to be special? Because you want to stand out, to be more special than the present Prime Minister?

    Please remember that age does not give you the privilege to be "fumbling" here and there. In fact, age should give you the wisdom instead.


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  10. Backside itchy. The moment he opens his mouth or do something, it seems a certainty that it will backfire somehow. Better he kept his trap shut and retire quietly into the sunset. No one is going to miss him anyway.

    ReplyDelete