http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-sg&vid=66e6daa6-e0c7-405c-9fbc-ba002d76a0c5&tab=g1245981235426
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-sg&vid=66e6daa6-e0c7-405c-9fbc-ba002d76a0c5&tab=g1245981235426
This week, I have decided to choose a local article about the much debated topic of town recently - the case on Ris Low, former Miss Singapore World. I have indicated the link of both the video and the article of her explanation for the words she had said that has, again sparked displeasure among Singaporeans and netizens.
Throughout the whole episode, I think it is quite clear about the few things that resulted in critics' conviction of ensuring that she pulls out of the competition and face her punishment. One, her bad pronunciation and diction in speaking the English language. Two, her credit card fraud episode which she has failed to admit to and instead, went ahead with the pageant. Personally, my perception is deeply entrenched in the mindset of practicality and propriety. In the Singapore context, or rather, in other parts of the world as well, crime is highly intolerable, except to varying extents. In our country, due to the harsh laws and good security, crime rates are relatively lower than in other countries. It is very hard for us to accept crime as a mistake that can still enable the criminal to live on after serving his sentence. I guess for most of us, this would demean punishment and encourage the tendency to involve in crime. To us, crime should ensue a lifetime of punishment and guilt. This, I maintain, is a good collectivist culture because we simply cannot live in a world where everybody's integrity is questioned and our safety is not ensured. The collectivist culture holds that social norms and duties are defined by the group rather than for self pleasure. Indeed, can you imagine if issues of crime are not influenced by collectivist mindset? Wouldn't many individuals be wanting to commit a certain crime for self pleasure since it is socially tolerable anyway? They would be thinking, let me just try it once as an experience. Will there be justice anymore in this world? You might very well get injured or killed, yet have to admit that it is merely pure fate. Therefore, I strongly believe that while a collectivist culture may erode our personal identities and even leaves us feeling stifled by societal norms and obligations, certain social beliefs are not there without a good reason.
In the case of Ris Low, the reason why netizens are so ready to slam her down for her actions is a classic example of a collectivist culture. Yet amongst the many people whom were interviewed about their takes on this matter, a few individuals actually did stood up for her, saying that she should be given a chance since she has already admitted her mistake, and some even mentioned the yellow ribbon project. This other school of thoughts would not have surface if the yellow ribbon project had not been launched. This goes to show how culture is dynamic, and how a collectivist society can breed mutual sympathy to some extent. It also shows that when certain norms are changed in this collectivist society, everybody's mindset starts to change too, albeit only after a period of time.
Indeed, a collectivist culture most of the time is highly interdependent and eternally ready to be influenced by others. This, is the kind of culture we live in, Singapore.
I fully agree that individuals should be held accountable for their actions. Since Ris Low had finally taken the initiative to back down from her title, I personally believe that society should give her a break by halting their criticisms.Afterall, no one is perfect.Since she is willing to repent for her mistakes, it's time that society gives her a chance too.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the fact that society is quick to judge her for her shortcomings. But looking on the other hand, don't you think that Ris is also banking on her 3 minutes fame as much as she "may not like' it? Just look at her recent news regarding her lessons with Prof Seet and the whole Speak Good English saga? I might have symphatised with her previously, but not so now.
ReplyDeleteour asian values, coupled with a collectivist culture, exaggerated this saga.
ReplyDeletei think, given the fact that ris low does indeed holds a criminal record, both a collectivist or individualist society will still be appalled by her behaviour to try to keep this under wraps.
however, the individualist society will probably give her another chance to enter the finals of the beauty pageant. comparatively, asian values consider this an erosion of personality and pride. and within this collectivist culture, will strongly reject her persistence in joining the pageant as a contestant, and more importantly, a representation of singapore.
i understand and agree that it is important to possess verbal skills and at least a moderate command on english, since english has been our national langauge.
therefore, if ris low is not getting another chance just because of her criminal record, i would feel injustified for her. however, if it is only after analysing her basket of attributes that singaporeans generally find that she is not suited for the job, then i would think that it is a right choice.
I didn't like how Ris handled the aftermath where she went to the media and accused another contestant of back stabbing her. She even showed the media of the recording of the conversation Ris had with her. That was an awful tactic pulled.
ReplyDeleteIf Ris was truly repent and was sorry, would she still do such a thing?
Firstly, I think she's not pretty at all. So the pageant thing is totally off.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, she's really fake.
When the interviewer asked her whether she feels like she's the role model of teenages around her age, she said yes, because she dare to admit her mistakes. But didn't she failed to admit the fraud and went ahead with the pageant thing at first? So to what extend does she feel so? Denying the fact, and then admiting it after the "whole world" knows? She's totally a bullshit.
lynn`