SINGAPORE: Singaporeans online denounced a netizen’s disparaging remarks about the appearance of Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight attendants. The controversy ignited when Facebook user Rey Syafirah posted a complaint in the popular “Complaint Singapore” group, criticizing the looks of SIA crew members.
Facebook user Rey Syafirah wrote, in a post on the Complaint Singapore group: “I just come back from Thailand, I noticed most of our SQ girls are foreign! They don’t look as pretty as they used to anymore.”
While some commented on the post with quips in a similarly derogatory vein, a number of Singaporeans excoriated the netizen for his regressive view.
Many Singaporeans, men and women alike, took to the comments to call the netizen out for the comment that was perceived as both sexist and xenophobic. Facebook user Marvin Lo pointed out: ““Pretty” is subjective”.
Echoing this, Facebook user Exotics Godsmark wrote: “Beauty is subjective. Many women could agree with me if I too say you don’t look handsome yourself.”
Others urged the netizen to reflect on his own appearance before criticizing others. Diana Chung, also on Facebook, said: “”How pretty are you referring to? To look pretty/beautiful is in the eye of the beholder, if you don’t find that, than too bad lo. Those that don find another beautiful, actually got low self esteem and not that good looking. Just saying~~”
The focus of the netizen’s critique was also challenged by users who emphasized the professional capabilities of the flight attendants over their physical appearance. Facebook user Risha Isha remarked, “As long as they are well versed in executing their tasks and look presentable, all else doesn’t matter. If you’re looking for eye candies, try going to fashion walk shows or join the pageant yourself.”
Another commenter, Paul Liew, added to the chorus of dissent, pointing out,: “You think it’s a beauty contest ah..most important is they are well trained to look after the passengers and handle emergencies.”
The incident highlights the broader societal pushback against superficial and discriminatory standards, particularly in professional settings. The Singaporeans who criticised the comment have made it clear that professionalism and competence should take precedence over subjective notions of beauty.
TISG/