Singapore — In the age of cancel culture, it pays to think twice, or maybe even more times, before posting anything. This is a lesson a ‘social media person’ named Wendy Tong may be learning all too well right now, after a video showing three women dancing to a Hindu prayer song for a clothing store’s Deepavali sale went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Sigh…
The fact that this is from a Hindu prayer song makes it even more offensive.
When will these people learn? pic.twitter.com/ovIkr85d7F
— Wake Up Singapore (@wakeupsg) November 7, 2021
The video, shared on Instagram by Ms Tong on Nov 7, shows three Chinese women dancing to the prayer song, using hand and head motions that look to be copied, or even mock, Indian dances. The women, though dancing awkwardly, seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Adding insult to injury, it’s an advertisement for a sale, and Ms Tong praises the way it was done. Words over the dancing women’s heads say “There are so many livestreams around. This one really stands out from the crowd. Friendly hosts. Good products. Entertainment. What are you doing to stand out among your competitors.”
Understandably, the video was widely criticised online.
“Sigh…
The fact that this is from a Hindu prayer song makes it even more offensive.
When will these people learn?,” wrote Wake Up, Singapore.
Ms Tong apologised for the video in an Instagram post on Sunday (Nov 8), with a pink “I’m sorry” graphic that curiously only has one quotation mark.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for what I have posted on my Instagram yesterday.
I am insensitive and did not understand the culture well before using it as an example.”
Ms Tong calls herself a “social media person,” and her IG biography reads that she helps “startups build online presence and stand out from the sea of sameness.”
She added that she shared content that catches her eye, and that “it was not with any intention to mock or insult any religion.”
Moreover, she thanked those who pointed out her mistake, as this allowed her “to reflect on my action.”
She ended her apology post by writing, “Because of you, I have learnt to be more careful and sensitive in the future.
Once again, I’m truly sorry.”
Some commenters on her post pointed out that this is nothing new.
Others pointed out the importance of cultural sensitivity since she works in social media.
Some netizens, however, accepted her apology.
Ms Tong’s video comes on the heels of F45 fitness studio posting a racially insensitive video of two women shaking their heads side to side, while saying “Happy Deepavali.” It also drew the ire of netizens. /TISG