AWARE’s intervention to ban Purple Light has been a double edge sword, including widespread criticisms.
Last week Women Rights organization AWARE had reported that a popular army song Purple Light has been banned after writing a letter to MINDEF. The matter was eventually clarified by MINDEF that the song has not been banned but the original lyrics have been restored.
The move was met with much positivity and support from a notable lot. However what was revolting was the flood of misogynistic and sexist comments against AWARE for interfering in the internal affairs of MINDEF. AWARE is a non-profit organization, a member of civil society who actively engages with the government. Since the 1980s, AWARE has published books, reports and held discussions with statutory bodies to elevate and strive for gender equality. In 2003 the restriction on female intakes in NUS’s medical faculty was lifted after AWARE made the efforts for it. Either the public is oblivious of AWARE’s long-term efforts to empower women or sexism is still deeply embedded in Singapore’s culture.
Some of the less denigrating comments were ‘it is just a song, men will not around raping’. This is a slippery slope which will lead to a cultural legitimization of rape. Rape jokes are not harmless. It offends any victim of rape or sexual assault. Rape was also used as an instrument of war in Bosnia by the Serbian army. It is perverse that some have conveniently trivialized rape and simply do not understand the power of normalization. Another point of contention was raised is that women do not serve national service. Thus men should have their own way even if it perpetuates sexism. Two years of compulsory national service and falling behind women and foreigners is a huge sacrifice. However it does not give them the prerogative to use the military as a breeding ground of misogyny and sexism. Women deserve to have equal rights, respect and dignity even though they do not do National Service.
This Purple Light saga has revealed much of our society’s mindset and deep-seated hatred for AWARE. AWARE had subsequently posted a less controversial article on the dangers of plastic surgery. Predictably it was condemned and mocked by the many. The response clearly shows that advocacy groups like AWARE have a long way to go in combating stereotypes and prevailing attitudes that undermine the efforts of women.
The list is not exhaustive. What should be exhaustive is society’s silence on crude misogyny and relentless chauvinism. Yes Singapore is not an institutional patriarchy. However the patriarchal mindset is still detrimental to both men and women. It has negative effects on society and makes no sense to future growth. Sexism and misogyny has no room in the modern century. Until we do not raise our voices and work towards correcting these myopic attitudes, social justice and equality will never be achieved.
Roshni Kapur
TRS Contributor