Hair for Hope creates a Scandal...
Hence, I've to resort to such a CREATIVE means to voice my opinion and share my views.
Yes, St. Margaret's Secondary School is my Alma Mater. I am CONFIDENT I have a right to speak up about this issue. All those people who are keyboard warriors, sitting behind a computer screen and typing all your heated arguments, who are mostly led by the biased media... Let me ask you a few questions. 1) ARE YOU PERFECT? 2) ARE YOU WORKING AS A PRINCIPAL? 3) DO YOU KNOW THE UNBIASED VERSION OF THE STORY?
1) ARE YOU PERFECT?
I'm sorry to burst your bubble and drag you out of your fantasy world. But no, none of you are perfect. All of us most probably committed an act of defiance during our teenage years and during other stages of our lives. So, WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE?
The bible says in John 8: 7 "... "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her.""
So, do some self-reflection while I go onto the next point...
2) ARE YOU WORKING AS A PRINCIPAL?
I am certain most of you will answer 'no' to this question. Well, I'm not sure about you, but I respect and sympathize with Principals of Schools. Well, they are pretty much sandwiched by the Ministry as well as parents with demanding requests and sometimes the media has to crash the 'party' by making them look as if they are Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Not very fun eh? If you're working as a principal and you're reading this, keep holding on. You are influencing our leaders of tomorrow so be cautious of your actions despite the annoying undercurrents that keep sweeping you away from your goal.
To the media: You know what? You guys are scandalous. I wonder how you sleep at night? St. Margaret's Secondary has been doing so many Charitable events over the years that have significantly contributed to society but you only choose the one charitable event that could give you guys an interesting story. The ONE charitable event that brought destruction to the St. Margaret's prestige. The ONE charitable event that became a nightmare. SHAME ON YOU! Trust me, St. Margaret's girls will not sit back and do nothing about it. In times like this we will UNITE & BLOW YOU AWAY!
3) DO YOU KNOW THE UNBIASED VERSION OF THE STORY?
Many a times, interviews are manipulated by the media so that society is made to perceive the situation in a certain way. I did the research for you. Based on the 6 or more news articles that covered this scandal, Only 1. I repeat. ONLY ONE article included that the students promised to wear wigs beforehand. It is found in the Channel News Asia article click here. Channel News Asia should be applauded for giving the full story. I quote the article that included interviews with the other 2 girls who shaved their heads but complied with the rules.
Pee Chloe said: "Why should we go back on our words when we already promised her that? Even if (you would get rashes if you wear wigs)...at least you must (show) an MC (medical certificate) before saying, we don't want to wear our wigs and stuff."
Sumiko Choo said: "The thing is, the principal already stated that if you are willing to do it (shave the head), you have to wear a wig. She stated it very clearly.
"But if you are not willing to wear a wig, you can do it after you graduate."
I have to point this out and it irks me a lot. I quote the article...
Mdm Chia said she is surprised this topic has gone viral online.
"I think I just wanted the girls to have the recognition they should have gotten instead of being reprimanded."
Aunty, with all due respect and I know you are very proud of what your daughter did and you want the whole of Singapore to know too... But since when was giving to Charity about "recognition"? Isn't it because you truly want to help the children with cancer? Well, if your daughter kept to what she agreed with the principal in the first place, she wouldn't have been reprimanded. Just putting it out there.
I CARE for the community and worry that our future leaders of Singapore are gonna be good-for-nothing due to negative influence the media is bringing & supporting. I'm truly disappointed with the mentality of my fellow Singaporeans. They take every opportunity they get to bring the government down.
There are some comments made on Yahoo News showing support for the 3 girls. As I mentioned, CNA was the only news station that broadcast the whole article. A promise is a promise. These 3 girls not only did not keep their promise, but they made a BIG HOO HA out of it.
I implore my fellow Singaporeans to think before you speak, stop being persuaded by the media and like Phua Chu Kang says... " Use your brain, Use Your Brain, USE YOUR BRAIN!!"
To current St. Margaret's Secondary School students: I don't know how this has affected you. But please continue giving Mrs Tan the respect she deserves. It is times like this that shows a person's true character. The media can say all they like but what they say is not always right because they get paid to be a devil's advocate. They get paid to stir up stories and trouble in society. I mean, look at the times we did other charity projects but they didn't even bother to report about such things. They only come in when they can benefit. Stay calm & Trust God! ST. MARG's UNITE!! :D
Xoxo
Your Senior:)
P.S edit: You know how we stress about the importance of the accountability of Government as well as the Public Service? MAYBE it is time that we should enforce appropriate checks and balances to ensure the accountability of the media is upheld.
Articles Related:
Good coming out from the Hair for Hope Scandal?
Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat's response to scandal
Hi there, just a random passer-by! I've read your post and I would like to give an alternative view for this case.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, your claim that the public does not know the true side of the story is invalid... most people who judge your principal are aware that girls promised to wear a wig. Yes, they've promised, but the point is wearing a wig defeats the purpose of this chartable event.
Secondly is about complying to the school's rules. Rules are made by men. Yes, they were meant to be followed but rectified if necessary. Why did the US decide to legalize abortion after Roe V Wade case in 1973? Why could criminals get away scott free even though there were laws in place? Like you said no one is perfect. So are rules.
Thirdly, about judging others. Let's be frank here, the very moment when you sat down to type this you are already judging. Be it the media, the 'myopic audience' or even the victim's mother. Judging is inevitable, you can discourage someone to be prejudiced but you can't stop people from judging.
This is just my 2cents worth. In no way do I mean any harm :)
Hi. This is my reply to your comments.
Delete1: wearing a wig is only compulsory in school compound. Does wearing a wig for a few hours really defeats the purpose of a charity act? I don't think so. By saying that, buying a tissue from a random lady as a charity act and not using them straight away defeats the purpose too? Think about it. Worst still, they didn't even put in the effort to try wearing it for at least a day.
2: rules are not perfect. But since it's stated clearly, written black and white. Just because you're not happy with it, you go against it? Then what's the point of having law and justices? The "rule" you stated, when was it? Many years back. Think about it, nowadays rules have changed and it's to make the world, the country and the environment better. If the school states such a rule is to make something better, why can't you abide it? And by breaking the rule, you feel proud and arrogant? Isn't that about fame and popularity, which defeats the purpose of a charity act because you do it out of a motive and not sincerely.
3: yes the world do judge. But based on the level of judgment, WE DO NOT CURSE OTHERS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS ON SOCIAL NETWORK AND FEEL PROUD OF IT. We do not call names and shame those we didn't shave their hair a 'vain pots'. They don't even have basic respect. And all they think about it's themselves. Of course we can't stop others from judging. But before you do so, please learn to hear both sides of the story. And don't condemn anyone. Because NO ONE IS PERFECT. EVERYONE SINNED.
Hey there! I believe my Junior has answered most of your queries. :) She is very much involved in the case and I'm sure she very well knows what she is talking about.
DeleteThe main contention in this case is uniformity vs Freedom of expression. Let's face it, Singapore is very much a conservative country. Unlike American schools, students are still required to wear uniform. I don't know about you but don't you think by wearing that uniform, you have agreed to be bounded by the school rules? I think sometimes we take it for granted and think it is our 'RIGHT' to go to school. But you know what? 'NO ONE OWES US A LIVING' If you choose to do otherwise, quit school or find another school that suits you ;)
Just because someone has a good track record, been doing Charitable things doesn't mean that he/she will get immunity when he/she commits an offense. I don't mean to hurt anyone by using this case but there have been Religious leaders who are deemed to be of utmost integrity but are in trial for the misappropriation of funds. So, does that mean we are less strict on them? Your case is a valid example however, don't you think that criminals being able to get away scott free, is a failure of the legal system? From the tone and your words used, you seem to be suggesting that you would prefer a world/country without laws? Really?
As I'm currently not in Singapore, my knowledge of this scandal via the Internet. But don't you think there IS SUPPORTING EVIDENCE to substantiate what I think? I'm not sure if that's the case for the distasteful and crude comments posted on the internet about my school, the culture and the principal. I'm not sure if many readers notice, but I've given the principal benefit of the doubt as I believe she is the head of the school and she has the autonomous decision on rules & issues such as these.
Oooh, since many people already knew about the promise. They should very well take that into account. :) If they don't it just reflects their priorities in life. There is only a certain period of time that parents can be "protecting" their children. Eventually, children will have to learn about taking responsibility for their actions. They can't HIDE BEHIND THEIR PARENTS FOREVER. If not, we will have future leaders who are good-for-nothing.
Have a great week ahead!
Hey! Just for your info. The rule of law is listed in Article 12 - Equal Protection in the Singapore Constitution. If it was as insignificant as you said it was, It wouldn't even exist in our constitution that acts as the "rule book" in governing our country ;)
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