“Why not try to see things from a different angle?”
Recently I’ve read quite a few things about homosexuality – and attitudes towards homosexuality – that have led me to ponder the subject a little more.
Perhaps I’m being extremely naive, but I always feel shocked and surprised whenever I encounter someone (directly or indirectly) who is homophobic. I mean, I simply cannot understand what it is they are afraid of. Gayness by osmosis? Being instantly smote by God for just standing next to a homosexual? Freckles?
Image from Daily Contributor.com
I’m not saying that there is absolutely no difference between a gay person and a straight person. There is, because sexuality is – whether we like it or not – a big part of our lives and does affect our sense of self. However, does this difference give us the right to cling on to certain prejudices, or make certain judgements? (This argument – to a certain extent – can also be used in discussions of gender and race.) Is a straight person really so different from a gay person, so much so that one side must look on the other with repulsion, fear and hate?
Singaporean authorities’ abhorrence of anything that might be seen as “condoning or promoting” homosexuality is also puzzling. Why are they so afraid that people might be persuaded or influenced into becoming gay? Do they really believe that a person can actually be converted into a homosexual just by watching films or reading poems? But even if that were true – and it isn’t, I assure you – why are they so afraid of there being gay people in Singaporean society in the first place? Are gay people really that harmful to the social and moral fabric of Singapore? I find that hard to believe. After all, they are working, contributing citizens just like any other person. Why are we bothered at all by who they love? In fact, why does it bother us that they love? Surely it is better for people to have someone to love, whoever that person might be?
In 2005, K Bhavani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts stated:
In relaxing our censorship policies, the Government needs to take into account the concerns and values of the majority of Singaporeans. Our people are still largely conservative. Hence, the Government needs to balance between providing greater space for free expression and the values upheld by the majority.
However, is this view really true? Do we really know what Singaporeans’ views on homosexuality are? Are we really that conservative and apprehensive of gay people in our society? When was the last time anyone connected to the censorship board actually bothered to find out? Judging from the high number of participants in the past 2 years of Pink Dot, it seems to me like Singapore has taken a big step towards loving and accepting LGBT people. When 3000 – 4000 people crowd into a not-so-big park dressed in pink to express their support for the LGBT movement, surely it is time to re-evaluate if Singaporeans are still as conservative as MICA and MDA seem to think we are.
Personally I think a theatre group in Singapore should put on La Cage aux Folles. It would give the NAC, MDA and MICA heart attacks, but they could do with hearing a rendition of I Am What I Am*.
Good reads:
- Heterosexuals, come on out by Dr Martha Lee
- I shall now “promote homosexuality”, Part 1 by Alex Au
* And while I’m on that thought, allow me an indulgence:
I am totally with you on this! I am repulsed and shocked when I encounter homophobic people. It’s no different from racism. Are the majority really so bigoted? Anyway why do we have to pander to narrow-mindedness? I wish there was more education as most hatred stems from fear and ignorance.
That’s right! Fear and ignorance, and misconception, breed hate and sometimes even violence. Surely if our government leads with such a sense of apprehension, revulsion and fear of anything with homosexual overtones, they aren’t setting a very good example for the people, especially the future generation?
Actually, in terms of law, and not movies and stuff, Lesbianism is allowed, but not male homosexuality.
Yes, but when it comes to art and stuff, there is still a strong abhorrence for anything that might be seen as “promoting gay/alternative lifestyles”. That was one of the reasons that Wild Rice got a cut in NAC funding this year, just because they had certain productions that might have been promoting “alternative lifestyles”.
The government also refuses to repeal section 377A that criminalises homosexual acts, which is, to me, stupid.
Love the “Freckles?” bit.
James
It really is quite puzzling to me, what it is that they think will happen if they accept gay people!
The discomfort towards homosexuals may not necessarily stem from homophobia, but rather a lack of exposure and familiarity.
RazorTV did a piece on public shows of affection here. Most of the people interviewed showed varying amounts of discomfort at heterosexuals going all touchy-feely. Even for heterosexual couples, we have to be mindful that the general public may take offense. We probably have some ways to go before homosexuality can be viewed with the same degree of indifference as heterosexuality.
I do agree that some people might be uncomfortable with public displays of affection, but somehow I see it as a slightly separate issue from that of accepting homosexuality. I’m not saying that the government should view it was complete indifference or that they should actively be pushing it forward into the public’s faces, but there is no need to censor it or be so hypersensitive and afraid of homosexuality! The way they block art pieces because of homosexual themes is just silly.
‘The discomfort towards homosexuals may not necessarily stem from homophobia, but rather a lack of exposure and familiarity.’
Well said, Mel
It is to prevent the loss on the discourse of masculinity of the male in Singapore. You can see that certain institutions and practices still try to entrench males to certain roles in the ideal society.
*sigh* What a losing battle. And seriously, I don’t think you can “un-man” a manly man. They should just give up trying to control everything.