Monday, May 2, 2011

Inderjit Singh, Ang Mo Kio GRC


Inderjit Singh is waving to the prawn mee seller. He is wearing white. The prawn mee seller is wearing blue. Inderjit Singh is holding brochures in his hand. Everyone looks very happy.

(To understand why this caption sounds like a PSLE oral exam answer, do read the comments thread.)

19 comments:

  1. I apologise if i come across as defensive or anything, but that is my father you're talking about. The turban is a very important aspect of my religion. It is in fact what defines my religion, SIKHISM. In Sikhism, the turban is a symbol of spirituality and holiness, and an indication of our dedication to our religion. Just like a Christian wouldn't be very pleased if someone demeaned Jesus, or a Muslim wouldn't be too happy if someone disregarded the Quran, by commenting about turbans, it's in a way making fun of my religion.
    People have their reasons for doing what they do, I don't think its very nice demean what they do. Had you made a comment about something else, it wouldn't have made a difference, but a comment about turbans is not very appeasing. I'm not going to request that you take that comment down, but I do hope that next time before saying something about others, you do take into consideration that what you find funny could be very important to someone else.
    Sorry for the long post btw. cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Trishpal. Alfian here. No, you're not being defensive at all. I did not mean any disrespect and I apologise if the initial photo was offensive.

    The word 'turban' for me simply meant a kind of headdress, but I should be careful in the future not to inadvertently create an equivalence between one worn for religious reasons and another worn (as in the case of the African woman) perhaps for more cultural and sartorial reasons.

    As such, I have made the necessary amendments. : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. Inderjit here - you are misleading by saying what you said. This lady is my resident and a welfare recipient whom I know very well. In this picture I was giving her an 'ang pow' and my conversation with her was about her health and nothing about what you claim in you post. You were not there and cannot possibly know what my conversation was about and should avoid making up stories especially about something sensitive and could incite religious feelings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. "why Sikh boys could wear their turbans to school, whereas Malay girls could not wear their tudung."

    While its context may have been fictional, the author was merely pointing out a fact.

    Also, I would like to think that most people who read this blog and its posts can tell that its intent is less factual than it is light-heartedly satirical :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Inderjit,

    I have faith in Singapore's education system to produce citizens with enough fundamental discretion to recognise that ALL my captions are of a satirical nature, and as such could not possibly reflect the actual situation portrayed in the photographs.

    I certainly would not want to insult the intelligence of the readers of this site with some disclaimer (such as WARNING: SATIRE AHEAD), spelling out for them that the intention of this site is to provide them with a source of irreverent humour, and is not aimed at 'misleading' them. They deserve better.

    I also thank you for clarifying the actual context of the photograph, which I am certain will be much appreciated by the residents of Ang Mo Kio GRC.

    As for 'inciting religious feelings', again, the seeming inconsistency that I have mentioned is something that any right-thinking person is capable of observing for himself/herself.

    However, I have decided to change this entry so as not to tread on any more sensitivities. I do this because I'm kinda like, easy that way.

    I have to say, though, that if the PAP does end up controlling 100% of Parliament after the polls, I fear that we're seeing the beginning of the death of satire in Singapore.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sorry to interrupt. I am a Singaporean. I read Mad magazine and Lat everyday when I use the toilet. I find them very funny and very important for my good health.

    This blog is one of the best satirical blogs in this GE and in fact, if not for this blog, I wouldn't get to know half the MP in our last parliament, including Mr. Inderjit Singh. Good job, alfian.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear Mr Inderjit,

    I visit this site frequently because it tickles me. It shows the lighter side of politics, thus attracting me to read up and research on the real events that had occurred.

    You see, I was one of the many 'sleeping' Singaporeans who had no interest in politics. To me, it used to be dull and boring. But I have woken up since. I begin to see the fun and humane side of politicians thanks to Alfian's effort in using this as a vehicle to make politics interesting enough for us to pay attention to.

    I am very glad you have come to visit this site and have given precious feedback. Please continue to visit us here often for we welcome co-drivers in this vehicle.

    ReplyDelete
  8. well done alfian. don't allow mr singh or any of them to scold you into forgetting. you have given me inspiration. kudos to you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Again: Alfian for PM! Though then as a Malaysian, I might be jealous of Singapore.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I as the head prefect of Changkat Changi Primary, on behalf of all Primary 6 students, do not agree with the caption. That is Primary 3 Oral Exam answer.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This thread is epic.

    ReplyDelete
  12. hahahaha... like this!!!

    Guys, please don't feel that all Indians don't have sense of humor...

    Thanks Alfian for putting in effort to make us laugh... Great Job !!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sad to see that not only does Inderjit not have a sense of humour, he's also managed to pass it on to his daughter. Sad.

    ReplyDelete
  14. this whole page is so lol that it deserves a screen capture and its own caption

    ReplyDelete
  15. I believe the caption is already alluded to under 'Chia Shi Lu, Tanjong Pagar GRC'.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. duh. the readers of this blog are discerning enough to differentiate satire from fact. don't worry, humor among politicians will get revived when my generation (or most likely, batchmates) enter politics.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Well, at least you won't have to be called up by the police again

    ReplyDelete
  19. some captions were almost funny, most were just downright retarded and not funny at all and not suiting to the context of the picture posted.

    dudet, take a writing class. i was expecting something better from my friends' facebook comments. seems like it's really true that creativity's dead in singapore. really, really disappointed.

    and btw, even if it's satire, you shouldn't make fun of religion. you can do that anywhere else, but not online or on print.

    religion isn't something to be made fun of, even for light-hearted humor. a line needs to be drawn, and the religion of others respected.do remember singapore's history and the maria hertogh case, please be more responsible.

    ReplyDelete