Forum: An open mind leaves society richer
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Keeping in mind the underlying significance of Singapore’s rigorous anti-smoking campaign, the public disquiet over the mural depicting a smoking samsui woman is understandable.
Still, as a well-educated nation, Singaporeans should be able to discern and appreciate a message from an image.
A picture is worth a thousand words only when we are aware of its significance, respect the perspective of the artist and are cognisant of its context.
“This particular work speaks to the migrant worker experience in Singapore, which is very much a contemporary concern,” arts Nominated MP Usha Chandradas was quoted as saying. (URA requests delay in changes as it reviews stance, June 23.)
With an open mind, our society is richer when we are knowledgeable about artistic renditions of naked human bodies or any other less-conservative art works.
I am sure our First World nation’s children are more intellectually capable than what we parents are worried about.
Chow Kok Fai
