Dear Clare,

I find it amusing that despite all your supposedly self-declared intelligence you entirely missed the point of what Suzy and arnie are desperately trying to make (in http://suziemclean.wordpress.com). Perhaps the best way to make u understand is to first attempt to detach you from pre-conceiving that I am a malay who is childishly hurt by your “well-intended” jokes. So here goes, I am an Indian. Therefore what follows is as impartial as it can get. I hold a degree in law so you could at least assume that this is also an educated response.

Your negative remarks which you supposedly meant as jokes tread on a very fine line between “researched facts” and just “distasteful”. We all conclusively know that BO issues are entirely based on one’s personal hygiene. Simply put, if u develop BO upon wearing a baju kurung for the day, it’s not the baju, it is u who needs to upgrade your antiperspirant/deodorant and keep yourself powdered.

Secondly, in a racially sensitive multi-ethnic environment, you do not lash out at a costume which is culturally worn by a particular race and expect to get an lol (laugh out loud) applause for your humour. What irks me more is your tenacity in trying to defend your words by labeling opposing respondents as stupid.

Suggestions:
1. Apologise for having offended those you didn’t mean to
2. Realise the actual damage of your unintended pun…then come out shining as a great blogger who is sensitive towards her readers and especially to our delicately balanced multi racial society.

ps: you look great in all the costumes….just try and write like how you look in them.

but in this case, i have to agree with suzie. i didnt find the statement your risk friend made to be funny. you don’t make fun of another ethnic group’s way of life.

*comment has been edited for… ahem… clarity :P

Me? Agree with her? Nah… I doubt it.

The issue here, my dear friends, is passing judgements on another’s highly regarded cultural symbol. I may not like wearing baju kurung or cheongsam or sari – but WHO AM I to judge it?

These traditional dresses became cultural icons of a specific ethnic group for a reason. However impractical they are for daily use, at least respect them for what they are – well-respected cultural icons.

Good for you for sticking up for your friend. But I’m still sticking to my view. And no… I still don’t find it funny.

I mean, the fact that it has been highlighted means that people are watching the uni closely and they have to stop the nonsense going on there.

That is why I didn’t harp on it and chose to highlight her unresearched views on baju kurung instead.

I frankly don’t see what is wrong in girls wearing skirts to class. In fact, I’d encourage them to wear dresses (sun dresses perhaps) to class because it makes them look more presentable. :P