If you’re an introvert who watches shows where the protagonist gets a girlfriend by stalking her for weeks before giving her a live scorpion as a pet, you might believe that that’s how it works in the real world.
But then you try it yourself and end up at the police station.
That’s because the shows we watch can often skew our perception of reality or influence our beliefs.
Research has found that Americans who watch forensic and crime dramas on TV are more likely than non-viewers to have a distorted view of their country’s criminal justice system.
So, if your show is sending out the wrong message, people are bound to get upset.
MediaCorp Apologies After Its Drama Portray LGBTQ Community Negatively
Mediacorp has apologised for its portrayal of the LGBTQ community in its Chinese-language drama series, My Guardian Angels, saying there was no intention to depict them in a negative light.
The series, which airs on Channel 8, follows the lives of three women who became single mothers.
The First Subplot
The first subplot which viewers found objectionable involved parents who were concerned that their young son may be in a relationship with another boy.
The overly protective mother spies on her son and finds out that he’s actually interested in a girl who lives nearby.
When she expresses disapproval with his choice, the father character responds that she should just be glad he was interested in a girl.
The implication, of course, is that there’s something wrong with same-sex relationships.
Mediacorp’s explanation was that it aimed to “depict the real-life struggles some parents face in communicating with their children on topics such as relationships and sexual orientation”.
The Second Subplot
The second objectionable subplot involved a paedophile basketball coach with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) who was later jailed for molesting teenage boys.
Advocacy group Action for Aids slammed the portrayal.
“To our knowledge, there is no evidence that homosexual males have a greater propensity to offend against children than heterosexual males. The portrayal of gay men as paedophiles further perpetuates falsehoods that create further suffering among an already marginalised and stigmatised population.”
It also took issue with the fact that the coach had STDs, saying they are “not confined to any gender identity, sexual orientation or behaviour”.
Mediacorp said the intention of the second subplot was to “encourage young people to be aware of potential dangers, and not be afraid to speak up and protect themselves. Mediacorp has hitherto depicted paedophiles preying on young girls in other dramas.”
Apologised & Urged Viewers Not to Harass Actors
Mediacorp has since apologised for their portrayal of the LGBTQ community.
“We are sorry to have caused offence and distress. We have heard your feedback and will continue to exercise vigilance and be mindful of our portrayal of characters.”
“In both scenarios, there was no intention to depict the LGBTQ community in a negative light,” it said.
The national broadcaster also urged viewers not to “make personal attacks” on the actors, saying many people have taken out their anger on Kym Ng and Brandon Wong, the actors playing the parents.
“Both Kym and Brandon have received many abusive messages and comments over their roles in this drama. We would like to reiterate that they have played these roles in their professional capacities, and there was no intention on their part to cause any offence.”
Actor Apologises on Instagram
Former national basketball player Chase Tan who plays the paedophile coach also posted a lengthy apology on Instagram soon after the online backlash.
“I’m deeply saddened that the role I played has caused distress in the community and I’d like to emphasise that it was never my intention. I’m an aspiring actor and every opportunity given to me is precious. I do not mean to disrespect anyone in the process.
“Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside very talented and professional LGBTQ individuals. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback. I sincerely apologise and I will continuously strive to do better.
“I’m sorry”, he said.
It’s great that they’ve acknowledged their mistakes, but one wonders what they’re going to do with the coach’s character: magically make him not a paedophile or abandon the character altogether?
Now that you know you have to be really careful with what you put out there, just watch our video on WiFi router settings that’ll make your WiFi zoom like a fast car:
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