The Straits Times has a particular knack for churning out inspirational, touching stories that drive me to become a better person. Case in point, this one.
Featuring a devoted husband who makes it a point to visit his bedridden wife everyday, despite many obstacles, the article really forced me to rethink the entire concept of life.
So kudos, Straits Times!
However, it seems that despite its track record and reputation, even Straits Times is unable to avoid what plagues many new media outlets.
Backlash.
For in ST’s recent publication, where it featured a 10-year-old boy who went to the Arcade for the first time in his life, Netizens weren’t exactly impressed.
And that’s an understatement.
What happened?
This Straits Times article featured Mohd Hilmi bin Muhd Sanif, a Tampines Primary School student who has never been to the arcade.
His reason? “We can’t afford it.”
The youngest in his family, Hilmi has five brothers and a sister with the oldest at 26. His father is the only breadwinner of the family, and his mother is a housewife.
But it seems that things are about to change.
(Looking good there, buddy!)
As part of the festive season, Hilmi is one of 250 people from All Saints Home (Tampines), Jamiyah Home for the Aged, Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home, Pertapis Children’s Home and Yeah! (Youths Engaged At Heartlands) who convened on Thursday in celebration of the festive season.
The event was hosted at Our Tampines Hub, and was a section of their first community outreach event.
During the half-day event, seniors took part in activities such as cooking demos and talks by health experts. Kids, on the other hand, went for some bowling and arcade action. There was also a screening of the latest Star Wars movie.
Incidentally, the basketball machine was Hilmi’s favourite game at the arcade, although he also managed to try the claw machine and driving simulators out.
Subsequently, he got a couple of mementoes at the arcade, exchanging the coupons he won in games for a lollipop and a mini USB lamp.
“It was really very fun, and I would like to come again with my siblings,” he said.
Backfired
Personally, I felt that the article hit its mark. I felt happy for Hilmi, and at the same time learnt about the mall’s event.
Bingo.
Unfortunately (?), Netizens didn’t quite feel the same.
Although to be fair, some empathised with the writer.
Look past the surface
Alright, so maybe an arcade isn’t the most professional site to showcase in an article.
But c’mon; it is a symbol of fun.
And shouldn’t people focus on the fun the child had, rather than all the nitty-bitty details?
What about you? What do you think?
Is the arcade really a heinous place to feature, or are Netizens just being too politically correct?
Tell us in the comments!
Since you’re here, why not watch a video about a guy who lodged a Police report here in Singapore because he was friendzoned? Seriously. Here, watch it and do remember to share it (and also subscribe to Goody Feed YouTube channel)!
This article was first published on goodyfeed.com
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Featured image: Straits Times
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