Ideally, gender dynamics should be portrayed in the media in a way that is nuanced, realistic and constructive. However, the media—including film and television, news reporting, radio, advertisements, etc.—too often get this wrong. We’ve all seen cringeworthy slogans on billboards, or heard misogynist jokes in morning talkshow banter.
Be it textual, visual or auditory, language can perpetuate gender inequality in our culture. It can reinforce damaging stereotypes about everything from women’s physical appearances and roles in society to how sexual interactions play out.
If you’ve encountered a depiction of gender in Singaporean media that struck you as particularly harmful and irresponsible, we want to know! You can fill out the below form with details about what you’ve seen or heard.
What will AWARE do with your submission?
- At AWARE’s annual ball, we give out our famous Alamak! Awards to the most sexist incidents of the year. Submissions to this form will all be considered for the subsequent Alamak! Awards.
- We may include your submission in a periodic round-up, published on our social media pages and/or our email newsletter.
- We may also decide to reach out directly to the company/content creator who has put out the offending media item, to facilitate a further discussion.
Besides notifying AWARE, what else can you do?
- Consider emailing the company or content creator directly to give them your feedback.
- Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore has an online feedback form for members of the public to submit feedback on advertisements of all kinds.
- Writing a letter to The Straits Times or TODAY can be a good way to start a discussion about something you feel strongly about. (Of course, the editors may decide to not publish your letter.)
Thank you for contributing to important conversations about gender in Singapore!