Desi at the BF table spied a news item and thought it could be good Food for Thought for today's post, but some phantom of doubt and hesitancy did linger, for some time.
It could be "extreemely sensitive" if not well articulated; it fact, it could be "sensitive" even when well and properly artic..., well, you know what I mean.
Then I caught up with mGf nigh Catsville, and the ending lines from one "Angel" decided for Desi I should proceed.
From yantouch@blogsome.com first, an extract from
"Uncle George and Angela" June 5, 2006 posting~~~~~~~
***...
And to her boy and girl she says
"It's nice when we agree
But if you can't say 'NO', you'll never grow
To be all you were meant to be
Because I know I am sometimes wrong
And because I love you so
You will always be my angels
Even when you tell me 'NO'"
-Barbara K. Bassett
...****
Second, from The Star, June 7, 2006 page N3, and since the item is short, I reproduce in full, thanks to The People's Paper:
The sky is
the limit,
says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Michelle Yeoh,
Siti Nurhaliza and Amber Chia
are among the celebrities who have gained international fame,
exemplifying the national principles of glory, excellence and distinction.
They join a string of Malaysian luminaries who have earned accolades
in their field and named as achievers in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).
Last night, the MBR added to its list a posthumous award to the late
Tun Ghafar Baba for being the longest-serving MP
and the late Tan Sri Dr P. Ramlee for being the
most versatile artiste.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi
presented the awards, on behalf of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
at the MBR 10th Anniversary Edition and Awards Night 2006 here.
In his speech, read out by Effendi, the Prime Minister called on Malaysians to start breaking international records in science, education and business.
Abdullah said Malaysians must equip themselves to face the future with confidence and the belief that they were no lesser individuals than others.
“I hope you will continue to break records not just nationally but internationally. The sky is the limit,” he said.
“For all Malaysians here today, the record-holders should inspire you to seize the day, to dream and to achieve. Turn your thoughts and ideas into record-breaking reality.
“Malaysians should focus on quality, world-class achievements which would add value to our society, enrich our culture, strengthen the moral fibre and provide strong role models for young Malaysians.”
He cited squash champion Nicol Ann David, Mercy Malaysia president Dr Jemilah Mahmood and the Malaysia's astronaut candidates as examples of outstanding world-class characters. (All emphasis in BOLD LIKE THIS is Desi's)
DESIDERATA: I have some reservations about the "luminaries" mentioned, and entered into the MBR. I'll take uup only the case of AMBER CHIA because she has been "in the nu'es" quite a lot, and I had held my tongue previously, but today I decided, even venturing into "sensitive" terrortry!:(
One: I recently had read at various blogs several "negative comments" on Amber's speaaking in English plugging for a corporate advertisment. I have no quarrels with beauty queens earning good money -- but when the "decision-making" is less than intelligent like taking on an assignment quite beyond you, that's not what an iconic model would do. But I held my tongue then.
Two: Her association with PLAYBOY magazine, Indonesian maiden issue which was "banned" from import into Malaysia (I stand corrected on this point, my ER please feedback me if I am astray...)
Three: One name "prominent by its absence" is the Malaysain businessman-hero who conquered Mount Everest recently. Is his "feat" not of international record standing?
So far, only MIC president had come out with a pledge to "honour" him, but I had asked why MIC and not a national level accolade?
I am not against "Playboy" magazines per se, England, American, Mexixcano or Malaysian edition (should IT APpear if some biggun can get an AP!:) What is in question is why should a national beauty queen associate with a product which in the popular mind belongs to that "playboyish/playgirlish" playground?
Is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY the over-riding factor in such decision-making, for a national role model?
Remember, PERCEPTION in terms of branding is important as any advertising cashes in on "the popular image" created in the public mind. Never mind the details of the "Playboy" assignment -- it's the association with the brand that raises the question of "iconic" model imaging.
Or this beauty was pushed into such assignments as part of her CONTRACT terms?
I wish to be educated. Maybe her sponsors can intervene on this hot issue?
I will give FREE, FRONTPAGE PROFILE at Desiderata2000-lah, no fees charged!
I'm leaving that RM20million quest to mGf like Howsy, Maverick SM, Anak Merdeka and Helen, et al...Yes, mayhaps, even Yan of nigh Catsville.
Now the currrent air-waves (listen to Light&Easy-lah!) feature yet another Amber's product advertisment -- and in English language that's "torturous" to listeners' ears, maybe even primary school kids'! Each time she plugs for a certain "chair" in view of fast approaching Father's Day, I "agonised" over her English pronunciation, her artificial mouthing of just a few sentences which show nakedly she's in "forced labour".Can she learn to say NO when she's NOT YET UP TO IT FOR SUCH ASSIOGNMENTS?
PERHAPS, there is a lesson to be learnt from the closing news report about making PRINCIPLED STANDS.I am reproducing that report in full mainly because it is of universal interest as the subject in question is your Everyday Companion, yes?
My questions which I'll speak aloud here -- with reluctance but yet I feel strongly enough to belabour the points! -- are thus:
Did Amber Chia make any compromises in taking on the Indonesian PLAYBOY assignment?
Did Amber Chia take on the role of plugging for Corporate Advertisements in English when she's NOT YET UP TO IT?
MAYBE she made some false steps; she's still young.
As a concerned Malaysia,
I have some advice to Amber since she's being flagged off as a role model to the Y&A in NegaraKU, borrowing from -Barbara K. Bassett
"...
But if you can't say 'NO', you'll never grow
To be all you were meant to be..."
Enhancing with Pak Lah's words of wisdom~~
“Malaysians should focus on quality, world-class achievements which would add value to our society, enrich our culture, strengthen the moral fibre and provide strong role models for young Malaysians.”
WISE WORDS. I hold the PM to his word, that Malaysians who follow this credo
would be given due recognition by the government of NegaraKU and not be made to feel, adapting from the PM's words, that they were, indeed, lesser individuals than others.This is a lament of many Malaysians, leading them to "migrate" overseas, or for those who have studied and grduated in foreign universites, are reluctant to return to NegaraKU. Whether their laments are valid or not, it's NOT for Desi to judge, but they CANNOT be ignored.
BONUS CLOSING NEWS ITEM AS FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Bear with Desi as he tries to Tarck Down an item he read earlier but it just went "MIA" from the www before I could C&P! It's basically about Google.com suffering a sharp fall in the stock market when the company "compromised" with the Chinese government authorities to "censor" its China search engine in order to make it accessible to mainland Chinese Internet surfers.
Americans that are at a higher plane of subscribing to democratic ideals did not take kindly to this "compromise" -- raising issues of integrity and business ethics, and the news report I sighted "for a while" had quoted a fromer founder Prin (? did not register his fool /full name...)lamenting Google's decision, avowing that it would have been wiser to maintain a PRINCIPLED STAND with no compromises made to conform to another marketplace's authoritarian/communist regime... (something like dat).
So my ER, if you spy a "similar" report, please load onto my Comments channel and I'll do a C&P to promote the "lesson" in da Frontpage. One tehtarik manis-manis to a good Samaritan like for Da Beauty Queen with Brains, oso-cun!:)
21 comments:
Hi, Desi,
Iconic model has to stir up emotions and implant subconscious impressions in people...Amber has succeeded in doing that with you...means she is a right model/tool for strategic marketing! And the ability to do so in international market is a "record" in itself.
Desi, just to be fair, I'll like to point out that I listen to Chinese radio 988 and would like Mr Desi to know, her Cantonese is just as bad. Of course if u think Canto tinged with Hokkien slang is sexy, I rest my case.....
Q1.Did Amber Chia make any compromises in taking on the Indonesian PLAYBOY assignment?
I surfed around and pls correct me if I'm wrong, there is no compromisation on her part bcos she is fully clothed. More tame than her overseas ads. (No bird-dae suit.... )If she is guilty, it'll just be guilty by association. So answer IMHO, NO.
Q2.Did Amber Chia take on the role of plugging for Corporate Advertisements in English when she's NOT YET UP TO IT?
If I can speak Queen's English and volunteer to be spokesperson for wonder chair, I doubt wonderchair company will take me... even if I say fOC. lol So, it's the Company's call. Not Amber's. It's a corporate decision to go for image over substance.
Nay, once again, not guilty say I.
2 Nos... but I'll like to add Q3.
Is the PM right to cite Amber or even Michelle as good role models? I'll say NO. The 2 ladies are just trying to make a living and I doubt Amber & Michelle are doing what they do in the name of patriotism.
It all depends on what the objectives are...I would agree with Helen that the two ladies may not fit into the "role model" category for younger people to emulate, since the concept of a national role model must embrace and convey the value of patriotism, integrity, uniqueness, and a host of other desired values contributing to the well-being of the nation.
But, the MBR is purely a collection of various records.
hi joepsc:
your 2 comments are taken TOGETHER --
no doubt she succeeded in making an impression with Desi -- BUT IT WAS ALL NEGATIVE!
And the corporate voice she represents "PAYS" for IT! (literally and figuiratively, tho I concede A has a more than average figure:)
An occasion featuring MBR alone, I would baer with the corporate for "lowered" standards. But when graced by "the Prime Minister" of NegaraKu, Desi thinks the PM's office has NOT DONE ITS HOMEWORK properly.
Image building -- which encompasses PERCEPTION -- must be taken seriously, thence my contention that even by ASSOCIATION with certain brands (e.g. Playboy in Amber's case) has got connotations.
Can a party in Malaysia just wave a flag for Al-Queda -- for extreme demo -- and defend itself from allegations of supporting Terrorism?, saying it's just for a momentary promotion for attenntion grabbing?
Partially quoting thee, Desi thinks it's important for National Leaders to study the subjects they are promoting lest it gives out Y&A wrong "signals"..."since the concept of a national role model must embrace and convey the value of patriotism, integrity, uniqueness, and a host of other desired values contributing to the well-being of the nation."
helen mui-mui:
can find out IF listening to her Cantonis version can turn my hair from white to black? If YES, I'd tape 988 ad and play IT round the clock, meanwhile doing the Chubby Checker "Twist":) -- kill 2 birdies with one shot, reduce waistline2!
Your TWO points of contention hold true for you, but when Amber is elevated top national icon status, I won't concede that I agree.
IF she remains merely a Miss Malaysia beauty title holder with no other National Claims as now promoted by MBR, woah, woah, I'd hold my horse! (Cowboys here hold pretty high standards for ICONS WHO CAN BE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR YOUNF ONES" as ascribed to by no less than THE PM!
I too rest my case and pen, Helen mui mui, but can you oplease pass the Pastries? I'll give tyhee and Joe piping hot tehtarik, tambah Ha!Lia, which I learnt has some invaluable values (correct engrish or knot?) ...
Helen, is Amber Ipohlang?
If Yes, contact her and yiou give her free tuition in Kantonis,
and Desi gifting her flee tuition in Engrish, no need Queen's-lah, "jest don't make people's hair stand-lol!:)" TURN BLACK, even grey, can-lah! LOLs.
"Image building -- which encompasses PERCEPTION -- must be taken seriously, thence my contention that even by ASSOCIATION with certain brands (e.g. Playboy in Amber's case) has got connotations."
Sorry, I steal your reply to Joe... but I was just shuddering at the thot of the extreme heavy burden skinny Amber has to bear on her slight frame..... lol Unlike politikan, former Missies got no pension or support from the country. I bet tax exemption from prize money also non ler.....The thing is... unlike many who pay for titles like 'Atuk' or 'Atin', Amber was just fortunate(or un) to be elevated national icon. It's not fair to subject her to a different set of moral rules from any other Malaysians.
"Desi thinks the PM's office has NOT DONE ITS HOMEWORK properly." Yes!! Exactly.. the finger should be pointed to these good folks.
Doo doo doo du duu duuu du du du...AP Fahder's Dei! Buy G**tell (issit)?
"Why lar lu say my Engrund vely the poor. Peeple want to looks at my boobs only and TFK over it, gua Engrund the vely poor nehmind lar, kasi can, close one eye lar, like MP said."
Model celebs (and to some extent some blogger celebs now) would do anything in exchange for marney. They'd rather call it 'branding' or 'just another job' rather than 'whoring'.
An Ipohrean who couldn't spiak Canto? If yes, she must hang herself!
Thiu keng ji sat sei lo!
Dear Desi,
Ms.Fash have to say something since Ms.Fash is self appointed fashion guru for desingdome.
My take on this is that Amber is elevated to "International" level because of GUESS(the brand). Being 1 of the 2 Top models from all over the world from thousands of Guess face wannabes, emerging victorious as sole asian Face for GUESS, yes the International Brand.
As to the Playboy magazine thingy, Helen got that right. No nudity involved. Playboy Indon is a tame meow magazine. So it all depends on her perspective of the meaning of 'going overboard'. Besides, PlayBoy is "International" and it could boost up her portfolio. Perhaps if its a nudeshot she would've said "NO".
Personally i cant stand Amber's english. I can't stand siti nurhaliza's english either but at least she got Mahatzir Lokman as tutor during her R.Albert Hall stint. But hey, zhangziyi cant speak english either and look where she is now......
Hi, Helen,
Very well said...*clap, clap*
To be fair to A, I believe she didn't ask to be elevated to national icon level. I agree with you that rules are rules, and there should be one set for all without discrimination. Any finger to point should direct higher up.
Desi,
I agree whole-heartedly that perception should be taken seriously...more so for public figures.
Even then, remember in Italy, a porn star became a member of their parliament...so it proves that perception of morals varies from place to place or person to person (I'm very open-minded..hehe) If a porn star can be accepted as MP, what's appearing in Playboy?
Any ability to stir publicity/impression, whether positive or negative, is still an ability to reckon with...and to a corporate, if this is what it needs, then such a model can be a tool. I used such strategy for my products long time ago.
But, here we started talking about your MBR which is just a book of records, and certainly models' or celebs' associations should not pose any problem whatsoever.
helen:
the issue of subjecting Amber to a different set of moral values does not arise here. It's just the decision-making by the beauty queen with now an elevated position as "model" for other Malaysians (contemporary Young...) is being "questioned" by Desi in taking one certain "assignments".
We include the "quest for excellence" as part of the mantle any national icon would wear, so in such shows of "language proficieny" OR THE LACK OF,on our air waves EVERYDAY for the past weeks and some time to come before Father's Day -- I hope the subject would get a good tutor (I'm glad to learn that Siti did go under Mahathzir Lokman...)
and after attaining a certain standard, then take on the assignment than to "embarass" the whole country as an "icon".
Helen -- the comparison with Atuk/Atin is premised by precedent events -- Desi knottily trying to read her Ipohlang mind/e?
PS: Doi pew Desi wui tub Howsy, tak moh?
Howsy/Helen:
Is Amber an Ipohlang?
Hey, Howsy, comeback brokeback fast lah,
give free tuition to our national icon -- you esacped Tan Sri LeeLT's well promoted National Service, how about doing this Language NS? I can fill in as "Seconder"!
Tak hann moh, di di or isit mui mui? LOL! (*runs off to hide in Taiping Lake* where there are NO crocodilesw, unlike Lake Titiwangsa):)
FAshionistA:
You proved worthy of "guru"-ing with the nu'es update -- in GUESS adverts, does Am,ber have to spiak in Engrish???????
(Se7en Q marks because for every sentence she makes, Guess value would plunge 1 point out of 10...IMHO, not Guess-lah!
I may seem "cruel", but having worked in Media and having heard/watched lots of advertising, esp TV,the importance of Voice/Enunciation of the language is paramount is getting the "right" message across, effectively. Can someone put a good word top Gues I'm still waiting for one of my Gues's to gift me One?
Much as our PM wants to promote these girls as symbols of patriotism, what Helen says pretty much sums it all up.
They did what they had to do to earn the big bucks. The rest can ride piggyback for all they want so long as it does their commercial viability no harm (as in all those labels people attach to them).
Good or Bad English - who cares if the target audience buy the products they endorse?
We can only cringe but I guess 90% probably couldn't tell the difference. And that's what's so funny about all those horrendous ads!
anak merdeka:
I feel "assaulted" every time these "horrendous" ads air, do I have any locus standi to "sue" for 'damage" done to my senses and sensibility.
Mave SM -- any advice? Bill me if need to and I'll forward the bill to Light&Easy!:)
Anak M: you mean for "big bucks" thse People don't bother any sort of "compromise", is IT?
Maybe Desi's getting too expectant of Malaysians being fostered with Towering Malaysian values. I have to take Da CEO's word for IT! Big miss-stake eh?:(
joepsc:
I'm dis or mis-heartened that you only "clap" for mui mui Helen; ko ko Desi here withdraws her Pastries, only tehtarik, half-hot, half cool (collect engrish ah?) only; and PAY $1.20 IN SGD!:(
Switch channels lar Desi! lol
Towering Malaysians we have many, like the pioneering Malaysian Everest conquerors and the most recent one and also remember the English Channel swimmer? I really hate to state the obvious - what do they have in common?
Sorry for spoiling your mood lately Desi - I think I gotta take a hiatus from commenting on other people's blogs too for being so disagreeable. :(
anak M:
Switch channels? World Cup eh, Patience is a virtue, 2 more adys to go!
I'd join former PM -- look for 22 balls:(
Disagreement -- it's goode as long as we don't enter the ruing and fight like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frasier! or Taiwanese MPs -- did the latter do IT to entertain our lundun-based Mal-sian Howsy ah? How's dat T-shirt of RonalinHO-ho=ho, fit you to a T or TM?
Come back quikkie, for I find thee quite agreeable; you&2Musk watch fooball w'ile I make sure NO footbrawl, only tarik kaki tiga! dan tarik teh:) LOLs, my team MY is making World Cup finale 2010, with Pak Lah's coaching and Desi picking up 22 balls! Got resale value to raise my RM20m!
NOTE to ALL ER:
Thanks to Email from FAshionistA, there is a BBC item reproduced below which is useful for background understanding, altho it was NOT the item I was purusing (it quoted one founder of Google, methinks a PRin, in saying Google.com did wrong in compromising on Ge gu ...that is Google in Chian, informs F! Thanks for the education!:)Raising two tehtarik to our Fesyen Guru!:):)
~~~~~~~~
Updated: Wednesday, 25 January 2006, 08:45 GMT
Google censors itself for China
See Google China
Leading internet company Google has said it will censor its search services in China in order to gain greater access to China's fast-growing market.
Google has offered a Chinese-language version of its search engine for years but users have been frustrated by government blocks on the site.
The company is setting up a new site - Google.cn - which it will censor itself to satisfy the authorities in Beijing.
Google argued it would be more damaging to pull out of China altogether.
While removing search results is inconsistent with Google's mission, providing no information... is more inconsistent with our mission
Google statement
Chinese results toe the line
Critics warn the new version could restrict access to thousands of sensitive terms and web sites. Such topics are likely to include independence for Taiwan and the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
The Chinese government keeps a tight rein on the internet and what users can access. The BBC news site is inaccessible, while a search on Google.cn for the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement directs users to a string of condemnatory articles.
Google's move in China comes less than a week after it resisted efforts by the US Department of Justice to make it disclose data on what people were searching for.
Google has lost ground to Beijing-based web search company Baidu
Google hopes its new address will make the search engine easier to use and quicker.
Its e-mail, chat room and blogging services will not be available because of concerns the government could demand users' personal information.
Google said it planned to notify users when access had been restricted on certain search terms.
The company argues it can play a more useful role in China by participating than by boycotting it, despite the compromises involved.
"While removing search results is inconsistent with Google's mission, providing no information (or a heavily degraded user experience that amounts to no information) is more inconsistent with our mission," a statement said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Google is a business, businesses tend to want to maximise profits
Rich C, Skye and Bonn
Send us your comments
Julian Pain, internet spokesman for campaign group Reporters Without Borders, said Google's decision to "collaborate" with the Chinese government was "a real shame".
The number of internet search users in China is predicted to increase from about 100 million currently to 187 million in two
years' time.
A survey last August revealed Google was losing market share to Beijing-based rival Baidu.com.
Last year, Yahoo was accused of supplying data to China that was used as evidence to jail a Chinese journalist for 10 years.
Say no to stupid act and speech!
Pak Lah should refrain himself attending ANY events not related to his PM position. For "privates invitation" events, he should not give any speech regarding administration and politics, including his proxy speaker. Why can't he say no? It will save him and Malaysian face from those embarrassing celibrity type of speech.
IMHO, MBR are nothing but records of 3rd world mentality and embarrassement. Most MBR records has little historical and cultural value.
moo_t: Second all your views on the topic here.
I thionk the PM needs better assistants/advisers -- you think he would ENTERtain our resumes?
My arsking price RM2m for 20 months! FIRST step towards that RM20m for OUR I-LAND!:) Desi's getting DESperate!:(
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