It spawned dangerous TikTok challenges and love scams, but the Internet has also done a lot of good.
Before social media popped up, if someone made racist remarks to you on the street, for example, they’d likely get away with it due to a lack of evidence.
Now, thanks to camera phones and the internet, if someone says something stupid, offensive, or hurtful, it will stay on the internet forever once it’s uploaded.
Just ask one Ngee Ann Poly lecturer, who’s seemingly unaware that there are consequences for one’s actions.
NP Suspends Lecturer Who’s Reportedly the Man Who Made in Racist Remarks to Interracial Couple
The man who made racist remarks to an interracial couple in Orchard Road has now been identified as a lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
The man is an engineering lecturer at the polytechnic, according to The Straits Times.
An NP spokesman confirmed that the man is a member of its staff and said he has been suspended from his teaching duties.
“We take a very serious view of the matter as the remarks made by the individual are highly offensive, disrespectful and goes against our staff code of conduct and values as a community,” the spokesman said.
The polytechnic is also conducting an internal investigation, and is considering the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
On Sunday, the police said that reports over the incident had been lodged and a 60-year-old man is currently assisting with investigations.
What Happened
It all started when Mr Dave Parkash and his girlfriend were walking to their car near Orchard Road on Saturday night (5 June).
Mr Parkash is half-Indian and half-Filipino while his girlfriend is half-Chinese and half-Thai.
For some reason, one man passing them on the street was so offended by the fact that they were dating that he approached them and called them a disgrace.
Understandably, Mr Parkash and his girlfriend were shocked. The discussion that followed was recorded on camera by Mr Parkash’ girlfriend.
In the video, the man, who is seen wearing a red jersey with the word “Singapore” on it, admits to being a racist.
Curiously, he believed Mr Parkash was also being racist for dating his girlfriend.
“I have nothing against Indians, but I think it is racist for an Indian to marry a Chinese girl.”
Mr Parkash then points out the fact that the man is wearing a jersey with the word “Singapore” on it, and calls him a disgrace.
“No, no, no, I’m not a disgrace. If you think there is no such thing as racism, you’re wrong, you’re a racist as well… You should date an Indian,” the man replies.
He then went one step further.
“I’m not saying you, I’m saying the Indian race. I’ve got nothing against you personally but I think it is racist that an Indian prey on Chinese girls. Prey, as in predatory.”
Then, as a self-employed spokesman for his race, he says that “the Chinese” are not happy with Chinese women marrying Indian men.
The argument got especially heated at one point when the man pointed at Mr Parkash’ girlfriend and said she was “disgracing him.”
The viral video, which has been shared over 12,000 times, triggered massive uproar from netizens, who called for the man to be punished.
Well, it seems like they’re getting their wish.
Featured Image: Facebook (Dave Park Ash)