The following article discusses topics of a sensitive nature which may be disturbing and/or controversial to some readers. Hence, reader discretion is advised. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not reflect Sunway University and Sunway College’s values.
Content warning: Mentions of self-harm and suicide.
Disclaimer:
The following article discusses topics of a sensitive nature which may be disturbing and/or controversial to some readers. Hence, reader discretion is advised. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not reflect Sunway University and Sunway College’s values.
Content warning: Mentions of suicide, violence and gender dysphoria.
An unwanted gaze, an unpalatable whistle, an unsolicited remark. These seemingly ‘minor’ annoyances are familiar to a large population of Malaysians and can be much more severe than appearances may imply. Though often going unreported and unnoticed, sexual harassment — the act of conducting oneself in an unwelcome and sexual nature towards another to demean their dignity — is much more prominent than expected.
Trigger warning:
The following article contains discussions regarding sexual violence, assault and non-consensual pornography, which some readers may find disturbing or traumatizing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Have you ever felt shame for who you are?
It’s a normal feeling for a lot of people, especially those who are in their teens. You just get so caught up with how everyone’s perceiving you, that you start to feel self-conscious. The irrational fear that a random person near you is silently judging your clothes, your voice, or anything you express into the world. I think most people can relate to that, myself included.
It’s been a minute since borders reopened and life rekindled, but living through the pandemic has changed us. 2022 holds promise and all most of us are hoping for is that it doesn’t turn into “2020 too”. Yet, it can be hard to shake our pandemic habits and readjust to a more normal life. In fact, it is common for some to have concerns or feel anxious about socialising and being out in public. You might feel intimidated, afraid, or insecure — these emotions are valid. COVID-19 is still at large, and regaining some form of normalcy should never come at the expense of health and safety. Fret not, here are some helpful tips to readjust to life after the pandemic.
The Japanese term Hikikomori refers to a form of social phenomena principally found in Japan. The term — first coined by Saitō Tamaki, a psychiatrist — is used to describe the phenomena of the complete withdrawal of Japanese people from society. The term also generally describes the people suffering from said phenomenon, with an individual that has withdrawn from society for longer than six months at a time is deemed a ‘social recluse’ or Hikikomori. According to a survey conducted by the Japanese government, it is estimated that there are currently more than 1 million Hikikomori living in Japan. From the same survey conducted, the age can range from as low as 15 to as high as 64 years old, with men constituting approximately 76.6% from the survey’s total participants.
Near the beginning of August, Wu Yi Fan, also known professionally as Kris Wu, a Chinese-Canadian actor, singer, record producer, rapper, and model, was arrested by the Beijing Police on suspicion of sexual misconduct against young women. The news expeditiously circulated on social media, even overshadowing coverage of the Tokyo Olympic Games, prompting a debate over sexual consent.
Echo Media has produced a video about suicide, self-harm, and mental health in honour of Suicide Prevention Day.
For years the excuses of humour and sensibilities have been thrust around as a means of justifying inappropriate remarks regarding sexual harassment and assault. These harsh statements masked behind attempts at comicality become even more complex to disassemble when they are employed by authoritative figures such as educators, making its recipients inclined to remain silent due to the imbalance in the power dynamics as well as the risk of severe consequences. Nevertheless, recent revelations have proven that many actions can be taken in order to combat these injustices and silence is no longer an option in the face of rights transgressions, especially once solidarity is achieved.
