Of nudity, McD's and mobsters

The police is hunting for some people whose mugshots are found on the front page of newspapers in recent days.

Some of them are mobsters who have insulted religions and races of others; while some are nudists who have created an uproar in the country after a video showing them playing at a Penang beach in nude was spread online.

The two groups of people have been investigated and are facing charges.

Malaysians have responded drastically to the nudists camp and criticisms are severe. I have heard many comments, including unethical, immoral and even obscene and dirty. Many said that it was not in line with the country's conditions and described it as a bad example for the young generation.

However, the people have responded indifferently to online mobsters. Instead, many view it from their own religious and racial stands and back the mobsters. "If you can do this, why can't we?" "We do this because you did it first", they claimed that they have been forced to do so.

This is a special social phenomenon in Malaysia which could hardly be found in other countries.

What if similar situation takes place in the US, Australia or European countries?

If believe that online religious and racial extremists would draw public anger and criticisms. People would call for justice and voice out for social harmony.

However, for drastic denouncement of nudity camp, they might ask:"Is it that serious?" or "They found a secluded place to take off the so called shackles for them and enjoyed a few days of freedom, so what is the problem?"

Liberals might even blame the government, "The government's job is not to investigate and charge them, but to find them a suitable place so that they can hold the activities freely without interference."

Just like a playground at parks, and even a smoking area in non-smoking places, you may put on all kinds of clothes as you wish, while others may go for nude.

Although I am not nudist, I found it funny instead of erotic after watching the video clip. There was no sexual activities nor the desire (it was not difficult to judge as physiological response will tell).

Some of my friends laughed, some were amazed while some did not care at all. It seemed that no one's morality has been defiled.

Perhaps, some people might say that it is a bad example for children and isn't it a collapse of morality if they follow suit?

Face the reality. Children have been exposed to online pornography which could be unbearable, disgusting and brutal. Would they still care about the uncles and aunties doddering at the beach?

The nudists have harmed nobody but instead, created a light topic of the beauty of human body for discussion. Compared to extremists spreading hatred online, they are indeed much more gentle.

All online mobsters and nudists will have to bear legal consequences but there should be difference between them if we measure with morality and social responsibility. The severity of legal sanctions should be appropriate, so does the strictness of social judgement.

HOW unfortunate it is!

This time, some people sympathise with the Palestinians and vented their anger through smashing McDonald's outlets and abusing its staff, causing some outlets dare not to open for business while its staff dare not to wear uniforms to avoid being targeted.

I sympathise with the Palestinians, too. I condemn the brutality of the Israeli authorities and I seldom eat McDonald's. However, how could McDonald's be related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

It is just because there was a rumour online accusing that McDonald's is backing Israel and providing financial aids to the Jews. It is indeed ridiculous.

McDonald's is a listed company from the US and its chain outlets abroad, including those in Malaysia, are operated by local people. Its staff are local people, too.

Take McDonald's chain outlets in Malaysia as instance, we can see that all staff members are local people and if anger is vented on them, they will be the one who get hurt, not the Palestinian authorities.

McDonald's is a global enterprise with the goal of pleasing the stomach of all to earn big money. Its shareholders have just seen stock price rise while its management team has gained dividends and its employees have enjoyed increments.

Would such a big enterprise spend its money on funding Israel in exchange for worldwide boycott?

It does not need a MBA, EMBA or ACCA to know that it is totally inconsistent with business logic, unless if the modern enterprise management teaches us how to shut down business.

However, this group of people does not need to act according to common sense and logic, they just boycott with no reason and smash the shops just because they feel like smashing one.

Diners at the shop were enjoying their family meal time while some just wanted a good meal. Unexpectedly, a group of people went into the shop and created troubles, causing them to flee in fear like Palestinian refugees.

You have the right to support the Palestinians, but enterprises have the right to do legitimate business, while members of the public have the right to enjoy hamburger, fries and Coke.

Would such a move help in reducing the number of shells dropped on Gaza?

Aren't they mobsters, too? -Mysinchew