Unkind act is reflection of the perpetrator’s insecurity: Chan Chun Sing shares wisdom of kids

29/03/2022

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing posted on Facebook on Mar 29, 2022, sharing his conversation with a child about how to respond to bullies.

His post came after that Will Smith incident at the Oscars.

While he didn’t specifically name those involved in the incident, he mentioned that he read about the act that unwittingly stole the spotlight at the Oscars and shared that young children often ask him what they should do when others make fun of them or their family members and how they should respond to bullying.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Will Smith shocked the entire world by slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars yesterday.

Context: Chris Rock was on stage to present the award for best documentary feature when he cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s, Will Smith’s wife, bald head, saying he was looking forward to her starring in G.I. Jane 2.

She suffers from an autoimmune disorder called alopecia, which causes hair loss and balding.

Will Smith then went up on stage and slapped Chris Rock. He apologised to Chris Rock a day later.

While there’s the temptation to retaliate, Minister Chan shared this piece of wisdom from the child.

“I remember a very good response from a child whom I spoke with – always remind ourselves that if one needs to make fun of others to feel good about themselves, then that unkind act itself is a reflection of the perpetrator’s insecurity and lack of confidence, rather than any inadequacies on the part of the victim,” he wrote.

“Indeed, by not allowing ourselves to be victimised and saddened by such unkind words or deeds, we counter the perpetrators’ attempts to create misery in others for their purposes,” he concluded.

A real teachable moment.

And like what former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama once said: “When they go low, we go high.”

Cover photo credit: Chan Chun Sing Facebook page and Discussing Film Twitter page