fbpx
Connect with us

Social Stories

Sikh Association Invites Influencer to Temple to Learn About Their Culture After She Made Racist Remark

Published

S'Gporean Influencer Made Unintentional Racist Remark About Sikhs But They Invited Her To Learn About Their Culture - World Of Buzz
Source: Instagram & Facebook

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.

On 21st September, Singaporean beauty and travel influencer, Sheena Phua, uploaded an Instastory while she was at the F1 Grand Prix. Her photo showed two Sikh men in white turbans in front of her with the caption, “Dang! 2 huge obstructions decided to appear out of nowhere ?”

This sparked an outrage among netizens and Singaporean celebs who slammed her for being racist. One celeb even reposted Sheena’s Instastory and tagged the various brands that sponsor her asking, “Y’all endorse this?”

69667986 953280601686920 8438396338004287995 N

Source: instagram

While she continued to face major backlash for her Instastory, which has since been spreading like wild fire on social media, Sheena apologised for her negligence.

She said that her post had not been directed towards Sikhs or any other religion, but that she was simply referring to a “physical obstruction” due to how tall the Sikh men were.

“The obstruction being referenced in my video was a physical obstruction as the 2 Sikh men were taller than me and blocked my view of the show in front. This would have been the same were they any other race or gender,” she said.

“I understand that this can be taken out of context and can assure the respectable Sikh community that I did not mean it as a racist or derogatory remark toward their community and culture.”

“I have made it a point never to insult or belittle any race or religion in any of my postings before, and never had the intention of doing so.”

Spreply

Source: goody feed

While many still refused to accept her apology, the Young Sikh Association of Singapore (YSA) took the effort to reach out to Sheena and invited her to their Gurdwaras – a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs.

Even though they had every right to feel offended by her post, they brought her in and showed her around the Gurdawa, helping her learn more about the Sikh community and culture.

71752134 2655917551125934 4410137312193675264 N

Source: facebook

“By her own admission, she shared that she didn’t know much about the Sikh community. She didn’t have or know of any Sikhs who may have been at school with her,” YSA wrote in their Facebook post.

“Now that we know her better, would it still be fair to say that she would have known better when she initially put up her post that some found offensive?”

“We all have our own experiences that inform what and how much we know about others in our community. Also, don’t we all hope that when we make a mistake and cause unintended offence or hurt, that others will show us empathy, be understanding and forgiving?”

“Better yet, when we make mistakes don’t we all hope that we can expect people will act on their convictions and reach out to us in friendship, as opposed to reacting based on emotions and pointing fingers to blame.”

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

Several photos were also posted by YSA showing Sheena at Central Sikh Gurdawa at Towner Road, learning about their culture through food preparation and many other Sikh traditions, including looking at the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh’s holy scripture.

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

Sikh

Source: instagram

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

“From the moment I first stepped into the temple, I had never felt more welcome,” Sheena wrote in an Instagram post.

“The YSA received us with open arms and we had a delightful exchange on our cultures over a meal (Langgar), as well as did some service (Sewa) in the form of food preparation.”

“Never once did I feel intimidated or awkward with YSA, and I realised that they really uphold the values of promoting harmony and strengthening ties.”

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

 - World Of Buzz

Source: facebook

Sheena then shares that her experience with YSA was “sobering” and taught her a lot about the Sikh culture that she did not know before. She adds that hitting back after going through a tough time is not the way to go and that “empathy will shine through in the end”.

“You guys should really check them out as they are open to working on almost anything, and will be more than glad to show you around,” she said.

YSA even shared that Sheena had suggested an idea for them to consider in the future, which includes allowing people to have a “less structured visit to a place of worship” to learn about the Sikh culture. She said she felt many people like her would appreciate this.

Well, isn’t this wonderful to hear? Instead of lashing out at each other over race or religion issues, these people have shown that embracing and learning about each others’ cultures are what truly unites us as human beings. 

 

Also read: This Heartwarming Raya Image Went Viral & Inspired Malaysians to Share Their Stories of Unity

This Heartwarming Raya Image Went Viral Inspired Malaysians To Share Their Stories Of Unity World Of Buzz

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest stories and updates daily.



Just In

Collage123 2 Collage123 2
News9 mins ago

PETRONAS Earns the Crown of the Strongest Brand in the Oil & Gas Sector Worldwide!

With billions of cars driving on roads all around the world, using petrol is a big part of daily life...

My Post 1 2024 03 29T124131.137 My Post 1 2024 03 29T124131.137
News1 hour ago

“T20 wants to go shopping 1st” – M’sians Outraged by Delay in High-Value Goods Tax

On January 1, 2024, the Malaysian government implemented the Low-Value Goods (LVG) Tax, which imposed a 10% tax on the...

Collage 1 9 Collage 1 9
News2 hours ago

Former Inmate Claims Najib Wears Regular Clothes Like He’s at Home, Prison Dept Responds

It’s been nearly 2 years since Najib Razak went to prison but rumours about his “lifestyle” in prison is still...

Collage111 3 Collage111 3
News3 hours ago

FREE Toll for Class 1 Private Vehicles on April 8th & 9th for Hari Raya!

Exciting update for Malaysians! The government has just announced toll exemptions for Class 1 private vehicles on April 8 and...

My Post 1 2024 03 29T094758.488 My Post 1 2024 03 29T094758.488
News5 hours ago

M’sians Want to Boycott Tourism to Thailand Over Approval of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

It appears that Malaysians are becoming accustomed to boycotting, with calls to snub businesses and more should there be something...

Collage 82 Collage 82
News5 hours ago

PMX: No Extra Holiday for Raya Because We Need to Have the Semangat for Work

As of now, the 1st and 2nd day of Raya are expected to fall on April 10 and 11. On...

Feat Image Jellyfish Sabah Feat Image Jellyfish Sabah
News22 hours ago

Water Turns Red at Sabah Beach as Tens of Thousands of Jellyfish Wash Ashore in Strange Phenomenon

A strange phenomenon in Sabah has piqued the interest of Malaysians recently after photos and videos of the occurrence went...

Collage 5 9 Collage 5 9
News23 hours ago

“Stand down, you’ve made your point” – KJ Reminds Politician Who’s Criticising KK Mart Over Allah Socks Issue

“Stand down, Akmal. You’ve made your point, you’ve done well, but it’s time to stand your guys down.” In his...

Announcement

Latest Videos



TRENDING TODAY