Malaysia has always been known for great films such as Ola Bola, Rise: Ini Kalilah, and The Journey, just to name a few. We’re proud of these productions because it showcases how diverse and multiracial our country is.
But there’s one local movie that is now under fire for its title which includes a racial slur against people with darker skin tones.
Lynn (@lynnzieee) and many others took to their social media pages to highlight the racism included in the title ‘Cinta Bae Kicap’, a local movie about an interracial relationship between a Malay girl and a foreigner of African decent and of course, disapproval follows.
Lynn wrote, “Cinta Bae Kicap. And I’m just going to leave the summary of the show here. You decide. I don’t know how I feel about this.”
The summary of the show states, “Mak Leha is happily awaiting the arrival of her daughter, Suhaila, from overseas to celebrate Ramadhan together. Suhaila surprisingly comes home with her dark lover.”
Many netizens were concerned with the title of the movie as it contains a racial slur targeted towards people with dark skin tones, especially now that the Black Lives Matter movement’s is at its peak against systemic racism.
This comment goes, “The black guy is referred to as ‘kicap’ and they released this story during this time where racism is still hot as though they don’t know what’s happening in the world right now.”
Movie is actually to embrace cultural and racial difference
We understand that the movie can be relevant in the sense where it teaches Malaysians that love can transcend race, religion and the colour of one’s skin.
However, may thinks that the use of the word ‘kicap’ in the title can completely undermine the context of the story towards our current racial climate. Some also feel that it’s not a racial slur and people are overreacting.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
Also read: Why #BlackLivesMatter Should Be An Important Movement To Malaysians
