Raffles Institution (RI) has taken disciplinary action against a student who wore a costume depicting a dark-skinned delivery rider on Racial Harmony Day.
The incident, which surfaced on social media platforms, sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns regarding racial sensitivity among students.
A photograph circulating on Reddit showed the student dressed in a food delivery uniform, complete with a mask that portrayed the face of a dark-skinned man.
Principal Aaron Loh addressed the situation, stating that the student did not intend to offend any particular group or community. He explained that the student’s choice of costume was influenced by a current social media trend linked to a basketballer, but acknowledged that the dress was deemed “inappropriate.”
According to TODAY, principal Aaron Loh said that the student who was “dressed inappropriately” had taken the photo “as part of current trends around social media memes involving a basketballer”.
“He had no intention to make fun of any group or community,” said Principal Aaron Loh.
He also noted that prior to the event, students had been encouraged to wear traditional ethnic attire to celebrate the day.
In light of this incident, the students involved have received counseling aimed at fostering awareness about the importance of being sensitive to others’ feelings and being mindful of their actions.
Here’s how redditors responded :
NOT THE FIRST TIME :
The image, captured in 2016, shows a student thought to be of South Asian descent flanked by ten others applying black beauty face masks.
Image via reddit
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