If the MIL was indeed suffering from dementia, then the ad should have made plain clear that this was so (the DIL should have been consistently sympathetic).
This is a bad advert, more confusing then edifying, its prima-facie purpose seemingly one of imposing filial piety by authority (the father's).
Pls search youtube for 'Going Home' (Singapore Polytechnic- Produced by Kirill Tee) that reports: "Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is NOT part of normal aging." - thus revealing the serious flaw/ omission in the National Family Council video.
As mentioned, dementia being the exception rather then the norm, 'Filial Piety: Father and Son' remains an extreme portrayal of a granny who holds hostage her sons reputation whilst running down the feelings of his wife and son, as deserving of filial piety, in the absence clarity that granny is actually demented, does disservice to the condition of dementia with its unclear portrayal and blind acceptance; the daughter in law's inconsistent, possibly schizophrenic behavior, adds to the family's dysfunction.
Perhaps the producers were too ambitious in their attempt to portray the typical Singaporean family. Perhaps their ambitious nature is reflective of Singapore society- trying too hard to please and going overboard at times.
Whichever the case, I believe that it would be good if the SG advertisement producers could take a leaf from the 'simple minded' producers of a Malaysian, just 2 minute, 'Petronas' advertisement on filial piety that all can understand and appreciate- it is 'Rich son poor son' which ends with the saying "Love of the family is life's greatest blessing"/ GongXiFaCai, one that all can accept and enjoy.
Please do, for I hope that the 'National Family Council' can do more, rather then just legislate filial piety.
And yes, might isn't always right.
Ref:
- "Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is NOT part of normal aging."~ Video 'Going Home' [video] (Singapore Polytechnic)- Award: First Prize; Produced by Kirill Tee, Directed by Vinn Bay
- [ST5July2010]: Educate people about filial piety, don't demand it [link]
- [ST23Jun2010]: Does ad convey right values? [link]
[link]
richwee | August 22, 2009
3 of the old parents were proud of their children's careers. However, these children did not have time for their parents. "They were very busy" each said. The last woman did not talk much of her son. Her son was not a high flyer like the others. But her son has time for his mother. The other 3 women were in awe. They would prefer that their children spend time with them..
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Reflected in/ posted to:
A1
14072010: NFC ad 'Filial Piety: Father and Son'-Video- just cannot make it.
SGForum:
14072010: NFC ad 'Filial Piety: Father and Son'- just cannot make it.
SGclub:
14072010: NFC ad 'Filial Piety: Father and Son'- just cannot make it.
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