Week 4

Mocking of national anthem by Namewee was shown to us during the lecture this week. To be frank again, this is the first time I watch the whole video. If not mistaken I was Standard 6 that time, I heard of friends talked about this song before but I wasn’t that interested on it. Years later, I watched some of his productions, and I’m so admire his talent in composing music. But I think he would have more chance if he produces those songs in other country because according to his criticise kind of style, he would get many troubles here. 

Back to the song, he expresses the message by using symbols like kopi, durian and morning call. They don’t sound criticising but they actually are. Critic about the government, MATA (police) and so on.

What cultural context inspired Namewee to write the song? I think mainly is because the place (Malaysia) he grown up and another culture that he exposed to. Most probably he found that the culture he exposed to is different from the past experience so he could make comparison and figured out the bads of Malaysia.

From the interview of Namewee, I’m fully agreed with this: “And we need to learn to accept, to respect, instead of feeling inferior because of the differences, and worship foreign cultures blindly.” Indeed, we have to learn to accept and respect, and these are the things that most of the people are unable to do. Also, we shouldn’t feel superior of our religion, race and even social class. As living in a multicultural, multiracial and multireligious country, we have to respect and accept others’ lifestyle then only we can have a harmony and peaceful life.