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Oppression

My heart skipped a beat when the gruesome image popped out on my screen. Drips of blood across the chest of an almost naked, morbid-looking model raised the possibility of a callous murder, following rape. Such was my initial thought until a shift in focus brought me to the image center, revealing the disgust - an advertisement for Animal Liberation Victoria (ALV).

The Australian organization is an abolitionist movement dedicated to protect animal rights. To eradicate the oppression of animals, it employs shock advertising to induce fear among readers. This is no new tactic as PETA frequently does the same. The above image depicts a bloodstained woman packaged in plastic and ready to be sold as 'Human Meat' at AUD 785. Her product tag reads, "Billions of animals are abused and violently killed because you eat meat. Get help! 55 million killed per year." Below the bar code, she is indicated as a 'product of cruelty.

At the connotation level, the advertisement aims to gnaw at the readers' conscience. If you were an animal being tortured, how would you feel? The butchering of animals is like the rape of women. You struggle to break free, as denoted by the hands pushing against the wraps, but to no avail. How else could animals, which are much weaker than humans, able to retaliate and escape from the torture? Returning to reality, you dare not look at the gory sight yet you are outraged by such inhumane acts. But think again, you are, in fact, the murderer. The advertisement implores for all humans to stop unethical treatment of animals and the consumption of animals as they are morally incorrect.

The basis of equality is the central question of the animal rights movement. There are two philosophical approaches to this issue (Donovan, 1990). On the protectionist side, Peter Singer asserts the principles of utilitarianism to justify the ethical treatment of animals. On the abolitionist side, Gary Francione argues for the right not to be propertied. Despite differing views, both theories agree that animals should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects or entertainment (Association of American Medical College, 2008). They should be free to determine their own lives. As animal rights activists Tom Regan and Peter Singer (1998) called it, this movement is nothing more than "partners in the struggle to secure respect for human rights" such as the rights of minorities and women.

Bringing the focus back to the advertisement, the oppression of women and racial minorities are clearly illustrated. The model is a young Asian woman, represented by her slanted eyes and jade dangle gold bracelet. In order to evoke immediate displeasure, ALV took a bold approach by directly equating the inferior positions of subjugated groups to animals. Its underlying message is to challenge all dominance and restore equality. However, this approach is too introspective that the organization's intention was misinterpreted, at its superficial level, for being sexist and racist.

In grabbing attention of the readers, the advertisement used nudity to sexualize the female body as object for male pleasure. Though the presence of blood is disturbing, it only takes seconds for one to realize the artificiality of the advertisement. When the disgust is cleared, one would see the contour of a young woman, lying in a seductive position and clad only in a nude panty. This image is capable of conjuring soft pornographic images for the consumption of males. Together with the blood, it also suggests the eroticized behavior of the BDSM community, which may evoke fantasies of blood fetishism or vampire lifestyle. The latter may not be a predominant community, but the use of overt sexuality continuously supports the notion that sex sells and women are merely sex objects.

Reading into context, the woman is objectified as a powerless animal – physically and emotionally vulnerable against men’s dominance. Her neatly tied-up hair gave rise to a violent sexual imagery that illustrated her powerless position to overcome men. Her hands are calling out to freedom but her legs have given up the fight – a typical rape scene. The depiction of women as victims of sexual aggression is inculcating the idea that submission is a desirable trait in women and their vulnerability is always a winning chip to men. Should the media consistently relay such message, sexual abuse and rape crimes would increase significantly.

The advertisement is not only the target of men, also women themselves because women watch other women to inspire their own views of beauty. Objectification is at work again. According to the concept of the Mirror Stage by Lacan (1977), the attachment to bodily desire is likened to “a child recognizing itself in a mirror and assuming an image through a transformation from the imaginary to the symbolic”. The fantasy image may be picked through from this advertisement where sexual beauty is represented by a young, curvaceous and unblemished body. The imagery would push women to conform to feminine ideals of youth and beauty in their attempts to attract men. What they may not know is that these ideals exist only virtually as doctored images. Even otherwise, they would be trapped in the pursuit of perfection, which may result in health issues such as depression and eating disorders.

The most infuriating factor in the advertisement is the price tagged against the woman. What happened to God’s creation of a priceless human life? At AUD 785, the advertisement suggests that females are born almost worthless if not for her holy grail, in which many are sold for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation. Human rights have yet been ensured lest fighting for animal rights. The roots of women’s oppression probably date back to the rise of class society (Marx & Engels, 1948) thousands of years ago. Since then, it has been an endless battle against perpetual victimization and abolishment of inferior positions. In the process of showing the similarity between humans and animals, ALV had demeaned women. This questions the ethicality of devaluing someone else’s rights to seek for yours.

The discourse of race also exists in this advertisement. Hall (2005) noted that the mass caging and slaughtering of animals are connected to crimes committed in the name of white supremacy. Two examples are black slavery in the United States of America and The Jewish Holocaust in Europe. Hence, the use of non-White model would imply the oppression of racial minorities. The woman has long black hair tied in a bun, a tanned body, eyes with epicanthic folds and wears a jade dangle gold bracelet, all of which are quintessentially Asian, if not, Chinese.

Asian women are often labeled as 'China dolls' because of the resemblance in their submissive, docile and meek nature. It enables the establishment of a misogynist culture. In addition, they are stereotyped as hypersexual creatures, perfect for the predation of men. The interpellation of an Asian identity was globally promulgated after World War II where many Asian women were dehumanized and used as prostitutes. The control of Asian women through subordination and sexual objectification is evident. There is portrayal of a futile struggle between the Asian woman against superior power in the advertisement, which is the personified message of the animals’ struggles.

Racial discrimination is consistently present. Though the case for minorities and animals are oppression, modern days racism no longer carries out torturous treatment of minorities like the animals. Hence, the use of Asians as representations in this context should be seen as instigating racial disharmony.

Nevertheless, the representations of sexism and racism analyzed may not necessarily be the intentions of the creator. Perhaps the goal of ALV was simply to evoke fury in many while linking the oppression of animals, women and racial minorities together. American feminist and animal rights advocate, Carol Adams (1990) wrote in her book, The Sexual Politics of Meat, that meat encodes patriarchal relationships. She coined the feminist-vegetarian critical theory, which reinforces the value-hierarchy of patriarchy in both women and animals. Vegetarianism, as a result, is an act of rebellion against male and meat dominance.

At present, we are accustomed to fight for what we believe in. Often, we do not see the commonalities manifested between our cause and other activist groups. I rose to anger upon viewing the advertisement without a thought. From past knowledge, many animal rights organizations, especially the infamous People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has a history of using sex to capture attention but disregarded the feelings of women. This technique has been criticized as insensitive and indicative of short-term goals. Yet if we hold an accommodating view, the representations in this advertisement to equate women and minorities with animals are to illustrate the unbreakable patriarchal powers. The only way to achieve social anarchy is to recognize similar inequalities and come to terms with one another. Hence, animal rights activists, feminists and racial minorities should cooperate with one another to increase their supporters thereby disabling oppression.


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Adams, C. J. (1990). The Sexual Politics of Meat: A Feminist-Vegetarian Critical Theory. New York: Continuum International Publishing

Association of American Medical College. (2008). ‘Personhood’ Redefined: Animal Rights Strategy Gets at the Essence of Being Human. Retrieved February 23, 2011, from http://web.archive.org/web/20080506153652/http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/oct03/animalrights.htm 

Donovan, J. (1990). Animal Rights and Feminist Theory. Signs, 15(2), 350-375 Hall, L. (2005). Civil Rights Groups to PETA: You have used us enough. Message posted in February 23, 2011, from www.dissidentvoice.org.

Lacan, J. (1977). Ecrits: A selection. London: Tavistock.

Marx, K. & Engels, K. (1948). The Communist Manifesto. New York: Penguin Group

Regan, T. & Singer, P. (Eds.). (1989). Animal Rights and Human Obligations. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.

Trip Report: SIN-ICN on Singapore Airlines

After concluding Asiana Business with a score of 89, I am pretty excited to see what comes out of Singapore Business in this assessment. Forget all the complaints I used to have about its economy class product, the in-flight service quality for business class customers fared beyond outstanding. And I am not the only one singing praises for them. Singapore Airlines was, in fact, named the 2011 winner of World's Best Business Class Award. Now, I am feeling extremely grateful to Erik for arranging the trips. They have pushed the standards so high that I probably never want to settle for anything lower. Uh oh!

So en route to Incheon, I flew SQ602, which is an Airbus 330. It is fitted with angled-flat seats, at a "gentle 8 degrees incline" according to their website. While these seats are fairly wide - I could curl and cross my legs easily, I tend to slide down the seats when sleeping. Not that it is a huge problem, but of course, a lie-flat bed with the current width is best. I should probably try their long-haul business product to see if its comparable to the OZ Quadra Smartium.

Next, I also like the leather they used. It brings maximum comfort because your body would sink into the seats easily unlike those smooth leather in Thai Airways. Pillows too, fattest and most snuggable pillows I have seen. I love hugging them to sleep. With them, you have no fear going through bad turbulence!

I love their mega huge TV screen and new in-flight entertainment system. It has a brilliant user interface I must say, very well-thought process for multitasking users. For instance, you no longer need to click on 'Play Trailer' to catch a preview of movies. On KrisWorld, you can simply read reviews and watch trailer at the same time. Oh, do I need to brag about their extensive selection of movies, TV programs and audio titles?! Probably not! Together with swift navigation, I say KrisWorld is still King of IFE.

Look at the reflection, the screen is double my size!

From the two pictures above, notice the flight also has miniature hangers to the left of the TV for your cardigans and compartments below the TV for small belongings. The compartments come with a lock to prevent things from falling out. Nice design!

Flight boarding was pretty much equal to Asiana. You are first warmly welcomed into the cabin, followed by offerings of towels, newspapers/magazines and a drink. I opted for a glass of champagne, which was too fizzy for my liking. Ack!


Just before departure, the captain gave us the best welcoming address. He spoke about the flight journey and introduced his staff for each flight class and how these people can help. Honestly, this is the lengthiest speech I have heard but he chatted with so much sincerity and excitement that I was almost certain he was aspiring to be Asia's Captain Denny Flanagan. A bummer that I did not catch his name!

Shortly after departure, meal service began for some people. Since the flight was only six hours, we were only served one main meal. Passengers have the choice to choose to have supper or breakfast for midnight flights.


I doubt anyone can resist SQ's butter croissants. Just look at my pastry plate! The strong buttery smell was so intense that I gobbled 2 quickly before remembering to snap pictures. Unfortunately, my choice of braised udon was a bad one. Too floury? Tasteless? Too dry? I don't know, to put it simply, stew and udon cannot be friends. But before you think SQ meals are disgusting, the meals served on PEK-SIN route was remarkable. On that flight, I also craved for some alcohol and little did I realize that their 2008 white wine tasted so heavenly that I completed three glasses. Check out the menu and food choice below:

Moving on, I headed to the lavatory. WOW! This toilet blew me off. Please understand that this is my rare few business class experience. So I am blogging with much enthusiasm and little experience. Erik did tell me that some Cathay Pacific flights also have similar product.

Well, the lavatory was larger than expected. It has a hugeass sink, mirrors everywhere, leather seat cover, a stalk of orchid (Singapore's national flower) and full amenities. I was beaming throughout my exploration time in the barely walkable cage.


Moving on, let's talk about what impressed me the most - the stellar service from business cabin crew. To me, Singapore Girls do have the good standards but more often, it was because they have to undergo rigorous and rigid training. This led to their "robotic" speaking and service and hence, the lack in heartfelt sincerity. I think many passengers can feel this because I am definitely not the only one criticizing. Honestly, when I only flew economy class, I always told Erik I would rather fly United Airlines and have old women in service than going through a military plane. At least these old women tell me jokes and treat me like a friend. Perhaps it is personal preferences, some chauvinists do enjoy SQ's "maid" service.

So then, I discovered business class is totally different, at least in this SIN-ICN flight. The cabin crew were genuinely interested in serving you. You could feel this in your six sense. Words alone are indescribable but they made me feel extremely interested in what they are saying. For the first time, I appreciated their service with a wide grin when I was leaving the flight. I even felt that the flight was too short. Thank you, cabin crew of SQ602 on June 1, 2011! You did an excellent job!

If I have to find fault with the flight, it is probably in their amenity kit. We were not given one. Perhaps it is the rule for medium-haul flight. While we were only given sleeping masks and a special Ugg-boots shoe-sock, moisturizers and toothbrushes can be obtained from the lavatories. I feel that no matter the distance of the flight, amenity kits should be given to all business passengers since we all paid a lavish sum for the flight. Come on, how much can a sample bottle of L'Occitane moisturizer cost?

Alright, time for MASS PILOT ratings!

Meals: 7/10 (Horrible udon, good appetisers though. If this was to rate PEK-SIN, that food deserves a full mark.)
Amenity: 6/10 (No moisturizers, lip balm and ear plugs)
Service: 10/10 (BEST service ever!)
Seat: 9/10
Environment: 10/10 (Quiet and pleasant throughout)

Pilot Address: 10/10
In-flight entertainment: 10/10
Lavatory: 10/10
Overall cleanliness: 10/10
Timing: 10/10 (Flight left on time and reached half hour earlier.)

Bonus Points: 1

Total score: 92/100

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All flights are redeemed from the boyfriend's United Mileage Plus account. He is an avid aviation enthusiast with an amazing flair in all mileage programs. All questions on traveling can be directed to him at jiangatang.blogspot.com.

Trip Report: LAX-ICN on Asiana Airlines

This summer to the States was an eye-opening experience on board business class via two most prestigious airlines in the world - Asiana and Singapore Airlines. Previously, I have taken Thai Airways, United and Air China but none comes close to their excellence.

I will begin the first trip report on Asiana Airlines, flying Los Angeles to Seoul. This Boeing-777 aircraft was recently fitted with the OZ Quadra Smartium, otherwise known as lie-flat seats. Usually I have no qualms about seatings since I am small enough to curl up even in economy class but being able to stretch out and roll around on a 12-hour flight definitely gets me excited. Besides, angled-flat seats, the most popular business class seatings, are pretty awkward for me. I tend to sleep curled up on my sides. This weight would usually result in my body sliding downwards, causing discomfort.

Upon boarding the flight, I was ushered to my seat by a pretty Korean air stewardess. She closed my overhead compartment when she saw that I had no carry-on luggage. She also offered me newspapers to read and choice of drinks.

My private area was indeed enormous! I was seated on 4A, where the seating was next to the window. I would highly recommend those who want more private space to take up even seatings because you would be protected by the large table top from the alleyway.

Here's to show what I mean, also to pardon my lack of pictures in seats (I totally forgotten, overwhelmed!):

Language spoken on the flight was Korean, English and Chinese. The flight information display does show Japanese as well. This TV screen was slightly smaller than SQ Business, I think but both system navigation was extremely simple and fast. Its interactive mode, however, started only about 30 minutes after departure when SQ Business allow passengers to enjoy entertainment immediately on board.

This is the space you have below your TV, pretty surprised that I can put in so many things. But it is not advisable if you are big-sized or tall. You would want the area for your feet. I love that Asiana is attentive to smallest details such as our shoes, the small compartment beneath is for your branded leather. You deserve a bonus point!


View from the right: A pretty huge table top (which is actually the TV screen and leg compartment of your neighbor's behind), a stack of in-flight magazines kept nicely in a plastic folder (bonus point for neat organization, apologies for the lack of pictures!), small compartment to keep your amenities or headphones just below your arm rest, reading light and remote control for your seats and entertainment system.


The amenity kit include comb, ear plugs, eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, L'Occitane lip balm (became my favorite!), L'Occitane hand cream, L'Occitane body lotion (orange flavor, had the lemon flavor on ICN-SEA).

Here comes the food part!


Being a lefty, I first peep at the Wine List. There was a sweet introduction of the various wine connoisseurs they sought and a good list of wines. Many apologies for forgetting the list. I had two glasses of 2002 French red wines though. Am not an alcohol person, but based on previous business class experience, this was by far the best red wine I have tasted on flight. It was perhaps medium-bodied but not sweet and aggressive. I managed to finish two full glass, which I usually do not.


Whatever "I love Mecenat" means, the logo appeared in every odd pages of the wine menu. Any Korean wants to decode the tagline for me? I thought their campaign was very sweet-looking.

Over to the food menu, Asiana Airlines offer a wide selection of main courses. I had a hard time deciding what to eat.


Love that Asiana teaches foreigners how to enjoy Bibimbab! Some of you make think we could easily ask air stewardesses to help us but not many people dare to ask them. I am giving another bonus point for their earnest gesture.

Here's my appetizer plate: tuna and fresh vegetables, bun, garlic bread (not in pictures), olive oil and red wine.

I went with the beef tenderloin instead because Erik told me that the steak on Turkish Airlines was remarkable. Hence, I decided to try since Asiana is one of the top-notch airlines. The steak looks to be medium done, but it is medium-well actually. It was over-grilled on the outside, mid-portion has, fortunately, a good tanginess to it. Now if you are thinking about the sauce, it was delightful! Great mushroom flavor with a tinge of black pepper to taste. Yummy!

Delicious Opera cake

After a sumptuous 'dinner' (supposed to be supper) at 0200hours Pacific Time, I went for nature's call. After Singapore Airlines surprised me with a beautiful lavatory on my SIN-ICN trip, I was wondering if all prestigious airlines have five-stars toilets too. Sadly, it was the usual lavatory you would see in economy class, with full-length mirror and amenities from some unknown Korean brand. Their toothbrushes and toothpastes are different from the personal amenity kit given also. We used Colgate and the lavatory kept also a Korean brand.

After washing up, I proceeded to my seat for movies and hopefully, catch some sleep. Asiana's in-flight entertainment has a large selection of movies and TV programs, but mainly Asian-based. It is just unfortunate that the month does not screen any of my interest. But I did find a Korean crime movie based of a true mystery. It is called Children... and the film left me furious about psychotic killers in the world. Also wondering why unjustice lingers.

Despite writing that the seats were big, I feel that it was not wide enough for turning. It somehow made me feel a little uncomfortable, like I was forced to sleep overly straight. Slight curling up will push your knees out of the seats. Furthermore,, the air-conditioning was unusually warm that I actually kicked off the blanket they provided. But I pulled it back on just in case the drunk Korean neighbor to my right peeps at my butt.

I did survive the flight eventually with ample sleep. The breakfast menu is below. I opted for pancakes, which I regretted immediately. The drunk Korean neighbor was eating Korean porridge that smell so good. Never thought porridge can smell great, please try if you are on board the same flight!

With that, I end off my remarkable journey with my newly created rating scale, MASS PILOT.

Meals: 7/10 (Breakfast was not too delicious, steak was hard, bread was plain-tasting and not warm enough.)
Amenity: 9/10 (Socks were not given, otherwise best kits ever!)
Service: 9/10 (Is not #1 on my list but extremely consistent)
Seat: 10/10 (Until I find a bigger lie-flat seating, Asiana shall claim the throne for this category.)
Environment: 8/10 (Too warm!)

Pilot Address: 8/10 (Captain Jim was so talkative and funny unlike many Asian pilots.)
In-flight entertainment: 8/10 (Sometimes lagging a little, lack of western choices)
Lavatory: 8/10 (Excellence in cleanliness but could do better in amenities and air freshener)
Overall cleanliness: 10/10 (Attentive air stewardesses always making their rounds to keep the alley and table tops clean)
Timing: 9/10 (The flight was delayed by half hour.)

Bonus Points: 3

Total score: 89/100

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All flights are redeemed from the boyfriend's United Mileage Plus account. He is an avid aviation enthusiast with an amazing flair in all mileage programs. All questions on traveling can be directed to him at jiangatang.blogspot.com.

10 Most Asked Questions

Adeline...

01. Did you rebond your hair?

02. Did you rebond your hair?

03. Did you rebond your hair?

04. Did you rebond your hair?

05. Did you rebond your hair?

06. Did you rebond your hair?

07. Did you rebond your hair?

08. Did you rebond your hair?

09. Did you rebond your hair?

10. Did you rebond your hair?

Let me say this, once and for all, I will never straighten my hair in my entire life. Neither do I have the opportunity to do so. My hair, sadly, is the thinnest and straightest you have ever seen. Some people call it a blessing. Not for me. I used to pin hopes on curling miracles to transform them into beautiful, wavy mane. But within two weeks, you see those curls dwindle into half, then to none. Sigh.

So stop asking me the same old question!

Will the real copycat please stand up?

So the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is still fighting for copyright protection for original designs today. They never give up, do they?

It seems to be an endless battle that I refuse to let my mind argue away. Especially when I am still sitting on the fence for copyright after vigorous challenges in policy classes. But I am provoked by what Steven Kolb said in this NYTimes article:

...Kate Middleton’s wedding dress would probably be a good example (that requires copyright protection), or anything you might see at the current Costume Institute exhibition of Alexander McQueen. But passage of the bill would be a symbolic victory for designers, especially those who have suffered financially by the widespread copying of their work.

Oh please, was Kate Middleton's wedding dress copied from or copied by?! Do a quick google search yourself to find out.

(Isabella Orsini versus Kate Middleton, Source: Marie Claire UK)

I was equally horrified when I saw how similar the dresses were, or should I say they look practically the same except for a few details. Both claimed to have been inspired by Grace Kelly. Oh yes, I am sure. The snapshot below shows an anonymous comment from a Malaysian that these dresses are commonly found in their culture. I am assuming it is an equivalent of a kebaya.

If the above does not constitute "copying", I don't know what is. Yet, we don't see Gerald Watelet suing Sarah Burton though, going back to the first article, the proponents are going after ABS and other wedding boutiques for cheap imitations. You mean mainstream designers do not have the right to "feel inspired" by a luxor like yourself?

Another case put up was Proenza Schouler's PS1 imitation at Target. Between USD1,600 and USD35, a logical person would probably purchase Target's bag but in reality, how many would do that? A fashionista would know the differences in both bags and most importantly, their "fashion-forward" reputation would be at stake if seen carrying an imitation. An average Jo probably does not know what the frack is Proenza Schouler. They merely need the preppy Target bag for school (read the snapshot below).

PS. Target, I urge you to do a market analysis of your buyers!



This reminded me of why I do not, mentally, want to be embroiled in this legal case and am still taking no sides to any copyright issues. Also, I only have superficial knowledge on this topic. However, the way this case was put across, is an explicit social oppression to the poor.

The law grinds the poor, and rich men rule the law.

- Oliver Goldsmith

I always believe that luxury products will only be glorified in certain environment and on certain people, else nobody can tell the difference. For example, if 15 year old plain Jane carries a Birkin bag to her neighborhood school, how many people would know its authenticity? How many would know what Hermes is? Contrast that with a 35 year old successful lawyer, Jane, will the number of stares and squeals increase?

To this, I have had personal experience before. Friend A and Friend B are around 20 years old. They buy clothes that their pocket money can afford ie Forever21, Topshop, Bugis Street though B is much richer than A. One day, B carried a nylon Prada bag to meet A. A saw it and immediately asked B with strong doubts, "Whoa... is this really Prada?". When B gave a nod, A was still suspicious, commenting incredulously, "Whoa... so rich huh." This story taught me to make purchases that your current environment can appreciate or your social status can carry off otherwise the reputation of your luxury product will be tarnished in your own hands.

So bearing that in mind, I found this TED video by Johanna Blakely that succinctly illustrated my thoughts and I shall leave this case with a quote from Tom Ford in the video...

"The counterfeit customers were NOT our customers."