A Malay Wo(man)

• Main Author: Nur Izzati Binte Haji Muhammad Faisal
• Other Authors: Oh Soon-Hwa
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Visual arts and music::Photography
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168180
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project investigates the unspoken issues of misogyny that have been circling the Malay community in Singapore for generations. It aims to highlight scenes of discriminating actions against Malay women and distinguish the blurred lines between cultural and religious beliefs based on the expectations of how a Malay woman should act. A Malay Wo(man) follows through a series of men depicted in different situations that were initially faced by a woman. Referencing the influence of pop culture in the Malay media industry, each image is inspired by a selected scene from films that potentially indicate sexist themes. This paper will first explore the Malay cultural standards of both Singapore and Malaysia, linking them to the race's historical roots and traditions. The following paragraphs will elaborate on the influence of the Islamic religion in the Malay community and how it has affected the cultural aspects. In this context, community voices are crucial. The discussion will be supported by several perspectives of the community on the issue found in recorded data analysis, real-life occurrences and social media posts. As a Muslim Malay woman in Singapore, I will include self-observation of the matter and question my role to experience the effects of merely being one. This contributed to the primary purpose of this study.