Week 1 10/1/12
To really kickstart this module AAU 104 in the year 2012, our very kind lecturer, Prof CK lets us watch a Malaysian movie called the 'Nasi Lemak 2.0'. It is a show originated by Namewee, who also played the lead chef (Chef Huang). It was released in September 2011.
Initially, he only believed that chinese cuisine is what the chinese should cook and eat only, which in turn caused a huge downfall in his chinese restaurant. He was not interested in other cuisines and looked down on them. Contrary to that, he was named 'Hero Huang' because he has unfailingly help his fellow chinese people around his area. Xiao K, whose father had to fight for his restaurant from his sister, chanced upon Chef Huang and asked him for his help in the chinese competition against Lan Qiao. Because of Huang's inability to win against Lan Qiao, he was forced to ask the opposite illegal streetside Malay hawker stall lady as her nasi lemak has always been a favourite to all races. He then embarks on a journey to rediscover the roots and traditions of the multi-cultural and multi-racial Malaysia.
Namewee's film has been met up with alot of critisms and protests against the national anthem, Negaraku. Quoted from The New Zealand Herald, (2011) '"My message is that the system in Malaysia is unequal ... But when we live together, we eat together, there is no racism," said Wee, sitting for an interview with AFP wearing his trademark beanie pulled down to his eyes.' (Para 6)
Social Status:
- Type of food and cuisines portrayed.
- Legalised lestoran vs Illegal hawkers.
- Wealthy vs Poor.
- Stereotypes.
Nationality
- Differences in culture.
- Language and accents.
- Stereotypes (Jap/ Indian/ Chinese)
- Traditions (Costumes)
- Different treatment.
- Colour of skin.
Likes: It has alot of comical ideas. I also like the way they localised it through the different dialects.
Dislikes: Sterotypes and randomness of the dreams.
My Reflection
This film actually takes us to the very current situation that not only Malaysians faced but also in Singapore. Being 'localize' doesn't just mean staying in your comfort zone, which is your own culture, race and nationality. Namewee has crisscrossed the different practices of the cultures and races in malaysia, sometimes scrutinized the government's policies and also, from facebook, brought onto surface the sentiments of many. I love how the way he incorporate the mixture in his food, languages and especially his songs and dances. It was hilarious and sometimes odd to find ourselves laughing at such matters which are quite serious come to think of it!
However, at times maybe Namewee might have gone overboard. The thing that I don't like is how he made fun of the different religious practices (eg. the circumcision practiced by the Islam) and also the stereotypes of the different nations (eg. Indians like to hide behind bushes or trees). I feel that it might be insulting to them because not everyone will understand such jokes. Might raise terrorism XD
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