Huang Na again...
Now it's her parents in the limelight. It is a Chinese custom for relatives & friends to contribute money to help with the funeral expenses. We call this "white-gold", literally translated from Chinese. In Huang Na's case, because of the high pubilicity of her tragic death, many Sinagporeans and even people from neighbouring countries came to her funeral. And many made monetary contributions. It was rumored that the total sum collected is in the region of S$200K.
Recently, a local talking-point show, brought up an issue. At the initial part of the funeral, the parents indicated that they would donate some of the money to charity because they were not hard-up for the money. Now, after the funeral rites were over, Huang Na's parents have kept a fairly low profile. The show asked why didn't her parents disclose the amount collected. The show mentioned that since the public was so immensely involved, shouldn't the public know how much was the total collection?
This led to a very hot debate on whether Huang Na's parents should disclose the total amount of money collected. Many felt that there was no need for secrecy, and that the public has a right to know. Others felt that this was a private matter and there's no obligation on their part to disclose anything. The show was a live-telecast and they tried to call her parents over phone for clarification. They didn't take the calls and that gave rise to speculations and gossips, and even demands that they come forward to explain themselves.
Now. My take is this,
a. Why all that interest in the money? So what if the money is a lot? You mean you want them to share with you?
a. Why all that interest in the money? So what if the money is a lot? You mean you want them to share with you?
b. All that money has been given voluntarily. Some donated $4ooo, others $5o or even $4. Her parents had never once asked for money. It seemed so ungracious to contribute and then turn around and question them on how they intent to spend that money. Why do you want to know? Are you saying that you want the money back if you are not satisfied with their "proposed" plans? Come on!!!
c. They are still mouning the death of their daughter. You think this is a get-rich-quick-money-making-scam? Why should they be obliged to explain themselves?
d. The couple claimed they would donate to charity. But in what manner/how and when, is really up to them. Even if eventually they never donate, all you can say is that they never honour their words. But that doesn't mean they should be treated like criminals.
Really!! I'm very disappointed at the turn of events. Although I didn't exactly like the attitude of the step-father and some of the things he said in the papers. But I do sympathise with them now. They don't need this unhealthy pubilicity at this. They sent their daughter from China all the way here, hoping to get a good education and perhaps a brighter future. Yet she was brutally murdered. And people seemed to have forgotten that and were now thinking enviously that her parents have "made" a bundle. For goodness sake, leave them alone!
Really!! I'm very disappointed at the turn of events. Although I didn't exactly like the attitude of the step-father and some of the things he said in the papers. But I do sympathise with them now. They don't need this unhealthy pubilicity at this. They sent their daughter from China all the way here, hoping to get a good education and perhaps a brighter future. Yet she was brutally murdered. And people seemed to have forgotten that and were now thinking enviously that her parents have "made" a bundle. For goodness sake, leave them alone!
Labels: Ramblings
posted at 11/19/2004 01:38:00 PM
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