Justice secretary’s plans likely to increase black people’s suspicion of court system, committee suggests

David Lammy’s planned changes to the criminal courts in England and Wales could have a “far-reaching” impact on race relations, a cross-party committee of MPs has concluded.

The deputy prime minister’s plan to remove the right to elect for a crown court trial “has the potential to increase mistrust in the criminal justice system among the black community”, the justice select committee said, because black defendants are more likely to elect for trial.

SINGAPORE: Many countries have developed specific terms to show respect towards older people, and in Singapore, calling an elderly woman ‘auntie’ is one of these cultural norms. However, whether the term is perceived as respectful wholly depends on the person receiving it. If this term is misunderstood or used in the wrong context, it can cause a bigger concern, rather than simply conveying respect.

With this, an international student raised a concern on Reddit, asking if it is rude to call a woman an ‘auntie’. The student got curious about how to exactly know when you can call someone this term.

From experience, the netizen shared: “I saw an old lady get mad when her son’s friend called her auntie. She was 40+ but had lots of makeup on, and it did seem like she was trying a lot to look young. So when she got called auntie, I’m guessing she got mad because she didn’t want to be perceived as an older lady.”

With this, many netizens shared their answers and opinions on the questions. An older woman shared a list of people whom she deemed can call her auntie without sounding rude, which includes kids and teenagers who are the children of her friends. Moreover, she claimed that people who are strangers and those who are 20 years old and above, she prefers to be addressed as ‘Ms.’ or just by her name. 

Another netizen suggested: “If you worry, just say ma’am to everyone… If you can’t pronounce, say ‘madam.’” 

For some, it is not exactly rude, but being called an ‘auntie’ in Singapore carries more meaning than referring to a woman’s age. 

“Sometimes that term implies uncivilised actions or manners that one might not want to be associated with. Like aunties in the wet market? Also, not everyone on the streets are relatives. I personally would refrain from using such terms, even though as a Singaporean who grew up here, I know how common it is. A “Hello” is good enough when I’m unsure. Sure, it’s less personal but at least it won’t offend people easily,” one netizen declared. 

“It’s not rude but some aunties just have low self-esteem and can’t accept being one yet,” a comment concluded. 

Overall, it really varies for each person. Calling someone ‘auntie’ can be natural and friendly for many, but it can also offend depending on the person’s age, appearance, background and how the term is used. When in doubt, choose a neutral, respectful form of address.

This article (‘She got mad’: International student confused over Singapore’s ‘auntie’ culture) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

SINGAPORE: In a June 3 Instagram post, an Indian woman in Singapore told of how a woman pushed her in order to grab a seat on the train that had been offered to her by commuters who saw her holding her sleeping baby.

However, a complete reversal of that stranger’s rudeness soon took place. Another woman not only offered her a seat but also fanned her and her sleeping child nonstop for the next 15 minutes in the crowded train.

“One pushed. One helped. And that’s why I’ll never forget Singapore,” wrote the post author (@unplugwithsakshi), who lives in Singapore, adding a heart emoji to the caption of her post.

The new mum explained that while they were on their way back from Universal Studios on a hot day, her baby fell asleep on her shoulder while they were waiting for their ride home on the MRT.

Ms Sakshi said that the train that arrived was full, but when the passengers inside the cabin she entered saw her, several offered her a seat.

However, before she could take it, another woman swooped in and grabbed the seat for herself, apparently pushing her away. According to the post author, the woman appeared to also be an Indian and looked to be around 35 to 40 years old. 

Ms Sakshi added that the woman did not seem to have anything physically wrong with her, but she just chose to ignore the woman’s rudeness.

Fortunately, another woman, described by the post author as being between 40 and 45 years old, very quickly offered her a seat, and as if that kindness were not enough, went on to fan her and her child, as it was warm on the train. 

“I was so emotional at that time,” she said, “no stranger has ever done anything this kind for me.”

When Ms Sakshi thanked her for her kindness, the woman replied, telling her not to worry as she understood the challenges of travelling with a baby, adding that it was her duty to help the young mum out, as she was raising a future generation.

“So you know, you got the message, right? How one small act can represent your country in a foreign land, and how one small act by a stranger can define a complete memory, a complete journey, for you,” she said at the end of her video.

The Independent Singapore reached out to Ms Sakshi, who told us, “I just want to say that Singapore people are a gem. Unknowingly knowingly we met very kind people. In another incident, a stranger handed over an umbrella to us when it was drizzling, and we were standing at the traffic light with our baby.”

She added that she is “really impressed with everything… the rules, regulations, cleanliness… everything is top notch./TISG

Read also: ‘Always choose kindness!’: PAP MP stops at accident site, offers to take home stranded PHV passengers in the rain

This article (Indian mum says she was pushed aside for a seat before stranger stepped in to help) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

Marcia Lucas, one of the most vital figures in the history of Hollywood whose work helped Star Wars become one of the most important films ever made, has passed away at the age of 80.Lucas died, surrounded by family, Wednesday in Rancho Mirage, California, from metastatic cancer, according to the Associated Press.