MIRA FILZAH - CULTURAL APPROPRIATION?

Our local model, host and actress Mira Filzah became the talk of the town recently for the pettiest reason. All she did was promote a contact lens brand while lip syncing to the famous Maar Dala song from Devdas. She was wearing a lengha suit along with bangles, nose ring and some Indian jewelries. Apparently that is all it takes for some people to be offended! 

Really? 

It all started with an Indian girl on Twitter saying that Mira Filzah used Indian culture for her own profit, thus labeling it as "cultural appropriation". Some people agreed with this statement and said that she should have asked an Indian girl or model to be a part of the promo video so that they can represent their culture better.  

Personally, I feel that it was definitely NOT cultural appropriation at all, instead it was just the opposite. Mira Filzah simply showcased her appreciation for the love of Bollywood culture by lip syncing to the song while wearing a stunning outfit. If anything, it was such a beautiful sight! 

I mean, we wear baju kurung all the time and no one says anything! In fact, they are just happy that we are wearing their traditional clothes, isn't that what we call unity? Isn't that 1 Malaysia? I suppose we are all just Malaysians first before anything else; we share our teh tarik, roti canai, nasi lemak, and chicken rice ... so why can't we do the same for traditional clothes or jewelries? 

Honestly, there was no disrespect portrayed in the promo video. 

                                                 

To my fellow Indians, we have so much more to voice out for, to fight for and unfortunately this is not one of it. This is not even an issue. In fact, we should be happy for this, for Mira Filzah being able to pull it off so elegantly. 

Finally to Mira Filzah, I'm sorry on behalf of the others for all the labels thrown in your direction. Maybe, we are just jealous that we can't do what you did half as gracefully as you. Kudos for the effort. I have always been a fan and will continue to be one. You keep rocking! 

I'm a Malaysian first before I'm an Indian. 

How about you? 

P/s: Happy Merdeka y'all! 

                               

Let's take a moment to appreciate the art instead.