Another day, another cringe-worthy video clip to talk about. In the lead up to National Day, there’s a competition that pits various government agencies, local corporations and school groups for the best cheer. The public is invited to cast their votes on the best cheer video by slamming the Like button on Facebook.
While most of ‘em — including the ones by the Singapore Armed Forces, OSIM, and more — are your typical exhibitions of unbridled enthusiasm, none have elicited as much response as the effort put forward by the employees of offshore and marine group Keppel Corporation.
It’s a potent concoction of cringe made up of crossfade effects, imperfect synchronization, the questionable choice of a Haka war dance, and awkward hand slaps. Among other things. Facebook page NDPeeps took it down after the controversy blew up, but you can still watch it here below.
‘Poor disrespectful imitation’
As if being cringe-worthy isn’t enough, netizens are not happy that the Keppel staffers are using a cheer that’s rooted in the culture of New Zealand’s native Maori people. Cultural appropriation alert: folks are not down with the fact that the traditional war dance adopted and popularized by the New Zealand national rugby team is being (badly) performed for Singaporean National Day cheer.
Is it disrespectful?
Obviously, we can’t speak on behalf of Maori culture because none of us are indigenous New Zealanders. The thing about the Haka is that it’s a traditional war cry originally performed (with much ferocity) by Maori warriors meant intimidate their opponents. The performance is also used in welcoming ceremonies and other celebratory occasions — as well as to honor the fallen in funerals. Christian missionaries who arrived in New Zealand in the 19th century tried to stamp out the ritual for good but failed to do so.
Being a ritual rooted in indigenous traditions — especially so for a custom that reflects postcolonial cohesion — clearly the Haka should be performed with the utmost respect. The Keppel employees in the video may not be in tune with what the war cry represents, but it’d probably do them well to at least not look as goofy as they do when performing it.
