LETTERS: Malaysians were optimistic and cooperative at the start of the pandemic in March last year. But some have since found themselves out of savings, lacking a safety net and out of options.
For this reason, the white flag campaign cannot be a reason for cheer and pride. It is in the interest of holding others and oneself to account that I urge donors, elected representatives and the media not to identify or post photographs of the aid recipients.
Those who put up white flags outside their homes are humiliated enough that they have to concede defeat and acknowledge that they are unable to carry on without the kindness of strangers.
It is sufficient to identify the aid recipients as a "single mum" or "unemployed father of four" or "struggling hawker" to give their plight a human face. There is no need to name, post photographs and strip them further of their dignity.
Even when the aid recipients consent to having their photos taken and shared publicly, this is often not given freely but under economic duress.
A desperate parent who needs the food basket for his or her children will swallow his or her pride and agree to be photographed, but this will only add to his sense of vulnerability.
Furthermore, we do not realise the consequences of our actions. A homeless contract worker may face repercussions or even termination at work when an employer realises that the said worker is homeless.
There is a lot of stigma attached to homelessness and some employers see it as an indication that the employee could flee after committing misconduct and will not be easily traced or tracked down, instead of merely an indication that rent and home ownership are beyond the reach of many people working in the city.
Even some politicians interpreted the white flag as an allegation that they have failed their constituents, and some of those who flew the white flag have reported facing harassment and intimidation as a result.
It is understood that many donors claim they require photographs for accountability reasons when the funds come from different sources. In such a situation, there are other ways of proving that the aid has reached the recipient.
Those responsible for delivery should take photos of the record of funds collected, the items purchased and the receipts.
Then, they can take photos of the volunteer(s) handing the food over and the hands of the individuals who received the aid.
If photos are taken of the recipient and his/her home, the considerate and responsible thing to do would be to blur out the recipient's face, home address plaque, vehicle registration number and anything else that can be used to identify the recipient (for example, work uniform, t-shirt logo or school uniforms) before posting or sharing the photos.
We can inspire and influence others without sharing photos and information that make the vulnerable even more vulnerable. If we want to uplift and help others, do so in a way that respects, protects and empowers them.
Wong Ee Lynn
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times