When we were growing up, the radio (and TV) were strong propaganda tools used to disseminate political messages and to spread government plans as well as programmes of self improvement to eradicate poverty. With affluence, things of that nature somehow has evolved to sound condescending and insulting.
Have a listen to what a radio for the affluent and bourgeois sounds like...
Have a listen to what a radio for the affluent and bourgeois sounds like...
It is quite surprising to note that this is indeed a recording made in Malaysia. The male compere is Kam Raslan, the writer and director , born not with a silver spoon but a golden one from the royal family and elitist of Perak and English mother on the other end, who had his basic education and have spent most of his time outside the country. Imagine, his late father, established the Bumiputra Bank! The other regular compere, Shefah Szetu, has some Norweigian roots planted somewhere in her.
We have come a long way since propaganda radio broadcasting with programmes like 'Hari ini dalam Sejarah', 'Program Hijau' and 'Rancangan Malaysia ke2"! Ah Beng would say, "What's your point? Don't tokkok-lah!"
I just read your blog posting and its curious assertion that ABOC is an example of radio for the "affluent". You begin by invoking the propaganda radio style of the 'past' and then suggests that newer forms have "evolved to sound condescending and insulting". I think of propaganda as "condescending and insulting". So why do you characterise ABOC as such? You do not point to anything specifically in the show but take issue with the social background of the two of the 3 individuals involved in the show (you left me out). I think the final quip with a fictional Ah Beng give us a clue to your worldview. You are anti-intellectual. And that's your right. But as I see it, far from being condescending n insulting, ABOC is pitched at listeners who enjoy informed banter, who are not insecure intellectually, who are open to learning new things despite being well-eduacted, and most importantly have a sense of humour. ABOC has always parodied its "expert' status and is far from superior its tone. Some might not like the accents, some might detest references to The New York Review of Books, some might even take exception to the fact that we have strong opinions, but that's a bit of culture.
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