How media portrayal and public discourse affect the lives of marginalized individuals
SINGAPORE: When a commuter recently attempted to pry open an MRT door mid-journey, the incident quickly gained traction online. Identified by SMRT as a “male commuter in a dress,” Vanessa, the individual involved, has since been thrust into a maelstrom of public and media scrutiny over her gender identity and mental health.
Despite clarifying in interviews that she identifies as a woman, media outlets continued to refer to her as male. Coupled with speculative commentary about her mental health, this has turned her into a subject of tabloid fodder.
Vanessa, who has disclosed her diagnoses of multiple personality disorder, mania, and autism, shared with RICE Media that she is grappling with “negative thoughts” and a difficult period in her life.
This raises an important question: What do viral social media posts about such incidents accomplish beyond clicks and engagement? And what is the cost to the individuals at the center of these stories?
An Unwanted Spotlight
There’s no denying that attempting to open MRT doors is dangerous. Vanessa has been charged with causing public nuisance. Yet, public reaction has extended far beyond accountability, veering into online vigilantism and ridicule.
Nanyang Technological University’s Associate Professor Edson Tandoc Jr. explains that social media amplifies such incidents, offering a global stage for judgment and shaming. Examples of this include public backlash during the pandemic against individuals who flouted safety measures.
However, such societal enforcement can easily spiral into bullying. Recently, Kurt Tay, embroiled in a court case over distributing intimate videos, was heckled as he left court. Videos of the incident flooded social media, with some questioning the ethics of such public harassment.
As one YouTube commenter put it, “The irony of those juveniles taking videos to further publicly shame the subject is that they became the embarrassing subjects of this video.”
The question remains: Are such acts motivated by a genuine desire for accountability, or do they stem from a need to assert moral superiority?
When Gender and Mental Health Are Misconstrued
Public discourse often jumps to assumptions about an individual’s mental health or gender identity when their behavior deviates from the norm. This is particularly harmful when gender identity is mishandled, as seen in Vanessa’s case.
While court documents list Vanessa as male, referring to her by male pronouns disregards her identity and perpetuates insensitivity in reporting. Using gender-neutral language or the individual’s preferred pronouns would better balance accuracy and respect.
Lune Loh, a transgender activist and mental health advocate, warns that conflating someone’s actions with their gender identity can have dangerous implications. “This narrative opens the door for further harassment, profiling, and even violence against transgender individuals,” she explains.
A non-binary social worker adds that the media’s focus on Vanessa’s feminine gender expression feels like an attempt to emphasize her transgender identity, potentially reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Reforming Public Discourse
For transgender individuals like Vanessa, such incidents underscore existing vulnerabilities. “We face greater risks to our mental health due to harassment, abuse, and societal rejection,” says Lune.
This is not an isolated issue. A recent case involving a transgender domestic worker who abused his employer also raised concerns about media framing. Lune points out that the articles seemed to imply a correlation between the individual’s gender transition and their aggression, potentially fueling societal panic against transgender people.
While viral videos and headlines may serve as fleeting entertainment, they have lasting consequences for the people at their center. It’s crucial to approach such stories with nuance, empathy, and an understanding of the systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups.
Ultimately, public discourse must evolve to reflect sensitivity and responsibility, ensuring that headlines do not compound the struggles of already vulnerable individuals.
