There are some things which the Asian youth cultures take very seriously and one of these is anime. For those of you who are not up to speed on the whole anime scene it’s a form of animated film derived from ‘manga’, which are the source books, comics, or animated novels. It’s usually sourced from Japan and is hugely popular.
The follow little news item from Reuters highlights a little reported protest action which was carried out here in Singapore. In itself the story isn’t very interesting, but the way in which the local authorities reacted to it speaks volumes. See for yourself.
Singapore anime figurine protesters meet real police
Reuters - Friday, September 7
SINGAPORE, Sept 7 - A protest action by a group of Singaporeans with Japanese anime figurines such as the 5-inch tall Ultramen, robots and monsters with placards met some real-life police in the city-state.
A handful of fans of Japanese anime had turned up at a Singapore public park on August 25 with armfuls of the toys to protest against a clampdown on Internet downloading of anime material by Singapore animation distributor Odex.
The incident was not reported in the local press, but pictures and accounts have started circulating on many blogs and political Web sites. .
"The police didn't stop us from what we wanted to do. But their being there was enough to intimidate," the event's organiser -- who only wanted to be known by his online moniker Zer0 -- told Reuters by telephone.
He added that police -- who had four anti-riot vans at the scene -- also took down the anime fans' particulars and that they were filmed by plainclothes policemen. A police spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment.
Public protests are rare in Singapore, where outdoor demonstrations are banned and any public gathering of more than four people requires a permit.
...Sorry was that FOUR anti-riot vans for a bunch of comic nerds clutching action figures????
The follow little news item from Reuters highlights a little reported protest action which was carried out here in Singapore. In itself the story isn’t very interesting, but the way in which the local authorities reacted to it speaks volumes. See for yourself.
Singapore anime figurine protesters meet real police
Reuters - Friday, September 7
SINGAPORE, Sept 7 - A protest action by a group of Singaporeans with Japanese anime figurines such as the 5-inch tall Ultramen, robots and monsters with placards met some real-life police in the city-state.
A handful of fans of Japanese anime had turned up at a Singapore public park on August 25 with armfuls of the toys to protest against a clampdown on Internet downloading of anime material by Singapore animation distributor Odex.
The incident was not reported in the local press, but pictures and accounts have started circulating on many blogs and political Web sites. .
"The police didn't stop us from what we wanted to do. But their being there was enough to intimidate," the event's organiser -- who only wanted to be known by his online moniker Zer0 -- told Reuters by telephone.
He added that police -- who had four anti-riot vans at the scene -- also took down the anime fans' particulars and that they were filmed by plainclothes policemen. A police spokeswoman said she could not immediately comment.
Public protests are rare in Singapore, where outdoor demonstrations are banned and any public gathering of more than four people requires a permit.
...Sorry was that FOUR anti-riot vans for a bunch of comic nerds clutching action figures????
P.S. Thanks to Zero, one of the key figures in this story, who posted his comment below.
1 comment:
Here's an account of what actually happened:
http://textfiend.net/zerohero/?p=454
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