Mounting Sexist Claims Against Mr. Hong Kong Contest

Various male activist groups have rallied against the upcoming Mr. Hong Kong 2010 Contest, which will be held on August 21st. The groups claim that the show is lascivious, belittle men, and resembles a stripper show, yet the program is aired during prime time with young viewers watching. In addition, the all-female judging panel breaches the Sex Discrimination Ordinance law and protesters insist that the show should be stopped or reformatted. The Organization for Justice and Equality, the Federation of Trade Unions, and other interest groups have filed a formal complaint against TVB with the Equal Opportunities Commission.

In response, TVB noted that the all-female audience and judging panel is the program’s unique feature and will adhere to its original approach. TVB Deputy Director of External Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming said,“We welcome both male and female audiences at our live broadcast venues in Olympian City . Male and female voters can participate in the internet and telephone voting on the evening of the contest, but in order to preserve the program’s unique flavor, we will only allow females among the live audience.”

Despite the recent controversy, the Mr. Hong Kong 2010 candidates appeared at a promotional event the day before. After a round of questions, a committee awarded contestant #10, William Chak, with the Most Charming Financial Talent Award. At a previous event, William had already won the Tourism Ambassador Award.

Regarding recent protests that the Mr. Hong Kong contest was sexist, William said that the contest was a program with an entertainment aspect. As a contestant, William did not feel that the program contained any features which involved sexual harassment. The goal was to entertain and make the viewers happy. He believed that the female judges would not touch any sensitive regions of the male body. William noted that the contest organizers did not prohibit the contestants from touching the female judges. Perhaps William may shake hands with the judges on that night. Some interest groups mentioned that the selected Mr. Hong Kong winner was without dignity. William said, “I have no comment, this is not for me to say. I will follow TVB’s policies for the contest.”

Compiled from: the Sun, Mingpao
Credits: JayneStars