Cover image via fbcdn.net
A Facebook post by Beatrice Leong, detailing an incident when a man was seen hitting his partner three times on the head before boarding a plane, has been shared by 6,228 people since 11 May. In her post, Leong remarked on the hopelessness of the "Asian mentality", as bystanders did not just do nothing about the abuse, she was also stopped by two other witnesses when she reprimanded the man for hitting his partner.
Image via The Malay Mail Online/Bea Meow
Outraged by the "mind your own business" mentality demonstrated in the post, readers took to the comments section to express their opinions. The general reaction was that the man should not have hit the woman in public.
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
Some looked at the bigger picture, saying that violence should not be perpetrated in any situation at all, no matter how serious
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
Some even blamed the woman for putting up with the abuse, even going as far as to suggest that it was deemed "acceptable" by the woman herself because the Quran dictates that a man has the right to discipline his wife
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
Nonetheless, many thought it was irrelevant to blame religion in regards to the man's actions. It's basic common sense to respect each other and to stand up against abuse.
Many even related their own personal experiences of being discouraged for trying to stop an abuser
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
On 13 May, it was reported that Leong has been receiving private messages from unhappy readers who are mostly Muslim demanding that she take down the post. They defended the man and Islam and told her to mind her own business, saying that she does not understand the Quran and 'Asian values'.
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
However, many readers are of the opinion that the post should not be taken down, saying that Leong's bravery is inspiring and that the post serves as a reminder to society on their roles in stopping acts of domestic violence
Image via Bea Meow/Facebook
