Oh how considerate but poor zhu zhu

I pity McDonalds for their lil blunder in offering the Lucky Charm/Chinese Zodiac Doraemon series without the Pig in conjunction of ushering in the Chinese New Year!

Albeit a sensitive & respectful move for the Muslims, it is a lil "misguided" and it is kinda upsetting cos the pig is replaced by somethin totally not Chinese-y...CUPID?? People here question why Mc Donalds are only sensitive towards the Muslims & not showing the same sensitivity for the Hindus & Buddhists & Christians. Already many in this region are not happy with the Malay Muslims who burnt churches in Malaysia & now this? 

But we didn't ask for tis from Mc Donalds.... 

In any case, I don't think Muslims here are offended with the presence of pig soft toys at fast food joints and the same applies for dog soft toys. Eating the flesh of swine or anything of its derivatives IS Haram(not permissible in Islam) but not playing with toy piggies. Hopefully we learn a lil somethin from tis episode as a nation & not let this incidence along with what is happening across the Causeway undermine our religious & racial harmony. Nevertheless thank you for the thoughtfulness :)

Perhaps Mc Donalds can emm bring in those cute zhu zhu as a lil CNY surprise for our Chinese friends...it's still not too late? 

See...so cute....but these ones are from Hong Kong, they look way nicer than the Singapore version:

 

From http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_475721.html

MCDONALD'S exclusion of the pig from its Chinese zodiac Doraemon collection has generated much displeasure, going by last Saturday's report, 'McDonald's pulls pig toy'. Many viewed the episode negatively, but there are positives to it.

First, while McDonald's may have showed 'a lack of cross-cultural understanding' by its decision to replace the pig toy with a Cupid one, its fundamental intention - to respect Muslim sensitivity - is commendable in Singapore's multicultural context.

Second, Muslims in Singapore were understanding and accommodating towards the issue. Responses cited in the report showed that Muslims were sympathetic to the unhappiness of Chinese customers who wanted to collect all 12 animals, and would have been agreeable with a pig toy had it been introduced.

Contrast this with the tensions and conflicts overseas, where offence can be taken over the use of terminology and symbols, and it can be seen that the Muslim community here is rational and accommodating when dealing with issues pertaining to religion.

Third, Chinese friends I have spoken to did not disagree with McDonald's concern over Muslim sensitivity. Instead, they disagreed with its handling and felt it had proceeded in a tactless manner that highlighted the irregularity, since the omission of the pig would naturally lead to further questions and controversy.

Although McDonald's could have handled its toy promotion better, the incident reflected positive signs of accommodation and understanding from various segments of society. Rather than frown on our differences, we can afford to smile at how this episode brought out our young but advancing collectivity as a multicultural nation. Perhaps this will make the Doraemon collection even more valuable.

Ng Junrong