It is of course wrong to use other people's photo without permission. That's a copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is just that - copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is not racism. It's being unprofessional.
We agree with the comment that getting the costume wrong is a case of cultural ignorance. What do you do with ignorance? You can get angry with ignorance or you can turn ignorance into a teaching moment to enlighten people.
Back in September 2019, a social media influencer's post calling two men wearing turbans "huge obstructions" to her view at the Singapore Grand Prix went viral. Some among the Sikh community felt uncomfortable.
Online criticism of Ms Sheena Phua became increasingly heated. Instead of getting angry and offended, a group of young Sikhs invited her to an informal tour of a gurdwara so that she could learn more about their traditions.
Mr Sarabjeet Singh,, the president of the Young Sikh Association (YSA), said they recognised it as an opportunity for them to reach out and engage.
While at the gurdwara, Ms Phua was given an introduction to the Sikh religion and culture, and had questions like how Sikhs greet each other answered.
She also participated in sewa, or an act of service, by trying her hand at making chapati in the community kitchen.
She was also shown the Guru Granth Sahib, the principal scripture of Sikhism.
The outcome of such an approach is greater understanding and appreciation of other people's culture.
One can choose to be angry and create more division. Or one can choose to engage and educate to bridge the cultural gap and build greater understanding. Which is better? The choice is obvious.
It should also be noted that the vendor, Warabi Enterprise, that made the blunder had already apologised and so did PA.
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