A TikToker has highlighted the differences between sexual harassment posters on the London Underground and Singapore’s MRT, slamming the former as “offensive”.
The video, which has since racked up over 53,000 views, revealed a stark contrast in how the United Kingdom and Singapore approach the issue — particularly in the tone and messaging of their public awareness campaigns.
‘Distract with a question’: UK sexual harassment posters
TikToker Tom Birchy pointed out that signs across the MRT network carry the prominent warning “If you molest, we will arrest”, followed by a list of potential penalties including caning, fines, and possibly deportation.
In contrast, the posters on London’s subway – commonly known as the Tube – advise individuals experiencing sexual harassment to “distract with a question”.
“It does not say that you’ll be caned or deported or arrested,” said the TikToker. “It instead says, you can help defuse the incident like it’s your fault.”
Calling the approach “insane”, he went on to describe London as a “failed state”, while calling the Republic a “functioning society on the most part”.
‘Offensive to victims of sexual assault’
Mr Birchy told The New Paper that he is originally from the UK but grew up in Singapore. The 26-year-old entrepreneur and content creator enjoys making comparisons between Singapore and other cities he has lived in.
When asked about the tone and messaging of the Tube posters, Mr Birchy described them as “offensive to victims of sexual assault and sexual violence”.
“The tone they use almost seems to victim blame,” he said, adding that the comments in his video supported his belief.
With the exception of petty crimes like theft — of which he has been a victim — Mr Birchy said Singapore and the UK’s approach to violent and sexual offences is like “day and night”, adding that the UK no longer upholds “the social contract of guaranteeing safety” between government and population.
Mr Birchy believes that deterrence is the “most effective form of maintaining public safety”, in contrast to the empowerment-focused approach taken in the UK,
“I think this is one of the shining examples of a functioning society, and it is a great thing that Singapore doesn’t allow people to get away with serious crimes,” he said.
