In Anthony Bourdain’s Trying Duck Breast in Singapore, the authors represent social inequality in a unique way. In the video, the local people speaking may be seen as much more privileged than the ‘average’ Singaporean, and may not actually be an accurate representation of the Singaporean population. As they discuss about things such as maids, etc, they mention that one primary reason for women being able to join the labour force is due to them being ‘held up’ by maids. This provides them with a sense of security in Singapore, as they are not worried much about losing their jobs, or about having to handle too many things at once. The visual representations in the video also portray them as having ‘freedom of speech and being able to discuss their feelings openly, providing them with a secure feeling, that other people may not experience.
In Ann Ang’s Makan, Again, social inequality has been shown through the comparisons between how people in different social classes had very different experiences regarding COVID-19 and the lockdowns etc. For example, the use of juxtaposition when talking about the ‘luxury dinner ration’ shows how for people with an upper-class background, this food may be seen as just a ration and worse than what they’re used to. But for those from much lower classes, the opportunity for 3 meals a day and to quarantine in a hotel is extremely luxurious and makes them feel lucky as it is not something they are usually able to experience. Furthermore, the difference between those who always get 3 meals a day and are thinking about what they’re going to eat next, compared to those who don’t even know when they will get another meal is shown throughout the short story.