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The experts CNA spoke to said such a lack of awareness could not be solely attributed to a generational disconnect.
“Young marketing teams may not fully grasp the historical context or the depth of the atrocities associated with these figures. This … can lead to missteps in branding that offend or alienate,” said Louken Consulting’s Mr Lee said.
But this applies to everyone in general, he added.
SUSS’ Dr Lau pointed out that content related to violence, drug consumption, crime and gangsterism is easily available on various streaming platforms.
“Censorship of unacceptable behaviours and values are harder to administer – particularly to the young teens who can easily subscribe to Netflix, Viu and many other streaming services,” he said.
“Given this, all socially unacceptable values begin to be diluted and slowly become acceptable norms under the guise of entertainment. This is where criminals and infamous people are seen being glorified.”
Dr Lau cited hit Korean TV series Squid Game, which he said made “certain human values questionable”, and American movie The Wolf on Wall Street which popularised the “greed is good” line.
“If these movies are allowed to be screened, one may question the rationale why entertainment related businesses such as bars cannot follow the same controversial route?”
Additionally, in Singapore, drugs are “not as prevalent” as in other countries, and neither is there a mafia, noted NUS’ Assoc Prof Ang.
“Having the Gotti name or having an event with the word ‘mafia’ in it, for us would not mean that there’s going to be danger.
“We see it more as fun and (there’s) a bit of an edginess to it but we know there’s no real harm in terms of drugs being used or money laundering … It’s not real life to us here,” she said.
