Why is staring at another person considered offensive?

[True Believer]

It has often been perceived that staring is offensive since it invades a person's privacy and personal space. Staring may also be interpreted as a sign of aggression or challenge. A lingering gaze may escalate into a hostile encounter or even a fight, even though such reactions are immature. So it is often best to avoid staring at another person, even if it is unintentional.

 

[laksaboy]

You stare at animals e.g. dogs and chickens, they also consider it as a challenge for dominance and an act of aggression.

 

[True Believer]

You stare at animals e.g. dogs and chickens, they also consider it as a challenge for dominance and an act of aggression.

If you stare at a chicken in Geylang, she will approach you to give a quote for her services.

 

[True Believer]

Staring at another animal of the same species is seen as a direct challenge for dominance. I guess it is the same for people - especially for human males. After all, we are also mammals.

 

[True Believer]

I was queuing for carrot cake at a hawker centre once, and started looking out for my maid and son who were packing food from another stall. To my surprise, this guy sitting down at a table nearby appeared to take offense as he thought I was staring at him. I smiled and indicated that I was looking out for someone behind him. He was initially unsure how to react, so he just waved back as if you say: "No issue."

 

[sbfuncle]

You have to see what kind of person you stare at.
Long ago at swing sg orchard, I only look and not stared a beng squatting down and he was about to attack me while I escaped fast into the crowd.
That's why I avoid going to places with ss members eg downtown East, canto disco, geylang etc. You can easily be attacked for staring incident.

Whereas in a familee oriented places eg shopping mall etc I stare bravely at couples and aunties and uncles. It is deemed safe.

 

[True Believer]

You have to see what kind of person you stare at. Long ago at swing sg orchard, I only look and not stared a beng squatting down and he was about to attack me while I escaped fast into the crowd. That's why I avoid going to places with ss members eg downtown East, canto disco, geylang etc. You can easily be attacked for staring incident. Whereas in a familee oriented places eg shopping mall etc I stare bravely at couples and aunties and uncles. It is deemed safe.

I have never actually stared at anyone on purpose in my life, but staring at an Ah Beng is definitely inadvisable. He doesn't need an excuse to start a fight, but staring at him is a direct challenge, which he won't back down from.

 

[sbfuncle]

I have never actually stared at anyone on purpose in my life, but staring at an Ah Beng is definitely inadvisable. He doesn't need an excuse to start a fight, but staring at him is a direct challenge, which he won't back down from.

Of course I won't purposely stared at a beng.. But look and stare is different
Sometimes looking is unavoidable to me, just a body leeflex action. I look at something automatically when that something is out of a norm.
If beng wants to take a look as a stare, then I can't help but to avoid those places.

 

[jw5]

Staring is ok but leering is not.

 

[True Believer]

Of course I won't purposely stared at a beng.. But look and stare is different Sometimes looking is unavoidable to me, just a body leeflex action. I look at something automatically when that something is out of a norm. If beng wants to take a look as a stare, then I can't help but to avoid those places.

If your general gaze in his direction is taken for a stare, just explain to Ah Beng that there are many other people in the vicinity, so you weren't staring at him. Even an imbecile like a Beng should have enough grey matter in his head to realise that he was mistaken.

 

[True Believer]

Staring is ok but leering is not.

If she was pumping petrol next to my car, I would leer at her unless she has a Beng BF nearby.

 

[True Believer]

The 53-year-old HR Manager at my company once commented that her teenage daughter was walking along Geylang 1 night when a man stared and asked how much she charges for her services. The mom then remarked that she goes there quite often for dinner, but expressed surprise that no man has ever asked her that same question. I almost choked on my food when she said that!