This is one of the most endearing videos we have ever seen, and ever since it showed up on YouTube back in 2008, we’ve gone back to revisit it whenever we need an extra dose of happiness and love for humanity.
The video features Tan Hong Ming, a 7-year-old boy, being interviewed about his love for a girl named Umi Qazerina. Tan Hong Ming’s answers to the interviewer’s questions slowly reveal that he wishes he could take Umi Qazerina on a date to a romantic dinner, but doesn’t want to tell her or anyone else about his affection because he is sure Umi Qazerina doesn’t like him and everyone will laugh at him. Upon hearing this, the interviewers put Umi Qazerina on camera and start interviewing her about her feelings for Tan Hong Ming, and well — the rest is history!
The video was created by producer Yasmin Ahmad to raise awareness about the racial tension between Malaysian Malays and Malaysian Chinese. Tan Hong Ming, who is Malaysian Chinese, doesn’t care that Umi Qazerina is Malaysian Malay — he likes her because, in his words, she wears earrings, she ties her hair in a ponytail, and she’s pretty. If you’re wondering whether the commercial was scripted, the creater has confirmed it’s not, and stated that this commercial was particularly meaningful because none of it was rehearsed and they didn’t prompt the children for answers. The video ends with: “Our children are colour blind. Shouldn’t we keep them that way?” Yes!