Give credit where it is due

Give credit where it is due

BY TERENCE FERNANDEZ

DON’T get to watch much television but my friend Leon did not allow me to have my lunch in peace when we met last Thursday, as he was going on and on about this movie he caught on HBO, Flash of Genius. I chanced upon it on Saturday and decided to see what the fuss was all about. Halfway through the film, which stars Greg Kinnear, I was thanking Leon. It is the true story of Robert William Kearns, or Bob Kearns, the inventor who came up with the intermittent windshield wiper. He had tried to sell his idea to Ford, Chrysler and General Motors but all three did not show any interest, although Ford had asked him to prepare a cost analysis.

Despite the rejection, these companies proceeded to install the intermittent windshield wiper which Kearns had patented. It was at the launch of the latest Ford Mustang that Kearns discovered that his idea had been stolen as the intermittent windshield wiper – which Kearns invented based on the blinking action of the human eye – became the car’s main selling point.

The invention was his “flash of genius”; patent law terminology meaning that an idea for an invention could come to someone out of nowhere irrespective of his skills, experience or knowledge over the matter.

Between 1978 and 1990, Kearns fought what is arguably the most famous patent infringement case in US history as he sued Ford. His fight for justice consumed him so much that his marriage ended in divorce. The film almost accurately depicted Kearns’s story, where he even represented himself as lawyers were reluctant to take on a powerful corporation and an American institution.

During the course of the trial, he was visited by a Ford employee who asked him to settle the case for US$30 million with no admission of liability by Ford. He rejected the offer saying what was more important was the recognition that he was the inventor of the mechanism. After 12 years in court, the jury found in favour of Kearns and awarded him US$10.1 million. Another suit he filed against Chrysler brought US$30 million.

Today, almost all cars in the world feature Kearns’s intermittent wipers.

In retrospect, I wondered how many of us would have gone all the way as Kearns did – fighting for one’s principles no matter what the cost. Perhaps in Kearns’s world, he was confident enough as he had the solid backing of the US Constitution and an infallible legal system.

How many of us would have walked away from US$30 million? Life changing money which can take care of several generations if managed well?

We root for people like Kearns because everyone wants to see the underdog win. Back home we have come across many Bob Kearns. People, who fought for their principles, suffered for it and were eventually vindicated. Like the retirees who spend their days writing letters and making the long journey to Putrajaya to get their pensions and succeeding when they are near death’s door.

Or the politician who went to jail for speaking up for a sexually abused girl and is today heading a state government?

The activist who faced jail for exposing abuse of detainees at a detention centre for foreigners only to have the government withdraw its case against her?

But it also brings to mind that Kearns’s case is one of “lembu punya susu, sapi punya nama”. Not an uncommon issue. How many of us take credit for other people’s work?

The department head who gets to gloat about his KPIs and receives a prestigious award at a five-star function when it was his staff who did all the work while he was at the golf course. Or in reverse, the department No 3 who is made to face the music because someone higher up fouled up.

Look at the structures of some departments – both private and public – with all their deputy heads, assistant directors, principal assistant directors and vice-presidents gives one the impression that the top wants the title of No 1 but not the responsibilities and the work that come with it.

It is sad when giving due credit is sometimes akin to donating a kidney. Perhaps it is politically expedient for some to deny the contributions of some because it helps to maintain the natural order of things and you wouldn’t want to disrupt a sensitive eco-system.

Having such an attitude is not only unfair to those wronged and uncredited, it is also disruptive to progress when people are not recognised for their skills and contributions.

Intellectual theft is not only limited to property and ideas. It is a crime when it also usurps one’s passion and dilutes one’s contribution to society. So yes, while there are many Bob Kearns in our backyard, how many among the likes of the Ford Motor Company that he had to battle are out there?

THE firms mentioned in this article strictly refer to the ones exclusive to the Bob Kearns case and in no way refer to local affiliates.


Feedback: terence@thesundaily.com


Posted using BlogPress from MXV's iPhone

Director's Notes for Shout! The Mod Musical. 2010.

SHOUT! The Mod Musical

@KLPAC Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Director's Notes

THIS IS AN unfulfilled dream coming true – a 20-year wait to direct a full fledge musical after returning home to Malaysia in 1990. Soon after recovering from a fractured femur and since late 2009, everything slowly aligned when God-sent angels dropped at least 5 musicals on my lap to direct. This is the first to come true. Foremost, I must thank God for His love, gifts, care and grace. Secondly I would like to thank Aylwin Santiago for initiating the spark and Casey Koh on trusting me with this maiden production.

The music of "Shout!" simply rings throughout our lives. I fondly recall the many vinyl records my parents (Johnny & Mary Voon) and Aunty Ernestine Voon had bought - especially Lulu's "To Sir With Love". My mum used to tell me how puzzled she was of me when I was under 4 years old. Before I could read, I was already proficient in placing the needle on the exact track of a song I had wanted to hear. Tonight, all 3 of them are coming to watch live musicals for the first time! Love you Mum, Dad, Aunty and family.

"Shout!" also marks my re-debut in directing choreography since "HipHopera" ('98/'99) which was the longest running musical in KL up till that time - 39 shows. The one before that was "Snoopy" (Colorado '86) and my very first, "Charlie's Angels - Pantomime" (Ipoh '78)! 32 years - WOW! Thanks Verner, Ann, Bill, MaeBeth and many others... for giving me all the opportunities in the US and beyond. "Destry Rides Again", "The Boy Friend", "Cinderella", "A Chorus Line", "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"... my precious memories in American Musical Theatre.

As I fondly remember my many trips ('81-'83) to the Lincoln Resource Centre at the American Embassy in KL for borrowing VHS tapes such as West Side Story, I must thank Jerome Robbins, Michael Bennett and Bob Fosse for inspiring me. I was also a pop-music-chart freak! But my family and friends inspire me more! Especially those who have encouraged me to direct musicals, teach and keep dancing... you know who you are.... God Bless You!

To the Producers, Cast and Creative/Production teams:

There were times during rehearsals that I had cried while listening to the songs. Most of the songs in Shout! are tongue-in-cheek hilarious but with such a dream cast of great talent, they managed to make songs tug at my heartstrings too: Ning, Tria, Shanel, Tisha, Nikki, Stephanie, Joanna, Chelsia, Nadia... deepest heartfelt thanks! To the producers along with creative and production members - peace, prayers and gratitude for your gentle hearts of utmost dedication. It is now time to celebrate the fruit of your labours. Congratulations!

And to the Audience:

Musical Theatre is MAGIC. Allow yourself to be transported by the aura of the 60's and beyond! Music that defined ourselves along the soundtrack of our lives. I think of Tussy flower stickers, 45's, strawbags, mini skirts and even Beano & Dandy comic-books!

"Those were the days my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way."

"Prayer is the Dance of God"

Michael Xavier Voon

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