Discontent...
I think my discontent towards Singapore and Singaporeans have been well documented and to a certain extent blown out of proportion. However, I have never been too hateful nor have I been too loving towards her. Moderation is the key word here.
So let me set the record straight.
I do love Singapore. How can I not?
Before you cynics and sceptics sound your blabbering mutter, get this.
It is a country in which I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears. My most joyful and saddest moments have happened here. My parents are here. My siblings (well most of them) are here. My relatives are here. Love has been lost and love has been gained. For that I do not think the tread that signifies my sense of belonging for it can ever be broken.
So why that tinge of discontent you may ask?
It is this.
The tendencies of the people (amongst many other reasons).
I have no argument against the funny and most of the time irritating Singaporean accent. Frankly I support and applaud it because amongst the many manufactured things in Singapore, it is the one thing that has developed naturally. I just wish Singaporeans could mind what they say sometimes. And please get it right in the international stage ok?
Getting back on track, one of the things that Singaporeans love to do when abroad is whine about how bad it is and rave about how good it is at home. Well, if you do not like staying here then get the hell out of this place. Why come here in the first place? But these are the same people who, when at home, rave about how excellent it was abroad. I suspect they just wanted to be known to be well travelled. Well dudes, sorry to say, living in posh hotel rooms and shopping at the malls of those cities do not make you a well-travelled person. Of course, this is the general rule and there are exceptions.
I am not saying the grass is always greener on the other side. For example, while in Perth I have seen more bad than good. The thing is, make do with whatever you have. If you can’t take the challenge then don’t!
Speaking of which, is this the product of the education system?
I hear a resounding yes.
What can I say, most of the teachers are like that too. And what is even more sadder is that I used to be one. Henceforth it is without reservations that I share part of the blame.
One other thing about the Singaporean society; there is the lack of graciousness. I believe most people here are genuine, unlike, for example in … ahem... Australia, and that's precisely the thing. If only we can be more gracious. For instance, if you see someone in trouble, for example, a gust of wind suddenly blows a stack of papers (I remember it naomi), helpless lady (or gentleman for that matter) scouring to pick it up, please help. It doesn’t take much. Not a minute is wasted. Furthermore, you would feel better soon after.
Believe me you will.
There are a lot of places in which tragedy and sadness is common. One of those places isn’t Singapore, so stop complaining.
So let me set the record straight.
I do love Singapore. How can I not?
Before you cynics and sceptics sound your blabbering mutter, get this.
It is a country in which I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears. My most joyful and saddest moments have happened here. My parents are here. My siblings (well most of them) are here. My relatives are here. Love has been lost and love has been gained. For that I do not think the tread that signifies my sense of belonging for it can ever be broken.
So why that tinge of discontent you may ask?
It is this.
The tendencies of the people (amongst many other reasons).
I have no argument against the funny and most of the time irritating Singaporean accent. Frankly I support and applaud it because amongst the many manufactured things in Singapore, it is the one thing that has developed naturally. I just wish Singaporeans could mind what they say sometimes. And please get it right in the international stage ok?
Getting back on track, one of the things that Singaporeans love to do when abroad is whine about how bad it is and rave about how good it is at home. Well, if you do not like staying here then get the hell out of this place. Why come here in the first place? But these are the same people who, when at home, rave about how excellent it was abroad. I suspect they just wanted to be known to be well travelled. Well dudes, sorry to say, living in posh hotel rooms and shopping at the malls of those cities do not make you a well-travelled person. Of course, this is the general rule and there are exceptions.
I am not saying the grass is always greener on the other side. For example, while in Perth I have seen more bad than good. The thing is, make do with whatever you have. If you can’t take the challenge then don’t!
Speaking of which, is this the product of the education system?
I hear a resounding yes.
What can I say, most of the teachers are like that too. And what is even more sadder is that I used to be one. Henceforth it is without reservations that I share part of the blame.
One other thing about the Singaporean society; there is the lack of graciousness. I believe most people here are genuine, unlike, for example in … ahem... Australia, and that's precisely the thing. If only we can be more gracious. For instance, if you see someone in trouble, for example, a gust of wind suddenly blows a stack of papers (I remember it naomi), helpless lady (or gentleman for that matter) scouring to pick it up, please help. It doesn’t take much. Not a minute is wasted. Furthermore, you would feel better soon after.
Believe me you will.
There are a lot of places in which tragedy and sadness is common. One of those places isn’t Singapore, so stop complaining.
Finger Acrobatics Performed
On Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8:50 pm.
Skip It and Leave Some!
