I'm Not Blind
And I'm not a kentang. Kentang is what Singaporeans call other Singaporeans who glorify Western culture to our own. I do not glorify the Western culture and at the same time, I do not glorify my own. I have walked the streets of both countries, schooled in both, worked in both, lived in both, loved in both. Only my sister is here, the rest of my family is dispersed around the world. Why am I telling you all of this?
I had a discussion with a fellow Singaporean about job prospects in Singapore. He claimed that Singaporeans who do not prefer their own home country do not "keep it real". When I asked him to explain himself, he just waved it off, claiming that I did not understand and that I was blind to what Singapore could offer me. I found all of his arguments ridiculous, whenever faced with a counter argument he has dismissive and unable to come back with a valid response.
I was going to go on a tirade of my views and observations. Unfortunately, I am too chicken shit to do it publicly. Then again, I guess I have said enough for you to form your own opinion.
2 comments:
I think it is important to know where you come from, to value your culture, heritage, and history.
It is NOT important to remain in one place your whole life. In fact, I think it is just as important to experience other places and cultures.
I think everyone should move to a different city at some point in their lives. It enriches you in countless ways. Going away for university is one of the easiest ways to do so.
I salute you! I did the same thing. Cheers!
That is true, I find it really annoying when people label you and call you names when they obviously do not understand where you're coming from. I completely respect anyone's decision to go back to their home town, but insisting that other people should as well is just stupid and narrow-minded.
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