Singapore. What do you relate to as being Singaporeans?
I believe what flows to our mind is Kiasu. So what exactly is Kiasu?
Kiasu is a word originated from the Hokkien Language and it means to be afraid to lose in English. So what exactly does it mean by Kiasu-ism. When you see parents sending their children for tuition over the weekends, when you see parents sending their children for courses here and there, when you see parents doing everything for their children just for them to concentrate on their studies, that is kiasu-ism.
But is kiasu-ism really part of being Singaporean. In my opinion, not. Kiasu-ism is caused when parents are overly worried for their child and their future, but whose parents do not care for their child. It is all about letting the child go. Thus, I dont think Kiasu is Singaporean.
So exactly what is Singaporean? For me, that is racial harmony between the country. When you see neighbours talking together harmaniously, when you see uncles playing chess at the void deck, when you see Chinese celebrating Deepavali,
you know you are in Singapore.
In my next post, I would be talking about the significant landamarks and tourism in Singapore.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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One Responses to "Singapore"
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yeeharkk says: February 17, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Chin Ann, being uniquely Singaporean does not have to be positive. It is unique as no one else has it. That is being uniquely Singaporean, being different from the others. Singlish is uniquely Singaporean, racial harmony, though definitely qualify as uniquely Singaporean. The Singaporean identity is not only what differentiates us from the rest, but also the pride you have for your country. I personally am proud to be Singaporean, to be in a unique society.
Haha, I indeed agree Singapore practise racial harmony but don't you think kiasu-ism is also part of "Uniquely Singapore"? Do you see parents of other countries sending their children tuition everyday? This is because the competition in Singapore is tough and to be the best, parents have to do something.
Nice blog post. Keep it up! :)
Andy Lim (2o219)