Saturday, August 05, 2006
A review article in today's Straits Times opined on the issue of the Singaporean cultural identity, and it has been a good while since a cultural review struck me so deeply. One phrase, postscripted from one of Alfian Saat's recent plays, particularly caught my attention: A Singaporean is someone who spends too much time trying to define what a Singaporean is. Cutting through the acerbic humour of this veiled statement, I realised that Alfian may indeed have been spot-on with his shrewd observation.
Many Singaporeans are ever caught up in the race to define materialistic icons of national identity - think Merlion, Esplanade, et cetera, and of course, who can ever forget our food glorious food. Yet today's article freshened my perspective of our identity. Sometimes it may not be all about a heritage site agreed upon by all and sundry. Yes, sometimes it is just as simple as creating one's personal heritage by tagging one's memories and hopes to those few places special to you and only you. And in the process, creating a sense of fate and destiny.
A timely reminder, no doubt, for a departing scholar.
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Dear readers, please always remember. Every man and every woman often run deeper than they seem. There is a hidden story behind everyone, and until we recognise that specific context, please never be vindictive nor judgemental.
Many Singaporeans are ever caught up in the race to define materialistic icons of national identity - think Merlion, Esplanade, et cetera, and of course, who can ever forget our food glorious food. Yet today's article freshened my perspective of our identity. Sometimes it may not be all about a heritage site agreed upon by all and sundry. Yes, sometimes it is just as simple as creating one's personal heritage by tagging one's memories and hopes to those few places special to you and only you. And in the process, creating a sense of fate and destiny.
A timely reminder, no doubt, for a departing scholar.
--------
Dear readers, please always remember. Every man and every woman often run deeper than they seem. There is a hidden story behind everyone, and until we recognise that specific context, please never be vindictive nor judgemental.
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