Quit dissing Singapore
Feb 2nd, 2005, 08:34 PM
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Quit dissing Singapore
Come on people, give Singapore a break... You have to quit comparing her to places like Hong Kong. It's like comparing an apple to an orange. Take it from a local's point of view...
Singapore doesn't have a lot of history to begin with. You have to be amazed at the fact that what started out as a small Malay fishing village merely decades ago ended up as one of the most cosmopolitan, well-financed, peaceful nations in the whole of South East Asia. Heck, probably the world as well, save the Swiss of course.
Firstly, we are very very young. Compared to the major cities of the world, Singapore is merely a toddler learning how to walk, much less dance the Macarena. Of course you won't find the joie de vivre displayed evidently in European countries, the unique culture every major city from New York City to New Delhi seem to possess, or the fun and entertainment (and possibly the dodgy side that comes with it) that everyone looks forward to.
And while it is true that we try to emulate (or more crudely put, cut and paste) overseas attractions, the only reason is because us Singaporeans haven't really hunkered down to decide what we really want Singapore to be. Do we want it to be fun in the sun? Like Vegas in the middle of a 6 Flags Amusement Park? Do we want it to be Appreciation of the Arts 101, a London's-Proms-in-the-Louvre kind of setting? Or do we want a laid back, au natural atmosphere like Krabi or Bali? There are choices abound, but you have to remember: Singapore is the size of, well, aptly but crudely put by a Taiwanese politician, "a piece of dried nasal mucus" (I shall not delve into this issue now, but what the heck was that guy thinking when he said it? Apparently English and Taiwan don't mix). Anyway, Singapore is extremely small, and we can only do so much to reclaim land without incurring the wrath of our neighbour above and beside us. Try squeezing all that into a plot of land the size of a postage stamp.
But therein lies Singapore's unique culture. It's more of a sponge than a smelting pot. The current batch of Singaporeans is only the 3rd generation of immigrants who came over from places like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal etc. Singapore's like a mini NYC, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled mass yearning to breathe free". The confluence of multitudes of cultures creates a sort of identity crisis for us Singaporeans. The only way out is to adopt a little from each of these cultures. This is the reason why most tourists who come into Singapore say that it is just like home. 'Cause a small aspect of life in every society on Earth can be found here.
I will not go into the sights and sounds of Singapore. Information about that can be found almost everywhere, even here. My point is that Singapore is different from any country I've been, and though I’m only 20, I consider meself to be well-travelled. I assure you all that Singapore is no Hong Kong or Paris or New York. It is a little of everything.
My advice to those who haven't been to Singapore - Do come. And to those who've been here before - Do come again.
Singapore is like a barrel of freshly produced wine. You have to give it time to mature. Come and see it for yourself. And when you leave, I can wager with you that you know in your heart that you left a little of your heart and soul and culture in the sponge known as Singapore.
As did we...
Singapore doesn't have a lot of history to begin with. You have to be amazed at the fact that what started out as a small Malay fishing village merely decades ago ended up as one of the most cosmopolitan, well-financed, peaceful nations in the whole of South East Asia. Heck, probably the world as well, save the Swiss of course.
Firstly, we are very very young. Compared to the major cities of the world, Singapore is merely a toddler learning how to walk, much less dance the Macarena. Of course you won't find the joie de vivre displayed evidently in European countries, the unique culture every major city from New York City to New Delhi seem to possess, or the fun and entertainment (and possibly the dodgy side that comes with it) that everyone looks forward to.
And while it is true that we try to emulate (or more crudely put, cut and paste) overseas attractions, the only reason is because us Singaporeans haven't really hunkered down to decide what we really want Singapore to be. Do we want it to be fun in the sun? Like Vegas in the middle of a 6 Flags Amusement Park? Do we want it to be Appreciation of the Arts 101, a London's-Proms-in-the-Louvre kind of setting? Or do we want a laid back, au natural atmosphere like Krabi or Bali? There are choices abound, but you have to remember: Singapore is the size of, well, aptly but crudely put by a Taiwanese politician, "a piece of dried nasal mucus" (I shall not delve into this issue now, but what the heck was that guy thinking when he said it? Apparently English and Taiwan don't mix). Anyway, Singapore is extremely small, and we can only do so much to reclaim land without incurring the wrath of our neighbour above and beside us. Try squeezing all that into a plot of land the size of a postage stamp.
But therein lies Singapore's unique culture. It's more of a sponge than a smelting pot. The current batch of Singaporeans is only the 3rd generation of immigrants who came over from places like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Portugal etc. Singapore's like a mini NYC, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled mass yearning to breathe free". The confluence of multitudes of cultures creates a sort of identity crisis for us Singaporeans. The only way out is to adopt a little from each of these cultures. This is the reason why most tourists who come into Singapore say that it is just like home. 'Cause a small aspect of life in every society on Earth can be found here.
I will not go into the sights and sounds of Singapore. Information about that can be found almost everywhere, even here. My point is that Singapore is different from any country I've been, and though I’m only 20, I consider meself to be well-travelled. I assure you all that Singapore is no Hong Kong or Paris or New York. It is a little of everything.
My advice to those who haven't been to Singapore - Do come. And to those who've been here before - Do come again.
Singapore is like a barrel of freshly produced wine. You have to give it time to mature. Come and see it for yourself. And when you leave, I can wager with you that you know in your heart that you left a little of your heart and soul and culture in the sponge known as Singapore.
As did we...
Feb 2nd, 2005, 08:38 PM
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I loved Singapore, absolutely everything about it..The food, the sights, the people, everything..I probably liked it better than HKG to be completely honest (although I liked HKG too, just not as much)..
Feb 2nd, 2005, 08:55 PM
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I have no idea what the word 'dissing' means but I guess you mean peole have not been saying very nice things about Singapore?
Have they?
From what I have read over the years most people ( on this forum anyway ) enjoy the efficiency of Singapore, reasonable value for money, decent taxis and hotels and lots to see.
I wasn't aware that there was any mass 'dissing' of the place.
Have they?
From what I have read over the years most people ( on this forum anyway ) enjoy the efficiency of Singapore, reasonable value for money, decent taxis and hotels and lots to see.
I wasn't aware that there was any mass 'dissing' of the place.
Feb 3rd, 2005, 04:07 AM
#4
Just a few notes:
1) I vote for the "au natural atmosphere".
2) In American English, the Taiwanese was saying "... the size of a booger". (booger sounds like booker)
3) The word "disrespect" used as a verb becomes, in slang, "diss".
4) I haven't seen any dissing of Singapore here. The OP writes some less than flattering things that, written by someone else, s/he might have considered dissing.
Feb 3rd, 2005, 04:54 AM
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The only comments that could be construed as being negative is that some have characterized Sing as too western and sanitized- you don't get immersed in a different culture like you do in other Asian cities. We enjoyed our stay in Sing- but I agree you get more "culture" in other cities- not dissing just the facts.
Feb 3rd, 2005, 05:26 AM
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Too Westernized? Almost every major city has parts of it that's Westernized. Obviously those folks haven't been to the 'real' Singapore. If it's no more than just staying in 5 star hotels and eating at the fancy restaurants than you can't consider to have visited Singapore.
Sanitized, perhaps those folks are too busy to look beyond the superficial. Just take a walk in Geylang after dark.
Feb 3rd, 2005, 07:03 AM
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Good for you!!!! I totally agree. I absolutely love Singapore and have been many times and will continue to come and have defended it more than a few times in forums. I take it for what it is and not try to compare it to everything. Plus it's great to come to orderliness and cleanliness especially at the end of a trip when one has been for a long time in places that are less orderly and clean....that's why I prefer to end a vacation in Singapore before flying back to L.A. A big problem with travelers to Singapore is that they don't stay there long enough to really get into it...like long enough to get off of Orchard Road and into areas where they can meet some real Singaporeans, who are great people. As for what "diss" means,James A, it's a hip hop expression that comes from the verb,"to disrespect" and can also mean to badmouth something/someone. Happy Travels!
Feb 3rd, 2005, 02:56 PM
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Hi Lucien-why so defensive?
Comparisions between Singers & Honkers are inevitable!
Each and every one of us is entitled to their opinion; its called democracy!
We're going back in late Feb to check Singers out and see what we've previously overlooked! Thanks for your input and others for some new places to visit!!!
Comparisions between Singers & Honkers are inevitable!
Each and every one of us is entitled to their opinion; its called democracy!
We're going back in late Feb to check Singers out and see what we've previously overlooked! Thanks for your input and others for some new places to visit!!!
Feb 4th, 2005, 07:36 AM
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LUCIAN yep Im one that "ill's on" singapore (more hip hop slang too blow james A's lid..
I like the city, I've hopped on busses and roamed around the "real singapore" I "hear ya: on everything you posted but I see the berrel of wine as being unpalatible (sp) for the General tourist for now. As meny have posted it is a great place too decompress from the trully exotic asian cities and get some clean holsam air into the system.
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hey I like your writing style.
I like the city, I've hopped on busses and roamed around the "real singapore" I "hear ya: on everything you posted but I see the berrel of wine as being unpalatible (sp) for the General tourist for now. As meny have posted it is a great place too decompress from the trully exotic asian cities and get some clean holsam air into the system.
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hey I like your writing style.
May 17th, 2005, 09:13 PM
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Yes, you cannot compare Singapore to Hong Kong or other Asian cities, not because they are better, but because they are predominantly homogeneous societies and you would thus experience a deeper sense of a singular culture. In order to appreciate Singapore culture, you have to stay longer here and live like a Singaporean. When I first went to NY for a week, I hated it. Times Square, Empire State Building, 5th Ave etc are all for tourists. However, when I had a chance to stay there for a year, I got to appreciate NYkers' way of life. I went places where tourists wouldn't go and did things that a normal NYker would do. That's a city's culture that took me a year to fully understand, and even then, I wouldn't say I know this culture well. The same goes for Singapore. If it's just a stopover for you, it would appear a superficial city with no sense of 'a singular identity' but the beauty of Singapore's identity is its complex weave of multi-layered identities and this takes time and patience to discover.
For those who have patience, Singapore offers you more than an instant and singular culture that you see in other homogeneous Asian societies.
For those who have patience, Singapore offers you more than an instant and singular culture that you see in other homogeneous Asian societies.
May 31st, 2005, 03:04 AM
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Singapore is a different city from Singapore. You can enjoy the difference and visit both cities. Singapore is not the perfect destination in the world but it has many advanatages as a destination.
May 31st, 2005, 03:27 AM
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Singapore is a Fine City! (Locals will know what this means.. ) I have travelled to many plces but consider Singapore the best place to live and work. Stability, efficiency , and cleanliness sound not very exciting but really that's what I want my home to be. I think not all visitors will get what they want from Singapore, but try staying longer and you will love it. Besides, the food variety is one of the best and it won't cost you an arm or a leg either
May 31st, 2005, 06:56 AM
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It is so strange to always find Singapore compared to Hong Kong. They are different cities so I do not understand people thingking they should be the same. You cannot compare New Delhi with Manila or Paris with Venice.
