A different world

[Currymeister]

I've noticed a lot of threads to do with plastic surgery, liposuction, face reshaping, you name it.

Why are poeple here so image conscious?

Surely there are more important things to spend money on? It's not all about outwardly appearance. Unless you're from Hollywood and have more money than sense.

I hope that the current crop of youngsters don't pick the wrong role models and aspire for the wrong things. Life shouldn't be easy, it's a hard road. The end goal is not about the goal, it's about the journey, that build character.

Reading between the lines, I think they might.

In every aspect of life, I think they see the end goal and work out the shortcut. Maybe that's why I don't see much character here.

The result would be a fake nation with no real substance to it.

I hope this place doesn't turn into a California. Unless it already has.

I've been here for 4 months and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with this place.

It has no scars, blood, sweat or tears to show. It's eyes glossed over, no twinkle, no age wrinkles.

[Global Citizen]

Currymeister, worldwide stats show different. Hollywood, California is certainly not leading in terms of numbers but rather Europe.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_p ... per-capita


While I understand what you're trying to say with your post, you need to understand that for as long as mankind is on a quest for beauty and youth, there will be plastic surgery procedures done. Right or wrong, who are we to judge? We can certainly form opinions and choose not go down that road ourselves but it's all about choices isn't it?

Quote: It has no scars, blood, sweat or tears to show. It's eyes glossed over, no twinkle, no age wrinkles. End Quote

With reference to your statement above, that's a part of Singapore's past and it's only been what 43 years since her independence? A relatively young nation and most of the present crop of young people today in Singapore have no memories or any inkling of this past save perhaps what they glean from history books.

[Currymeister]

Well as a forum where topics are meant to be discussed, I'm opening it up for discussion, why are you trying to close it, as if it's a taboo subject?

I'm not saying it's right or wrong and in fact my points run much wider than my observation about this country's obesession with plastic surgery.

[Global Citizen]

Don't see where I'm trying to close your discussion; rather I'm giving my slant on it.

[Currymeister]

I can accept slant, but don't be so patronising - I think you'll find when you use phrases like "you need to understand" it won't turn into much of a discussion. It'll either turn into a slagging match or it will end the conversation. I'm not looking for a fight, merely a mutually enjoyable discussion. You can certainly make your point, and back it up with facts as you have done without the attitudinal tone.

[Global Citizen]

Moi patronising?
And here I was thinking that I always get a sense of a condescending tone to your posts. (and I've read a few)


Now, that's neither here nor there so I'll lay off this topic you've started as I've no desire of being accused of bringing an attitude into this.

[durain]

I've been here for 4 months and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with this place.

nothing wrong with this place. wait till you goto south korea!!! do a google on the percentage of people who went under the knife!

[Currymeister]

I've been here for 4 months and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with this place.

nothing wrong with this place. wait till you goto south korea!!! do a google on the percentage of people who went under the knife!

Fair enough, I've heard about that and actually the only S Korean I know - a friend of ours - had a nose job. there was nothing wrong with her nose. To them it's probably just like getting your teeth whitened.

But my above quote wasn't as much about my first point, but the imagery or the character that probably fuels it here. I just feel that perfect environments have no character and in turn can influence the people. I just feel there's something missing - some soul. That might be it. I am enjoying being here but I am starting to observe my environment and the people - it's just what I see.

I found the same thing in Monte Carlo (based on a very short trip though)

I think places need depth to be interesting ad I find it very shallow here.

But like a said, large part of me enjoys it, I hope I don't get down on the place, or I hope it proves me wrong.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Curry, the feeling will ebb and flow. I know.

[Currymeister]

Curry, the feeling will ebb and flow. I know.

Well that's not all bad news. How much ebbing and how much flowing would you say?

[kenji77]

"In every aspect of life, I think they see the end goal and work out the shortcut. Maybe that's why I don't see much character here.

The result would be a fake nation with no real substance to it.


I agree to this line a lot. Singapore is a nice country indeed. Its safe and clean. I have respect for that. Everyone lives in a decent place. Looks like everyone's equal.

I have lots of respect to the old people working in hawker centers, cleaners who are working their ass til 70 just to survive. They are hardcore. Reminds me of Cali. I can't stand spoiled brats, living with thier parents for years then eventually gets out of University thinking highly of themselves, waiting for jobs to find them then eventually get married and ditch their old useless parents.

Most singaporeans think that image is everything. What you wear, the car you drive. the condo you stay...etc.. but one thing I've noticed inspite of having all of these. They are still unhappy. Its because of peer pressure. Everything must be compared to what your neighbor has. Jealousy.


I have been here for five years. Had 3 singaporean girlfriends in the past. Had relationshsips with married women. ( not till i found out ) they lied to me. I have learned how to deal with this, maybe that explains why most of my friends are foreigners. I'm not generalizing but based on my experience, its difficult to find a sincere people here. Its all about what can you offer them. If youre not a good deal then they won't waste their time on you.


I miss L.A and manila. It's a little rough and dirty there but at least its real and people are happy. They'll catch your back when youre in deep shit.


Good to have lots of foreingers here in Singapore. To give some warmth.

[Strong Eagle]

I've noticed a lot of threads to do with plastic surgery, liposuction, face reshaping, you name it.

Why are poeple here so image conscious?

Surely there are more important things to spend money on? It's not all about outwardly appearance. Unless you're from Hollywood and have more money than sense.

I hope that the current crop of youngsters don't pick the wrong role models and aspire for the wrong things. Life shouldn't be easy, it's a hard road. The end goal is not about the goal, it's about the journey, that build character.

Reading between the lines, I think they might.

In every aspect of life, I think they see the end goal and work out the shortcut. Maybe that's why I don't see much character here.

The result would be a fake nation with no real substance to it.

I hope this place doesn't turn into a California. Unless it already has.

I've been here for 4 months and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with this place.

It has no scars, blood, sweat or tears to show. It's eyes glossed over, no twinkle, no age wrinkles.

I think this is a bullsh*t post... sorry Currymeister. I can't exactly see the difference between here and any city in the US or Europe. The young kids are sucked in by the need to have an 'image'. It's not the people, it's the bloody god****ed advertisers that are at fault... world wide... you find the same carp in Joberg and Capetown.

Actually, I do see a difference. Even with image consciousness the kids here are still better as a group when it comes to respect for societal norms.. I am not seeing binge drinking or violence amongst the young as I see in the US or the UK.

You have also generalized... not all people actually care about it... sure, some do... and Singapore consumer protection laws are not yet advanced enough to slow the sales of 'snake oil', but there are also many, many Singaporeans out there that ignore the blather.

End point: This nation is no more "fake" than any other, and in some respects it has its sh*t together far more than most nations. There is character, much of it good. Take off the blinders, man... and see the bigger picture. Hey, even California is just a stereotype... only a small percentage of folks are 'Californian'.

[sierra2469alpha]

The young kids are sucked in by the need to have an 'image'. It's not the people, it's the bloody god****ed advertisers that are at fault... world wide... you find the same carp in Joberg and Capetown.

Actually, I do see a difference. Even with image consciousness the kids here are still better as a group when it comes to respect for societal norms.. I am not seeing binge drinking or violence amongst the young as I see in the US or the UK...

SE - interesting points indeed (no criticism intended). I'm wondering if it's not the "kids" that have the image issue, but perchance some of the parents? The extra schooling, the added activities: all perhaps designed to placate a parent doing the best for their child? Or perhaps just the parent trying to give as much benefit to their child/children? I'm no expert - it's a simple (obviously!) observation.

With reference to obnoxious behaviour - I agree, however Mrs C and my observation is that this is a "sociatal" issue with Singapore having no more than 3 generations since independence? New education system, newer values (imposed or otherwise implied), or something else.

Our original country, Australia, suffers from a massive tall poppy, egalitarian culture. This brews on occasion into blatant racism, for which I feel sorry. Many have said Australia was one of the best examples of "multi-culturalism" - whatever the definition of the day is. Yet, in Australia we had a massive white vs. "Muslim" riot back in 1998, and more recently, vehement anti-Muslim demonstrations (for want of a better word, but I would choose xenophobic) response in one of the major cities in Australia against a proposed Muslim school.

A healthy and reasonable discussion will result, I hope...

Mr. P (Mrs. C reading over my shoulder agrees!)

[Currymeister]

I've noticed a lot of threads to do with plastic surgery, liposuction, face reshaping, you name it.

Why are poeple here so image conscious?

Surely there are more important things to spend money on? It's not all about outwardly appearance. Unless you're from Hollywood and have more money than sense.

I hope that the current crop of youngsters don't pick the wrong role models and aspire for the wrong things. Life shouldn't be easy, it's a hard road. The end goal is not about the goal, it's about the journey, that build character.

Reading between the lines, I think they might.

In every aspect of life, I think they see the end goal and work out the shortcut. Maybe that's why I don't see much character here.

The result would be a fake nation with no real substance to it.

I hope this place doesn't turn into a California. Unless it already has.

I've been here for 4 months and I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with this place.

It has no scars, blood, sweat or tears to show. It's eyes glossed over, no twinkle, no age wrinkles.

I think this is a bullsh*t post... sorry Currymeister. I can't exactly see the difference between here and any city in the US or Europe. The young kids are sucked in by the need to have an 'image'. It's not the people, it's the bloody god****ed advertisers that are at fault... world wide... you find the same carp in Joberg and Capetown.

Actually, I do see a difference. Even with image consciousness the kids here are still better as a group when it comes to respect for societal norms.. I am not seeing binge drinking or violence amongst the young as I see in the US or the UK.

You have also generalized... not all people actually care about it... sure, some do... and Singapore consumer protection laws are not yet advanced enough to slow the sales of 'snake oil', but there are also many, many Singaporeans out there that ignore the blather.

End point: This nation is no more "fake" than any other, and in some respects it has its sh*t together far more than most nations. There is character, much of it good. Take off the blinders, man... and see the bigger picture. Hey, even California is just a stereotype... only a small percentage of folks are 'Californian'.

I think you do make some good points SE. Pity about your crass, childish comment up front.
The problem with one pointing the finger at advertisers is that we are all born into a world of temptation, it has existed from the birth of time, advertising is just another form. As human's we have to learn to resist temptation in all walks of life, I truely believe that's what builds a man's character. The very first story of mankind is about temptation is it not?
I believe in protecting the weak and there has to be regulations, but we have tools to overcome - education, values, virtues.

I haven't generalised, I didn't say 'all people'. Just to clarify I was referring to my observation that it seems to be an unusually high amount of people looking to take the easy route through life here.

My point about California, was perhaps, a throw away comment, so I take yojur point on that.
I think the youth here certainly do have their 'shit together' as you so eloquently put it, but I think that's a function of the overly strict no-tollerance regime here.
I don't think that's a bad thing and it's probably relevant in this country.
In fact truth be told, they should consider doing the same back in the UK to put the unruley youth back in their place.
But that's all digressing from my main point, which was simply that i felt there was something missing here, possibily soul. I have spoken to a numer of new expats who feel the same.
However, I enjoy it here and as I said, I'm hoping it proves me wrong and that more time spent here will shed a different light on the place.

Or maybe as SMS said, it will come and go, which is fine. I don't think I'd find anywhere on earth that could satisfy every mood, 100% of the time.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Curry,

That's the best analogy. And one that has been espoused numerous times over the years here that the same subject as surfaced. Soul. This country doesn't have one. It's a nation of immigrants (just like the US). But, unlike the US, they didn't have to fight for their country. It was given to them. There has been no crucible to forge that needed steel in their basic consciousness to make them a "country" instead of Singapore Inc.. You are right on one point for sure, it's a plastic city, all gloss, and bank account and advertising to the world. The biggest thing is the NPD which is it's equivalent to an Annual Report. But there is no soul.......