Shopping, movies and err.. shopping

If you had to use one word to describe Singapore's culture..what would that be?
I'm thinking the most common answer would be shopping, either that or food. (Yeah, and most of us can't cook. We just eat.)



In a nutshell, I can describe Singapore's suppose culture in these few words:
Shopping, movies, food and more shopping. (And apparently very little sex, according to Durex's surveys)

One-dimensional at most...and our food in general isn't that fantastic.
Good? Yes. Great? Few and far within.

Thing is, the fault most aptly lies not with the people but rather the society.

Ever since gaining independence and seeing astronomical expansion in the economy and infrastructure, the nation has seen decades of constant change amongst societal norms, racial norms, economical norms etc.
And the advent of the mass media only helped accelerate the increasing homogenization of the world, Singapore included.

With homogenization came Americanization and pretty much the subsequent effects of globalisation. Turn on the telly today and what do you see? American shows, American values. Is it no wonder that we all want to be like them, or at least achieve a lifestyle that is possible here and yet, in one way or another, a mirror-image of the American dream?

This is the adoption of MTV values and the subsequent fusion with root culture.

Capitalistic decadence, the rat-race, paper-chase, 5Cs... whatever way you want to put it. It's so apparent in society...it's disgusting. How many more sports cars must you own to add meaning to life? How many houses can you purchase to buy happiness? And the list goes on.

I question the folly of joining the rat-race...selling your life and wanting more and realizing your wants never wane. And yet, that is status quo.

Like so many other societies, this place has become devoid of life and appreciation for other things in life besides Benjamins. (Or Yusof Ishaks, in this context..it doesn't really stick though.)

It is perfect to be an essentialist... to be a puritan.



So really... with all the societal pressures of being successful, can you honestly blame the people, especially the girls for being ONLY interested in shopping? Because quite simply put, that is pretty much the only pleasure they can derive from daily life and hence, it is not uncommon to see Singaporeans simply indulge in shopping and food and nothing else on their travels.

Of course, with a culture devoid of life, Singaporeans are perhaps the most boring people. But honestly, can you truly blame them?

Chain of Causation::
Status Quo->Values->Societal Pressure->Conformity->Join the Rat-Race->Decadence->More Decadence->EVEN more decadence(one car? let's get five!)->There is no happiness

Obviously the people feel the void and look for possible stop-gaps. Why do you think some devote themselves unquestioningly to various causes in life?

#1 Religion
#2 Work
#3 Football team (Yes I stuck to Liverpool for 12 years)
#4 Activities (e.g. gym, wakeboarding, backpacking)
#5 Family (either legit or illegit)

These... I shall discuss another day. But have you ever wondered why so churches have such high take-ups among youths? It's not about God or the rockband-like concerts or preachers who can charm the pants off you... it's what churches offer.

A different route. A different life. A different activity.
An opportunity to add meaning to life.
A Singaporean life that's obviously lacking in any meaning at all.

Oh perhaps I've been too harsh. We do have a life!
It's at Orchard Road... at Vivo...at PS...at TM...at Parkway...at Causeway Point...at GV...wait let's go Bangkok and shop! Oh and Hong Kong too!

::References::
http://www.rasamalaysia.com/
http://www.durex.com/
http://www.dictionary.com/