Sunday, October 01, 2006

Pride

Over the weekend, the class has been exploring what constitutes national pride. Not particularly a fun topic, but we have it as a project. It set me thinkin' why people, including Sings, would wear tee-shirts that declared "I heart NY!" Would there be a market if there's a similar tee that exclaim "I heart SG!", or that if it's designed by dkny, which I doubt so. Not like it would really help if we need a French, Italian or American label. How much do we really love our country and if so, how do we exhibit 'em?


I have been thinkin' why are the @meric@ns so patriotic. Look at what they have and are today. They have the top university, the best labs, technology, land, people, money, power and influence. Hell, they gave the world Disneyland!


I went to the pictures with Gerrie on Sat evening and I realised the media hyped up the patriotism as well. Amazing scenary, great food, beautiful people... heroes always saving the day. And the soldiers are held in esteem and the detectives in suits. Media shows off the power the @mericans have and this instill the respect.


And what do we have? We got VR Man. And most of our TV shows are copycats. Talk about reservist, we groan. And look at our cops. They prowled the streets in a gang, which seemed a waste of human resource. We used to suit up ourselves with our SBO, filled up with 2 water bottles and our rifle5 and walked in pairs!


But at the same time, let us not forget the safe streets we have. The abundance choice of food we have. The efficient transportation system, the resourceful logistics distribution system, the education system, the shopping malls... all these in a multi-cultural, democratic society which respect religion and race.


I, for one, would not mind wearing a "I love NY" tee, but would never wear a "I love SG". But that wouldn't mean I love this country less.


After all, this is home.

Blackathy, 1:53 AM