There is hope.

So I went to this dinner last night. And there I met a young lady whom I could have a meaningful conversation with. Meaningful conversation covering a range of topics, such as social issues, educational issues, choices in life, religion, and some other little things. And all this began not even within 10 mins of introducing ourselves to each other.

In my previous post, I stated that I would remain resolute that the Singapore Girl cannot engange in a intellectually stimulating conversation, and that hopefully one would change my opinion. I hereby stand with a slightly corrected perception. But this only applies to a select few whom I have met, so let's not get overly optimistic here. The majority still fall under the umbrella of the 'Singapore Girl'.

There certainly is hope for the Singapore Girl. (With apt timing too - I don't think I was meant to go back to the United States of Cheeseburgers and Pepperoni Pizza with the notion of disappointment.)

Let's remind everybody (and myself) why I simply can-NOT date a Singaporean girl

So, after bitching to a couple of people (who share the same outlook, thankfully) about this, I have finally decided to blog it down. Draw fire it may, or incite hate, but I don't give two fucks cos I'd like to exercise my right to the freedom of speech. Hopefully it'll bring some awareness to female readers.

Let's start by providing you guys with a setting: Liquid Room. Purpose of event: Networking. (remember this well, for it is key in this post.) Crowd present: Singaporean students currently studying in the US, or who are going there in Fall 2006.

[When I was 17, and went to JC parties because I wanted to meet local girls, I was gravely disappointed. Everyone hangs out in their little cliques. (Definition of clique: "a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them")]

I thought things would be different at this party due to part of the crowd having been exposed to an American culture. But fuck, was I wrong. When I introduced myself, they either had a shocked response and withdraw themselves to gain more personal space, or just nodded and killed the conversation. I mean.... (remember the point of the event)... it's nobody's fault if you have a lack of social skills, or are just shy. Being awkward at a social event where there are a lot of stranges is PERFECTLY NORMAL. BUT, by maintaining an awkward mindset, viewing others as awkward initiaties the self-alienation. So why even think/behave strangely? Why not mingle, be social, get to know more people - you never know how many more best friends you can make. 4 years later, I am beyond 'gravely disappointed'. I have become resolute that Singaporean females cannot engage in a intellectually stimulating conversation, and shall remain so, until one can prove me wrong.

I'd love to talk about the discussion I had with my parents about how Singaporean youths have a lack of interest in culture, but that'd take too long. Let's have a synopsis (with some input from fellow like-minded friends): Singaporean youths only care about a few things: gossip, people, CCAs, what school you were from, what school you go to, what CCA you are in school, and what you're studying. Oh wait, did i forget? They love to talk/gossip about people. Yup.

What happened to the arts, music, philosophy, sports, politics, economics, social problems, alternative lifestyles (gay/lesbian rights etc if you don't know what I'm talking about). It's not about being a Greenpeace warrior or a hippie, it's just about being aware of what's going on in the REST OF THE WORLD besides the immediate universe that surrounds your cliques. Singapore is a society that thrives on fads and trends. Why be sucked into them? Everyone's trying so hard to be different that they all become the same.

Please people, I impore you: WAKE THE FUCK UP. STOP BEING BORING AND CARING ABOUT JUST YOUR OWN LIVES.

*ps. this was written with encouragement from a friend that the stance I adopt is not condescending, but rather just being able to see the myopic mentality of our youth.

My previous post re: this. http://gregyip.blogspot.com/2006/01/singapore-girl.html

Thursdays in Bed and Tuesdays with Morrie

"Inspirational." "Such a good book."

why not, "such a light read", "entertaining", "calm"?

If it were so inspirational, why is everyone still the same? No one ever has the strength to act, for fear of being labelled a non-conformist or just being out of step with the rest of the world.

You read but do not practice. Just like the Sunday Catholics.