Friday, August 20, 2004

Victory and Quitters

Woohoo!

Li Jiawei won! Victorious over the World No.2 no less!

There was this big fuss a while ago about foreign talents competing in sports for Singapore if Reader remembers. Just now while I was watching the match between Li Jiawei, a China-born Singaporean and Wang Nan from China, none of that came across my mind. My only thoughts when I read the papers this morning learning of her triumph were those of Singapore and none of foreign talents. Who cares where they are from anyway? They have chosen to represent Singapore, their adopted nation and giving their best at one of the prestigious sporting event in the world.

If Jiawei wins, she will be singing Majulah Singapura and not the Chinese anthem. She will be wearing the familiar red and white of the Singapore flag and not the red and yellow of the Chinese flag.

Yet, we have Singaporeans who are complaining about everything under the sun in Singapore here. These are the same people who will jump at any chance to emigrate to other countries. They are commonly known as the "quitters".

Why do they quit? I seriously don't know. The only possible reason which can drive me away from Singapore is probably the heat. Thankfully, we now have an invention called the air conditioner which has considerately reduced the factor of heat. Is their idea of a "happening" life one of which you get bullets flying around you? One of which you meet robbers on the streets at night?

I'm perfectly happy being a first-class citizen in my home country. Although some people labeled Singapore "boring", I beg to differ. Think about it. People always think that other countries are such a nice place when they visit them for holidays. Having a holiday is different from living there. It's kind of like having a dog. They will see this cute little dog running all over the place and go: "AAAWWWWwwwwwwwwwww... so cute!" But when it comes to them taking care of it, they will realize how shitty it is. Literally.

Similarly, you might think it's very fun while visiting a place for holidays. It will be boring once you start living there. Human are creatures who get bored easily.

It's quite ironic for China, isn't it? Jiawei, supposing one of their "cannot-make-it" rejects came to play for Singapore and improved so much that she won the Chinese World No. 2. No wonder Wang Nan was so upset upon losing. In fact Jiawei could have just won the match 4-0 instead of 4-1 if she hasn't lost her concentration at times.

To Jiawei, I salute you. You had come to Singapore to realize your dream and to make a difference. I dare say that it's all well on track. You had offered Singapore a glimpse of hope!

fjozn at 10:10 PM