Uniquely Singaporean

For all those who have been studying or travelling overseas for a substantially long period of time.

Most people know that they are home when they hear the familiar singaporean accent greeting them. For others, its the humidity and heat that hits them the minute they step out of the comfy air conditioned airport.

Here's how I realised I was home. On opening the newspapers, I was faced with details of celebrities losing weight by religiously visiting slimming salons, a write-up on using mobile phones in toilets, and a rather intriguing debate on whether guys should carry their girlies' handbags. I can't place a finger on it, but it felt so distinctly singaporean. Not in a bad way entirely, but I'd never find such discussions gracing the pages of the metro or the sun. [such mild social expositions would bore the british audience]

Yet as much as I denounced such articles, I found myself drawn to them as well, in a peculiar sort of way. Maybe thats what makes me singaporean. And inexplicable obsession with such (meaningless) oddities of life. But to be honest. It is embarrassing. Does that equate me being slightly uncomfortable being singaporean? Or is it a justified concern about the standard of our press (or its reflection about the concerns of our citizens) ?

Yes I'm home, or am I?

[correct me if i'm wrong about this particular sort of discussions being uniquely singaporean -- oooh... anyone remember that slogan =P]