SINGAPORE, in its push to become a Global City, must not create a 'second-rate' Western city, said a Nominated MP who fears this is happening given what he sees as the island-state's obsession with Western content.
In a hard-hitting speech in Parliament on Friday, NMP Calvin Cheng did not mince his words, asserting that Singapore is the 'only country in Asia with such an overwhelming hang-up with what is Western,' based on his own observations and experience in the media, entertainment and media scene.
Mr Cheng, who owns a modelling agency, said during the debate on the Ministry of Informsation, Communication and the Arts' budget: 'Singapore needs to recognise that being a Global City does not mean being a Western City; Globalisation also does not mean Westernisation. Singapore must understand that no matter how globalised or modernised it may be, it is still an Asian city.
'International recognition will also not come from aping the West. I strongly believe that it would be futile to try to be the New York of the East, or the Las Vegas of Asia, or build a Harvard of the East. In this globalised world, people are highly mobile - if the original is so easily reachable, there is no attraction in the replica.
'If one can hop on a plane and visit the real Paris, why visit the Paris of the East? This is I think a common misconception that many Singaporeans still have, that West is best, and that imitation of the West is the same as being global and modern.'
Citing fashion shows as another example, he noted that most, if not all of the models used at every fashion festivals here, are Caucasians. Calling this trend 'ludicrous,' he asked: 'Why would tourists want to come to Singapore to see a replica fashion show trying to imitate the runways of the West? Do they also not realise that as an Asian city, a fashion event that is primarily Asian yet international event would be more representative of our country and would generate more international interest?'
He also slammed fashion and lifestyle magazines for using mostly Caucasian models on the covers and inside stories. 'It is obvious that again, our media labours under the false impression that Western is International,' he maintained, and went on to criticise advertisers for also using Western faces in their advertisements.
'There is an assertion that the content-providers are catering to the tastes and mindsets of consumers, who want to see Caucasian faces, given that they are seen to be more glamorous. I refuse to believe this, as believing this would mean that Singaporeans are still stuck with this puerile, colonial hang-up,' said Mr Cheng.
'Even if this were so, the vicious cycle needs to be broken, otherwise Singapore will never be a first rate Global City, but only a second rate wannabe Western City.'
Urging MICA to go beyond its role as a facilitator and a regulator and be 'an influencer', he said: 'Regulating the hardware, the technology is a necessary but insufficient condition for building up Singapore's soft power. It needs to step up, step forward and start setting an agenda on how Singapore's culture can be grown, how we can draw from the richness of our 'rojak' culture, embrace it, be proud of it, so we can truly grow as a nation, and create a Singapore we have an emotional connection to.'
-- ST
fashions industry knows no boundaries.....
Well, who are the ones who started this westernization of Singapore in the first place?
in my opinion..
this western culture is ever spreading from the 80's. most of the teens now behave like they're westerners, music/fashion even behaviours at times.
its all a matter of influence. if we can learn about the good influences, very well, kudos. but if not then it strikes otherwise, may eventually cause some problems in the future.
people need to know what individuality is, or where their roots are from. also, i feel it is important to ensure that the roots of an individual is emphasised.
personally i feel many here are not happy about their roots.