Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

Narcissus Anonymous

Every term the college would organise a boarder's church for one Sunday. For the last two terms I have managed to escape this outing by going jogging or swimming, but today I was completely drained of any energy, so I thought I'd give church a try. This would be my first time attending church service, so a certain level of excitement and anticipation was at hand. I've attended Boarders' Chapel before, which is held every other Sunday, but not church itself.

Even though I'm not Christian, I think I've attended Christian services (by way of Chapel) more often than my Christian Australian friends have. Hmm how ironic. Anyway, the old lady who greeted me at the church entrance looked sincerely happy when she saw me. I can't say I'm surprised, considering what she was directly looking at - me. I'm just happy to be able to contribute to the general happiness of the world through my mere presence. Sometimes as I look in the mirror and look at the reflection, I'm completely overwhelmed and humbled at the same time by the good looking features that is me.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 04:17 | link | comments (1) |

The Importance Of Reading The Newspaper

Today is Saturday, and Saturday is the day The Age, Melbourne's and no doubt the whole of Victoria's most respected news sheet, is at its thickest. 40% of it are actually page after page of car, jobs and house advertisements-and since this is home-ownership-crazy Australia the latter is seriously thick- but the other 60% is still abundant with content which will keep me entertained reading for at least 2 hours. I love reading newspapers. I need to read newspapers. Now that I reflect upon the subject it's probably my favourite past time.

And of all days, this is the day when The Age is not in sight in the boarding house. I don't know if one of the guys took it from the common room and brought it to his own room to read. If that was the case, it would no doubt be the most selfish act I have ever encountered. In fact, it's not just The Age that is missing, The Herald Sun is no where to be found as well, as is The Geelong Advertiser. Something sinister is at play, and I don't like it one bit

posted by: Tembaga2 at 06:06 | link | comments |

Independence Day Dilemma

Merdeka Day, Malaysia's Independence Day is only 2 days away (Sunday 31st August 2003). Even when I was back home in Kuala Lumpur I've always been enthusiastic about its celebration, not just towards the massive fireworks in the city centre, but also, and to a greater extent, the opportunity to reflect on the advances and our failings as a young, free-from-colonialists country set against the background of a very ancient nation. I guess I've always been a patriot deep down inside (but never a right-winger!).

Now that I'm living in a different country, removed from the fervent, triumphant jubilation (and sometimes bordering on xenophobia) which accompanies every nationalistic celebration in every country, ways of celebrating my country's Independence Day needs a bit of creative input and adaptation. I initially thought of singing the national anthem quietly maybe 3 times or 4 over and over again while lying in my bed when the clock strikes 12 am 31 August, but that would be too sad, even for me. Then I figured I might just draw myself the Malaysian flag, and then I realised that would be a project doomed to fail - I could never draw the flag properly, thanks to the 14 (yes, 14) pointed star emblazoning the frighteningly-similar-to-the-flag-of-the-USA Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory).

In the end, I couldn't be bothered. I'm beyond the simplistic expression of nationalistic pride anyway. There are better, more understated ways to show your love to the country. Besides, only immature right-wingers sing the national anthem as their sleeping lullaby.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 14:25 | link | comments (3) |