Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

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) |

Comments:

#1  02 September 2003 - 12:48

 

The world is really small.What you are writing sounds very familiar to me, I mean situations and thoughts, thou I live in northern hemisphere and don't speak English well. By the way, the Autumn starts...

Anonymous

#2  26 October 2003 - 13:53

 

ash here! i was wondering where u put all ur written stuff! just love the comment about everything, its so hilarious!!i felt the same way when i was in the uk during merdeka, so i went to this malaysian restoran in london to celebrate. i realised that it was fully booked as every other malaysian had the same notion as me..

Anonymous

#3  21 November 2003 - 23:54

 

hey at least you have a malaysian restaurant where you live!

Tembaga2

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