Been living here for almost a year, it's wonderful. Less personal freedom than Hong Kong, but all things considered, it's one of the best places to live.
You don't walk or talk worrying about the police or anything like that. You aren't going to be able to protest or stuff, but aside from the huge gap between rich and poor (a problem facing all Asian countries), there aren't huge issues to protest.
Edit: I was wrong to say the above. Apologies. Keeping it here though for context to comments below.
I've been living in Vietnam for the last two years and my life here as a foreigner is pretty sweet, all things considered.
But I'm not sure I'd feel the same way if I were a native. The fact that I can buy a plane ticket tomorrow and be half way around the world any time makes it easier to ignore some of the realities that natives face without that freedom.
Wow, say that to the 3million native Singaporeans. I'm sure they will paint a very different picture. You are a foreigner living life of Singapore via rose-tinted glasses. Don't make such sweeping statements.
sounds a bit like Dubai. people are relaxed and happy because all the shit is swept under the rug so it doesn't concern the priviledged. gotta embrace 'ignorance is bliss', accept things how they are, take what's yours and don't look below the surface, otherwise you'd probably go nuts.
latch|12 years ago
You don't walk or talk worrying about the police or anything like that. You aren't going to be able to protest or stuff, but aside from the huge gap between rich and poor (a problem facing all Asian countries), there aren't huge issues to protest.
Edit: I was wrong to say the above. Apologies. Keeping it here though for context to comments below.
fpgeek|12 years ago
Aside from the issues mentioned in the OP?
Or if you are gay? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_377A_of_the_Penal_Code_...
Or immigration policy? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21485729
Or...
I live in Singapore too, and while there are plenty of pluses there are also plenty of minuses and they shouldn't be minimized or ignored.
zainny|12 years ago
If history has taught us anything, it's that statements like this _do_ inevitably come back to bite you very, very hard.
cageface|12 years ago
But I'm not sure I'd feel the same way if I were a native. The fact that I can buy a plane ticket tomorrow and be half way around the world any time makes it easier to ignore some of the realities that natives face without that freedom.
nubela|12 years ago
zalew|12 years ago
unknown|12 years ago
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thoughtcriminal|12 years ago
This is a quote we all need to take to heart.