Amongst the
madness of Singapore there is sadness. You can see it. Even with one eye
closed. If you choose to look. This is a vibrant and affluent country and
Singaporeans should be rightfully proud of its status as a global economic
power house.
It is
affluent.
Vibrant.
It sparkles
and gleans with wealth and prosperity.
See the
Ferraris, the Rollers and the BMW's parked at the Fullarton Hotel. Watch the
gamblers throw down $1000 chips at the Marina Bay Sands. They throw these chips
like confetti at a wedding.
Singapore is
however not a welfare state. Nothing is for free. No work no pay. Poverty
exists but it is hidden in the cracks. It is the moss on the rock. It is the
elephant in the room. Peek up occasionally when sipping your champagne. Pause
when shucking those oysters. Have a respite from spreading that foie
gras.
On brioche.
You might get
a glimpse of some tired and often elderly locals and immigrants shuffling
between tables at our favorite eateries and bars. Thrusting small packages of
tissues your way.
Not
begging.
Never
begging.
They are humbly
offering their wares with their last shreds of dignity. Trying to earn a couple
of dollars to pay for a days meal or for some shelter for the night. They are
down but not out.
Spare them
your sympathy.
It's not what
they are after. Reach instead into your Versace wallets. Open your Prada
purses. Give them a little cash.
It
won't hurt you a bit.
No comments :
Post a Comment