Imposing Classism: BFM Night School March 2013

My favourite BFM programme since What the Flick, Night School by Sharaad Kuttan and Ahmad Fuad Rahmat attempts to "explore fundamental concepts in social studies".  The 5 episodes in March 2013 were especially potent, which has led me to delve into the history of significant philosophers and their respective ideologies.  Summarising my reflection, I think Classism is deeply embedded in our environment than history acknowledges.

Breaking conventions: Édouard Manet - Le déjeuner sur l'herbe (1862)

This is because history was recorded by the upper class; Upper class persons display the interesting characteristic of romanticising a lower class, and promote culture and values as they understand it.  Formal education contributes to classism where a class stamps its superiority (I know) by stating the inferior (You don't know).  This superiority complex is reinforced by documentation (e.g. historical accounts) of this superiority, hence my theorising of why class has been around a long time, but no one recognises it.  This trait of servitude / deferment becomes the basis of a class hierarchy, where the characteristics of a class is stated only by the opposite class, e.g. "Haha you should have heard him pronounce 'Louis Vuitton'" vs "That fella speaks with an accent, must be those rich people".  This cycle of class-ist despair is reinforced continuously by a particular class, e.g. when David Chew snidely comments on Khoo Hsu Chuang's spoken english during BFM Morning Run, he is defending his class.

Discriminating the voiceless: Kim Ng - City Dweller #19 (2011)

Philosophising itself is an activity that reinforces classism, where even the Sceptics can be accused of doing so (I know that I know nothing).  Another episode talks about the legitimisation of power based on a myth, which can also be applied to the Bible or Qur'an.  Is this not the upper class reinforcing classism?  This discrimination is part of the elite's arsenal to establish an intangible source of power, which is even more prevalent now that physical prowess and rule by fear, is less significant in defining power.  Children generally care less about what others think, hence class mobility is easier to achieve amongst them.  But it is not so for adults - taking Louis Vuitton again as an example, Lady LC works hard in life and eventually is able to afford an LV bag, which she thinks is the characteristic of an upper class.  However, Lady UC states that Lady LC has a low-class LV bag (white with colourful monograms), thus reinforcing her upper class status by adding to the characteristics of a lower class.  It does not matter whether Lady UC even owns any Louis Vuitton bags.  Class is not a measure of material possessions, in this case.

Imposing classism

Which leads us to what Theodor W. Adorno seemed to have understood and warned about, a popular culture developed by the retail industry.  By doing so, he too reinforces his classism by stating that the popular will be swayed by marketing schemes and a preoccupation with material possessions.  He is not denying the pursuit of wealth, but what he discerns and classifies as the right kind of culture.  I see this critical attitude as being similar with FR Leavis, who attempts to discern originality from an artistic expression, that he perceived as having been inundated with unoriginal approaches.  He sounds like a patron saint for aspiring critiques, and I take inspiration as I indulge in my recent interest of documenting the Malaysian visual arts scene.

Incising perception: Sabri Idrus - Untitled 1 (2013)

Sustainability

"Much of what the media interpret as a global trend toward frugality is actually a recession-driven manifestation of a more encompassing sustainability megatrend, reflecting a shift toward an environmentally conscious, less showy lifestyle."

The above quote is from a BCG article on the economic downturn.  It cannot ring more true about what I believe about the world, and the environment I live in.

I think I was born lean.  Yes I have been chubby all my life, but my thinking about reduce waste & consumption, is something that I strangely adopted for most of my life.  Not sure whether it's that Recycle song on Radio 4, or the water-saving documentaries they showed on TV2, that made me think my household was just using too much plastic bags.  Alas, when I thought being a consultant is perfect to apply lean thinking, I find consultancies are just another business opportunity-type job created by bullshit-acing Americans.

As much as people preach Less is More, I have concluded that the majority of humankind believe more is more.  Blame the consumer culture on mass media, I will.  Also, it helps that I believe Jesus' teaching on being poor, ie stripped of material goods aka hermit-like in other religions, is the truly sustainable way of living.  Why live sustainably?  That's a question that most people couldn't care less.  But I believe it is my way of showing God that the beautiful Earth that he created, is appreciated.  And humankind can survive beyond 3 generations from now.

Well, I think I'm weird enough, so here are some actions that I (un)consciously practice for a sustainable future:
-  when driving alone at night/cloudy day, I tend to turn off the air-con and wind down the windows, unless I'm in the middle of a traffic jam
- I cannot understand why people like to turn down the temperature for air-conditioning, when what they want is cool air, they end up freezing and using blankets to keep warm
- I try my best to bring plastic bags everywhere I go for reuse, and ergonomic bags while grocery shopping
- I always plan out in my mind the shortest route possible, even if it's just to vacuum the house
- I only use flush toilets when necessary, as a gazillion tons of water is wasted everytime we flush
- I realise if I get a house, I actually would not want a TV in the house, and think everyone should sit on tatami mats in the living room (which is not possible considering my mum has a bad back)

I realise there are so many more things, like being anal about switching off lights, cleaning out cabinets, throwing away old CDs which I don't listen to anymore etc.  This is why I think cars are a waste of resources.  This is why I think communism is great.  That is why I think money is not everything.  It's what you give that matters, not what you get.


Thank goodness I am an INTJ.  That I know how to balance practicality with ideals like sustainable living.

如烟

我坐在床前 望着窗外 回忆满天
生命是华丽错觉 时间是贼 偷走一切
七岁的那一年 抓住那只蝉 以为能抓住夏天
十七岁的那年 吻过他的脸 就以为和他能永远

Seated on the bed, looking out the window, filled with memories
Life is a beautiful illusion, time is a thief, who steals all of it
I was seven, cicada in hand, holding onto an eternal summer
I was seventeen, kissed her cheek, destined to be together, forever

有没有那么一种永远 永远不改变 拥抱过的美丽都 再也不破碎
让险峻岁月不能在脸上撒野 让生离和死别都遥远 有谁能听见

Is there a Forever, which never changes, a beauty embraced which never crumbles
The winds of time do not age our faces, life and death are faraway places
Who can hear us?

我坐在床前 转过头看 谁在沉睡
那一张苍老的脸 好像是我 紧闭双眼
曾经是爱我的 和我深爱的 都围绕在我身边
带不走的那些 遗憾和眷恋 就化成最后一滴眼泪

Seated on the bed, looking behind, whom is asleep
An aging face, a face like mine, his eyes closed tight
Those that loved me, those that I loved, surrounds me
Those left behind, the longing and regret, become this last tear I shed
有没有那么一滴眼泪 能洗掉后悔 化成大雨降落在 回不去的街
再给我一次机会 将故事改写 还欠了他一生的 一句抱歉
有没有那么一个世界 永远不天黑 星星太阳万物都 听我的指挥
月亮不忙着圆缺 春天不走远 树梢紧紧拥抱着树叶 有谁能听见

Is there a Teardrop, which washes away regret, like rain in a forgotten alley
Give me another chance to rewrite this story, I still owe her a lifetime of apology

Is there a World, which is never dark, where all creation listen to my command
A half-moon never full, a summer never far, branches and leaves cling together as one
Who can hear us?
耳际 眼前 此生重演 是我来自漆黑 而又回归漆黑
人间 瞬间 天地之间 下次我 又是谁

Through my ears, before my eyes, this life replays
I come from darkness, still I return to darkness
My life flashes by, within heaven and earth,
Who will I be, the next time coming?

有没有那么一朵玫瑰 永远不凋谢 永远骄傲和完美 永远不妥协
为何人生最后会像一张纸屑 还不如一片花瓣曾经鲜艳
有没有那么一张书签 停止那一天 最单纯的笑脸和 最美那一年
书包里面装满了蛋糕和汽水 双眼只有无猜和无邪 让我们无法无天

Is there a Rose, which never wilts, proud and perfect forever, no compromises
Why does life, end like a shred of paper, unlike the petals of a rose, once admired

Is there a Bookmark, which pauses the day, the most genuine smile, the most wonderful year
Bags with cake and drink, eyes with trust and wonder,
Days of being wild, forever

有没有那么一首诗篇 找不到句点 青春永远定居在 我们的岁月
男孩和女孩都有吉他和舞鞋 笑忘人间的苦痛 只有甜美
有没有那么一个明天 重头活一遍 让我再次感受曾 挥霍的昨天
无论生存或生活 我都不浪费 不让故事这么的后悔

Is there a Poem, which never ends, where youth forever remains in our hands
Boys play the guitar, girls slip on dance shoes, forgetting the bitter, remembering only sweetness

Is there a Tomorrow, which I can relive, the glories of yesteryear
No matter how I lived, I do not waste, will never let this story end, with regrets to ponder
有谁能听见 我不要告别
我坐在床前 看着指尖 已经如烟

Who can hear us?  I don't want to leave
Seated on the bed, looking at my fingers
They are - like smoke...

Expired Memories, in Gold

Marble smooth like skin, legends from the northern wind
Sensual curves of Daphne's torso, youthful tenderness of Apollo
My love for Bernini, is why I was in Italy


Basilica cathedrals churches chapels, monuments to Papa
Strive for perfection, art prevails
Human hands make the face of God, perfection in their veins
Perfect is the power of God


Trajan's story of glory, memories and legends enshrined
Hear no evil, think no evil, horizontal carvings open your eyes
In exchange for blind emperors, demise of the empire

Expired disposable film. Jan 2007. Rome, Italy.

Faking Lion wk 2

Second trip was all public transport and my trusty number elevens. Going around alone turns on my explore mode, covering shopping complexes Novena Square, Raffles City, Marina Square & Suntec City, prior to múm @ Esplanade. Yes, that dome-shaped building which Armani wanted to jump off in Royston Tan's ‘15’. The 7-man experimental Icelandic group was down for Mosaic, I was real excited only to find out pre-show that they ran out of merchandise -_- It was apparent from the moment the band set foot on stage, that 80% of the full house have not heard of múm. Singapore Fail #4. I was abit pissed off that the girls beside me started talking, good thing I can block off noise easily. Starting out with stuff from Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy, the combination of unconventional instruments and high-pitch voices was beautiful. When they started playing the old stuff which I love, I just chilled + zoned out to blissful land. I left super-satisfied when they played Smell Memory as their encore, my song of 2007. Still, many in the crowd left scratching their heads, and for that, Singapore Fail #5.

Upon Aaron’s recommendation, I took a bus to Holland Village for more sounds. Being jakun, I asked the bus uncle if he had change, at which he looked at me with horror hahaha. Shirlyn Tan & the Unxpecteds @ walawala totally blew me away. Playing covers from the Beatles and other old school bands, my jaw was already on the table when they executed Led Zep’s Black Dog to perfection, complete with that off-beat. They opened their third set with a medley from Floyd’s The Wall tracks 3-5, ending with Another Brick in the Wall pt.2. I’ve never seen or heard anything like it. An immediate convert, I bought her solo album Newfound Jealousy, and still loving the self-titled track. Walking around after that at 1am, I realized what impressed me most in Singapore – safety. I just felt safe walking around, no need to put on that awareness that I develop after midnight everytime I drive. That, and the prospect of having beer + pizza, while enjoying bands and friends, seemed really inviting.

Sarapan besok was toast & coffee @ Ya Kun, they might as well change their name to Yuc Ky. Singapore Fail #6. Imbi market still the best ever. From the financial district, I walked SW to Chinatown, back N to Clarke Quay, then E to the heritage museum & merlion. To satisfy my craze for ramen, I actually considered walking another 3km W, but due to time constraints I had to settle for Ajisen ramen, which wasn’t too bad. From Raffles area, I trekked to Ngee Ann, and eventually caught a LRT south to the train station back to Johor. Heh that was a pretty long walk.

All in all, the perfectionist in me has to applaud their systematic success stories, the public transport network, world-class universities, clean roads, promotion of local artistes and culture… Still, the people are very much stressful city folk who speed and throw rubbish on Malaysian highways, hence, they will always remain the Faking Lion.






Unxpected rockin' powerhouse @ walawala; gay singha for country symbol? FAIL

Faking Lion, wk 1

I have something against Singapore. Friends know that given a chance, I would vehemently attack the kiasu culture, the prim & proper people, the systematic lifestyle, the shitty water, and especially the copycat food. And so I surprise myself while visiting the island nation twice in two weeks, early March. Actually, Incubus and múm are valid reasons for doing so. What was surprising was how my views have changed, albeit slightly, about the Faking Lion.

First trip, ride down in a Mazda 3, stopping midway for Tangkak beef noodles. Driving in Singapore requires an autopass, I laud its effort to cut down on traffic. This brings up my biggest gripe with Kuala Lumpur – the lack of an efficient public transport system. For that weekend, I had the luxury of traveling around in cars/taxis only. Aaron was a most accommodating host, but as usual, we’ll be arguing half the time with me criticising every aspect of Singaporean life. Incubus @ Fort Canning was only OK, especially since I was at their 2004 performance @ Bukit Kiara Equestrian Park, which was so good a bootleg was released. The crowd was small and mostly kids, many of them well made up like going to clubs. Singaporean Fail #1. We powered through to the front, only to witness: middle of the muddy mosh pit shoving and slipping, this guy was holding his camera up with one hand, recording videos, while trying to maintain his balance!! Brainless hero. Most people seem to be preoccupied with taking pics & vids, then enjoying the music. CC’s hilariously loud insult to all camera holders didn’t deter them anyhow. Malaysian fans are probably the same, but what the heck, Singaporean Fail #2. Still, it is Incubus and they rock the stage, along with the 3 stunning models standing at the side. Most guys were looking that way, while girls were screaming their heads off at Brandon. Pistola played long in my head after the gig, and CC was Stellar-happy.

Saturday was spent entirely traversing Oxford Road, to the point where Aaron’s feet hurt. CC got Ted Baker shirts & a tasteful Tod’s wallet, and I was a paragon of shopping restraint, settling for a couple of Mexx shirts. Too tired for any nightlife, I caught a glimpse of Dempsey Road, a chill-out area with cool-looking wine bars. The price of wine is a bitch though. Then, I saw BEN & JERRY’S. The rapture compelled me to rekindle my love affair with Dublin Mudslide, tapau-ing home two tubs of it, with plenty of dry-ice. Walked to Sunday mass @ St. Joseph’s Bukit Timah, with serene Chinese-style paintings of Christ’s life. Visited the national museum, with an ongoing Greek Masterpieces from the Louvre expo. Whilst enjoying an esquisite 3rd century BC sculpture of Athena, I overheard the museum guide, “These head sculptures here are called ‘busts’…” explaining to a bunch of people, some sniggering. I nearly burst out in laughter, but I do applaud their government’s efforts to promote arts & culture recently. How many Malaysian’s would snigger when you refer to a marble head of Aeschylus as a “bust”? By this time, my disregard of Singapore has diminished – the promotion of art, the ridiculously long queues at Kinokuniya, the possibility of winding down car windows without choking on smoke, Ben & Jerry’s & Mexx… this place ain’t that bad after all.

Then there’s food. Looking at the “Uniquely Singapore”” travel portal, any Malaysian would scoff at the “Singaporean food" – curry laksa, chicken rice, satay, bak kut teh, rojak, char kuey teow?! Shameless people. The only good part of their food is pork & alcohol. Pre-concert fest of fish head beehoon w/ XO, fried chicken & cheong-fun was very delicious indeed. CC brought us to lunch - out-of-this-world fantastic ramen w/ charsiew outside Gallery Hotel. I’m found guilty of never sampling real ramen before, and am now a convert. Dinner was Mos Burger, which serves the best fast food burgers in the world. How can teriyaki chicken wrapped in letucces tastes so good? Can’t compare with Ramli lah, which probably has 300 calories more of junk, sos & mayo. The joke was when Aaron brought me to the “best prata”, a place where a taxi trip costs S$20 return. Normal prata fail, mushroom cheese prata fail, teh tarik was undrinkable, fried chicken ok la. Singaporean Fail #3.

Git Gig Geek

I enjoy concerts tremendously. When I listen to a record, I tend to imagine how the song would sound live. And I've been incredibly lucky to have attended gigs and live performances by many a favourite. I actually had to save up for some of these.

Peppers & Incubus twice, sublime everytime. Radiohead might just be the best ever. Foo Fighters with 40,000 ppl. Giant yellow bouncing balls while Chris croons "your skin..." Chino Moreno walking past me outside of Manchester Academy. Tiny Collective Soul gig was super-solid. Recently múm with their multitude of instruments and lousy Singapore fans. Still don't know why was it fated that I fell sick and missed Sigur Rós. Was screaming like mad when Mayday played at Bukit Bintang. Genting Arena is a sucky location, but I did catch Joey, Vincy, and 3-man Beyond there. Pretty much seen all my heroes live except those that I could never see again, like Smashing Labu-Labu, Led Zep, and definitely wouldn't mind Floyd or Beatles too.

Amazingly enough, also found this ticket stub in my collection.
Things one would do for the opposite sex..