Take for example, the recent H1N1 case. Previously, when Singapore isn't affected by it, Singaporeans have already been shaped by the news which was constantly telling us to be aware of our hygiene, to constantly take our temperature and make more consistent effort to wash our hands. So, when H1N1 hit Singapore, most Singaporeans became paranoid and started avoiding people beside them who are coughing.
I've recently saw on Stomp (Singapore Seen), when this commuter was coughing while he was on a bus. And this old man was grumbling about the coughs. When this commuter stomped about this man, other stompers came to comment and even told him that he shouldn't even be traveling around since he is sick.
Yet, somehow I feel that Singaporeans shouldn't be acting this way. I understand that we should all be on our guard against H1N1; however, we shouldn't shun those around us just because they are coughing. People cough when they clear their throats or sometimes they are just suffering from sore throat.
Recently, I just had a bad sore throat. Thank god I didn't receive such reactions from anyone. If not, I'd probably feel so embarrassed. I clearly understand that I wasn't suffering from H1N1. That's why I didn't stay home to rest. So, I guess the responsibility lies in every Singaporean, especially those who are feeling unwell.
Furthermore, I think that the media has done a very impressive job in scaring all Singaporeans, especially so when all of us reacts this way when we see people coughing. I think even I am guilty of it. I saw a few people walking down the streets wearing a mask and I immediately told my friend that the person is suffering from H1N1.
I just finished watched this Apocalypto on HBO. There was this one scene where the tribal men were shunning this one little girl who apparently had the 'sickness'. She was covered in crusty skin, possibly leprosy or polio? Made me realize that the fear of contagious diseases was evident even during such ancient times.
ReplyDeleteSo if you stop to notice, this "OMG sick man!! SHUN! SHUN!" mentality is actually a barbaric practice that is still going on in this day and age. Shameful...
We all die sooner or later right?
'I JUST FINISHED WATCHED THIS APOCALYPTO'???!!! OMG what the hell am I saying?
ReplyDeleteI agree that shunning away may be a barbaric practice. But, then again, it is relatively natural. Furthermore, everyone's afraid of contracting any viruses or diseases. However, I do feel that if anyone would want to shun away from these people, they can probably do it in a more discrete manner so as not to hurt these people.
ReplyDeleteThe media has been scaring you guys for a long time already...mosquitoes ring a bell? this is a classic example of agenda setting. However i think that it takes it a little to far. Personally i think Singapore sterilizes its citizens in which it makes it hard for them to leave and live in another country that isnt so 'clean'
ReplyDeleteI think it's hilarious how people react to a cough or sneeze in times like this. I was just conducting a social experiment the other day on the platform at orchard station - well, i was trying to anyway - and i was overcomed by a pre-Big Sneeze moment. It didn't happen in the end (for some reason it dissipated quite harmlessly) but it gave my mom something to laugh about on the way home. I wanted to watch the reaction of some of the unaware participants, especially the periodically-hygieneconscious housewives. What? Do our immune systems become weakened instantaneously when public announcements regarding the flu's outbreak and consequences are made? It's just unbelievable how we turn paranoid only after something is publicly announced.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jon, remember you were telling me about your friends who were in the States? Like they weren't as afraid of H1N1 unlike us in Singapore and at that time there wasn't a breakout of this virus in our country yet most Singaporeans are frantically panicking about hygiene issues. Definitely with the help of media blowing everything up.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I have friends who just make fun of those people wearing masks nowadays while they walk down the streets probably because they are down with a flu. With these teasing, it somehow makes it a dilemma for those who feel the need to wear a mask, yet do not want others to view them with having H1N1 because they're just down with a flu.
ReplyDeleteOops. I guess I'm one of those who somehow tease these people, without realizing the negative impact of teasing them. Well, sometimes it's just for the few seconds of fun and laughter. I shall stop with those teasing. I think we should actually applaud these people for being such great and considerate citizens, taking responsibility by stopping the spread of the flu virus.
ReplyDeleteyeah! being responsible and considerate is very important. Everyone needs to play their part to prevent the H1N1 virus to spread.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, it's every citizen's job to be responsible for their own health as well as others. And i think it doesn't only go towards the case of H1N1, but also other diseases/viruses. For example, HIV, people should practice save sex to stop the spread of HIV, not letting your personal actions to ruin other innocent lives.
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