Postmodernism Essays - Ethnic Groups In Singapore,

Postmodernism Postmodernism In "Foreign Bodies", although Hwee Hwee Tan explores what has been done before ? the blend of East and West, themes both light and serious ? the treatment has her own signature, and the political satire existing side by side with the Christian preaching is unique. The main effect that emerges is that of humour through the contradictions within each component and against each other, in the motley selection. Especially engaging is the expos on the cultural practices, idiosyncrasies and two-facedness of Chinese Singaporeans. On the one hand, both local and non-Singaporean readers derive fun as the former see themselves in a comically unflattering but true light, while the latter get acquainted with the local culture in an entertaining way from Tan's light-hearted portrayal. Later in the book, deeper issues push to the droll surface because facing the characters in the end is the dilemma of life-choices and moral integrity. This engages the reader into a contemplation of serious issues beyond Tan's wit. On the other hand, alienation may also result from readers in disagreement with her views on certain aspects of Chinese culture, those who find her pro-Christianity stance too forward and those unable to identify with the characters. The novel acquaints non-Singaporean readers with Chinese moralistic myths and legends like the eighteen levels of Hell, Chang-E the maiden of the moon, and Mu Lian who saved his mother from hell. They learn about interesting Chinese beliefs like "that it was good luck for gifts to come in pairs" or that a pregnant cat can resurrect a corpse by jumping over it. National pastimes including karaoke, gambling and soccer mania are described as staples of the general populace. Singlish as an essential part of everyday communication is illustrated by Mei's conversation with an MRT warden after Andy spilled a drink at the station, which is followed by an explanation to Andy who does not comprehend the language. The reader is introduced to Mei's prying relatives (which are, of course, ubiquitous creatures that anyone from any culture will know). "They only want to know so that they can say bad things about us. Laugh about us. They only want to gossip". Other perennial topics for idle local gossip revolve around discussions of property prices after an arrest etc. In addition, a keen sense of home is recreated for Singaporean readers. The strong Singapore feel comes from the Singapore slang words kaypo, wah leow, eng, lah, xiao, ang moh, ai-ya, gek sim, pei she, chin-chai, ca jiao etc; familiar place names such as General Hospital, Woodbridge Hospital, Geylang, Tiong Bahru, East Coast Park; and Singaporean's love for acronyms POSB, HUDC, HDB, CID, NTUC, MP etc. Slices of life distinctively Singaporean are drawn from social, moral and cultural issues. The gold tooth of Mei's grandfather, which is "his only luxury", symbolises the frugality of the older generation that scrimp on themselves. The preoccupation with good fortune is made comic. For example, Eugene's parents have his original Chinese name changed into an auspicious one because the number of strokes in the original name was unlucky, or Mrs. Lam nags at her maid Melissa that she sweeps away luck for using broom during the Chinese New Year. Food and bingeing serve as a form of consolation for Singaporeans (with an emphasis on local cuisine) ? "I got the most calorific dishes possible ? roast pork rice, fried kway teow, and fried carrot cake...and burped. It felt so good" after being dismissed by Andy from representing him. Many instances of Tan's portrayal of Chinese culture are often hilarious. In the extended family situation, it is hard for Andy to remember Mei's niece and he calls her "Zhen Chou" (really smelly) instead of "Zhen Cai" (genuine fortune), besides showing the language difficulty for non-Chinese speakers. There is a stigma of being an older unmarried woman as Mei's mother worries about her daughter who is nearly 30 years old and reaching the "expiry date". She likens marriage to going to NTUC to "grab first, worry later". This "kiasuism" is compounded with the pragmatism of Singaporeans who see divorce as easy, "can refund or exchange" if not satisfied. Mei's mother also typifies the Chinese Singaporean housewife who has the superstition that Fengshui improves luck, to the extent of writing to a member of Parliament requesting that a tree affecting her HDB unit's Fengshui be cut down. The humour sometimes comes to the level of pastiche, for example, when Mei is asked by her mother "You pass motion now still got bleed or not?", the "bad taste" of alluding to bodily functions effectively indicates the mother's

1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City Overview

1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City Overview The 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico Only ten days before the 1968 Olympic Games were to open, the Mexican army surrounded a group of students who were protesting against the Mexican government at the Plaza of Three Cultures and opened fire into the crowd. It is estimated that 267 were killed and over 1,000 were wounded. During the Olympic Games, political statements were also made. Tommie Smith and John Carlos (both from the U.S.) won the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter race. When they stood (barefoot) upon the victory platform, during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, they each raised one hand, covered by a black glove, in a Black Power salute (picture). Their gesture was meant to bring attention to the conditions of blacks in the United States. This act, since it went against the ideals of the Olympic Games, caused the two athletes to be expelled from the Games. The IOC stated, The basic principle of the Olympic Games is that politics plays no part whatsoever in them. U.S. athletes violated this universally accepted principle . . . to advertise domestic political views.* Dick Fosbury (United States) drew attention not because of any political statement, but because of his unorthodox jumping technique. Though there had been several techniques previously used to get over the high jump bar, Fosbury jumped over the bar backward and head first. This form of jumping became known as the Fosbury flop. Bob Beamon (United States) made headlines by an amazing long jump. Known as an erratic jumper because he often took off with the wrong foot, Beamon tore down the runway, jumped with the correct foot, cycled through the air with his legs, and landed at 8.90 meters (making a world record 63 centimeters beyond the old record). Many athletes felt that the high altitude of Mexico City affected the events, helping some athletes and hindering others. In response to complaints about the high altitude, Avery Brundage, the IOC president, stated, The Olympic Games belong to all the world, not the part of it at sea level.** It was at the 1968 Olympic Games that drug testing debuted. Though these Games were filled with political statements, they were very popular Games. Approximately 5,500 athletes participated, representing 112 countries. * John Durant, Highlights of the Olympics: From Ancient Times to the Present (New York: Hastings House Publishers, 1973) 185.** Avery Brundage as quoted in Allen Guttmann, The Olympics: A History of the Modern Games (Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1992) 133. For More Information History of the OlympicsList of the Olympic GamesInteresting Olympic Facts

In what ways has the economy of Azerbaijan been affected by Assignment

In what ways has the economy of Azerbaijan been affected by globalisation - Assignment Example Accordingly, the capital and financial market interactions in terms of exchange rate, interest rate, inflation and unemployment etc are also altered. Globalization has enormous effects on the economy of Azerbaijan as well. Azerbaijan is the Contiguous Transcontinental Presidential Republic situated in Caucasus region (United Nations, 2003). The economy of this province is characterised by inefficient public administration, high inflation and unemployment rate. In this paper, how globalization affects the economic sectors of Azerbaijan such as energy, import and export, transportation as well as science and technology will be critically analysed. Azerbaijan gained independence in the year of 1991. Since independence, the economy of the country has been transformed from centrally planned economy to a free market economy. Overtime, the country started establishing diplomatic relationship with other countries. Presently Azerbaijan is having steady trade relationship with 160 countries of five continents (United Nations, 2003). Naturally, occurrences related to globalization largely impact the economic sectors of Azerbaijan. Initially, the economy encountered a lot of problems such as high inflation and unemployment rate, unstable currency and very low GDP growth (International Monetary Fund, 2012). After 1995, particularly after joining treaties with foreign enterprises for oil supplies, the country started experiencing rapid growth. Such economic growth facilitated the economy to privatise a number of state enterprises; the national currency Manat became stabilised (The Economists, 2015). As the economy approached towards stab ility, many foreign investors got attracted and companies started investing foreign capital in order to tap lucrative business opportunities lying in the economy (International Monetary Fund, 2012). Hence, import-export accelerated. Inclusion of foreign direct investment helped the Azerbaijan economy to gear up its