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