For me as a foreigner, the critical way Germans look at their nationalism is only one of the many aspects which make me respect this folk. Sometimes to the point of wishing that my own folk or more folks were critical of nationalism, or at least able to differentiate meaning and ritual.

In fact I think, anthems in itself are difficult because many attempt to project a state of being. So when one looks at it critically, one also finds questions like, “is this truly our state of being?”, besides other questions like “is the text anachronistic”, “was the composition copied from somewhere else”, “are we or can we ever be like that song” and, “should we really be that nationalistic”?

Then sometimes I wonder, whether people really dare answer even the simplest of those questions and look honestly in their hearts at what it means.

So yes, it is interesting to think about when does nationalism overkill happen. It can’t really be after singing a national anthem the second time in a year, but maybe something else?

Perhaps Sujadi, Majulah Singapura works better for you with the family because the anthem speaks to you of the future of your children. It has meaning. While at the Anglo American School it felt more like a ritual.

Rituals, repeated over and over for the sake of ?tradition? tend to overkill and to my mind, lose meaning. Then again, for others rituals may mean the strengthening or legitimizing of a being and thus tends to enfor and reinforce, as often as possible.

I watched Maria Kristin Yulianti, Indonesia’s female badminton player during the Olympics at 4 AM with pride. She was young, brave, good and tough, and yes she was Indonesian. I think I have never felt as nationalistic, as when I was watching her. To me, she made a meaning, much more than my singing a national anthem.

salam

Charlie Goh

It is always nice to see you reporting back news from Jakarta.

cheers..
Ricky

oh, btw..those reporters in jakarta will use every transportation to get in scene in time by using “motorcycle taxi” alias “ojek”. And the ojek will know how to get through to the destination by findings a housing street or alley.

I for one have witnessed young able bodies seeking handouts. Worse, some even carry handphones, wear make-up have coloured hair and smoke. Visit some of their homes and you’ll find a big tv set, a large fridge, washing machines, and fish tank - complete with lights and pump. And then there are those who complain about not being able to provide for their young children. Why not practice birth control?

There are many others who strive to break out of the poverty cycle with or without the govt’s help. I salute them.

Its very nice, i love it….