The Chewing Gum Stigma
I’ve travelled the world over and over again. And everytime I tell people I work in Singapore, the first thought that comes out is the chewing gum issue.
They seem to collectively think that it is still illegal to chew gum in Singapore.
I was already in Singapore when the chewing gum legislation was revised in 2004.
It was one of the sticking points — pardon the pun — in the final phase before the ratification of the Singapore-USA Free Trade Agreement. Apparently, a chewing gum giant in the US lobbied congress to get the gum issue in the agenda.
So after all was said and done, Singapore revised the legislation to allow the sale of chewing gum, with medicinal value, to be sold only by medical professionals or pharmacists. Buyers will also need to leave their names and other details for the record.
After explaining the legalities of chewing and possession of gum in Singapore, most foreign nationals are puzzled as to why we have to register our names after purchasing gum from the pharmacy.
And I really don’t know the answer to that. Perhaps, it gives authorities the power to search thorugh their DNA database and match it with gum buyers whenever a piece of used gum is disposed of improperly.
Afterall the gum ban came about when vandals started inserting and sticking used gums into places they weren’t supposed to.
Overall I find it quite interesting and amusing to describe to people how living in Singapore is not as strict as one might think. I come from a very liberal society and I have very liberal thoughts yet I fit snuggly in Singapore.
I was in Paris recently, and France is well known for it’s inefficiency.
After a few inefficient experiences in Paris, it was easy to appreciate that in Singapore everything just works.
And to be assured no gum will stick itself under your shoes when you walk around town.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Tim,
I believe ‘professionals’ is written without a double ‘f’ and spelt with a double “s”
September 12th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The sad part is that after more than five and a half years of living and working in the US, the chewing gum issue is still the first thing many people ask me about when I introduce myself as a Singaporean. The next question is usually is about why I speak “such good English”. If the third question turns out to be “So where in China is Singapore”, then I start politely looking for a way to respond while looking for a way to move on from the conversation…
September 14th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I think it is real smart of Singapore to have this ‘register names after purchasing gum from the pharmacy’ policy.Not only they can detact the DNA for improper disposals user,but it would be easy enough for the police to track down any unwanted terrorist in this tiny island of ours.
Normally terrorist make bombs out of gums!.So,bravo Singapore! =)
September 26th, 2008 at 10:35 am
We are facing the worst economic melt down since the great depression. McCain says it should take first priority over politics. Obama says if you need me, call me, I’ll be at the debate hall. Then, Obama says McCain should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. First of all, Obama has never set aside his personal ambition for the good of the country. He has no sense of priority. The economic problem is huge, will effect Americans for decades, and deserves more than a Presidential candidate’s rubber stamp, or blank check. The walk and chew gum cliche is about as trite as Obama’s slogans … like ‘change we can believe in’. Unlike Obama, McCain is responsible, and has genuine leadership qualities. Obama will say, or do anything to get elected. McCain puts Americans, and America above politics, and personal ambition. No Wright, no Pfleger, no Farrakhan, no Rezko, no Ayers, no mean Michelle, and NOBAMA !!!
October 21st, 2008 at 1:13 am
>After a few inefficient experiences in Paris, it was easy to appreciate that in Singapore everything just works.
I disagree. There are not a lot of things in Singapore that need to work. Mostly it’s about shoppping. Singapore doesnt have much else to offer.