Monday, February 14, 2011

Is Singapore cool?

CNN has somehow determined that Singapore is the second coolest country in the world, after Brazil. Brazil is known for fabulous beaches, scantily clad bathers and carnival dancers, a formidable soccer tradition, bossa nova, and a laid back vibe. The two countries seem poles apart. So how were the rankings determined? Who knows? It depends on how you define “cool.”

The Straits Times did an informal survey of 200 Singaporeans. Nearly half did not think Singapore was cool. When asked to name the coolest icon in Singapore, the most common answer was “can’t think of one.” In second place was Lee Kuan Yew. I’ll bet if you told MM Lee he was cool he’d think you were siao. The venerable statesman was followed by the new Marina Bay Sands hotel/casino/integrated resort.

What makes Singapore cool? The top answer was its transport system, with its shiny trains free of graffiti. In some places, graffiti is considered cool and shiny is bland. Predictably, food and shopping made the list, as did safety. Cool is edgy and clearly in the danger zone, not safe. I’m not sure many respondents understand what “cool” is; they seem to associate it with something vaguely good or positive.

I see Singapore as the honors student who always wears a cardigan (you might catch cold!) and plays the clarinet in the marching band. Singapore is not the jock, cheerleader, leather-clad biker, or lead guitarist in a garage band. Being a goody two shoes has certain advantages, but “cool” is not one of them.

1 comment:

  1. Singapore IS cool ... one of my favourite places in the world ;-)

    ReplyDelete