JAN 2014
THE UNMASKED ISSUE THE REASON BEHIND OUR
INSECURITIES FALL of OUR LOCAL TALENTS PROSTITUTION: Who is to blame? PRODUCTION SECRETS THAT WILL BLOW
YOUR MIND
what defINEs
your gender COSPLAY: THE VANISHING SCENE WORLDWIDE CONSPIRACY THEORIES
WAHIDAH SAMAT EDITOR IN CHIEF
AFRINA ARIFFIN SUB EDITOR
VIVIAN TAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SHAHIR AYOB JOURNALIST
EDITOR’S NOTE For 16 years of my life, I lived as a naïve girl. Getting into a good school and surrounded with people who were educated and well-raised - I fell into one of those who believed in the stereotypes, who believed in whatever was told to me, who believed that life was good for people who were good, and people who had a bad life were bad people because they made bad choices. But when I turned 17, through a series of events, I started seeing a whole different view. I saw my friends who tire themselves out with part-time jobs because home wasn’t where they wanted to be. I met people who were passionate about a certain thing, but too afraid to pursue it because, as they quote, “in Singapore cannot make it one lah”. From then on, my curiosity was aroused. By the time I was 20, I had seen most of what happens behind closed doors. I ventured into the local music scene and saw bands that sounded like professionals, but only made it so far in 5-6 years. I had a close friend who worked as a social escort for a few years, just to make ends meet. I heard too many sad stories that my entire perception on life changed.
Why aren’t these people heard? Why aren’t they seen? Why aren’t they given the opportunity to shine? Why are some of these people not given help, when the reason they resort to these activities are because they had no other choice? Why do we stereotype people just because they are of a certain race or they look a certain way? In this issue, my team and I unfold the other side of the story from people with all kinds of backgrounds, regarding different issues. We will uncover the reasons behind the lack of opportunity for local talents to thrive in our local scene, talk about insecurities and why our youths are caught up in beauty and make-up, how society misinterprets cross-dressing for homosexuality, how it actually doesn’t get better after you graduate and many more. Immerse yourself in this issue, where you can read about stories that have never been told. Let them be heard. Let there be love.
Nur Wahidah Nur Wahidah Editor In Chief
UNMASKED
2013
CONTENT STRIPPED
Secrets behind the world of beauty
6 10 12 14
DENUDE SOCIETY ART OR INANE CLASSIFIED BEAUTY GLAMOUR DOWN
X-POSED
Secrets behind the world of SOCIETY
UNVEILED
Secrets behind the world of TECHNOLOGY
18 20 23 26 30
LIFE OF A GAMER the FALL OF LOCAL scene Unrated Box off i ce Take ZERO TAKE ONE
34 36 40 42 44
CHAINging the habit THE UNDER-GRADUATE beating the red light behind the sINS fact or FIction?
ALTER EGO Secrets behind the world of xxx
48 52 58 60
THE VANISHING SCENE: COSPLAY unclassif i ed the invisible wall BORN THIS WAY
STRIPPED BY AFRINA ARIFFIN
DENUDE SOCIETY Our society needs to be stripped off their perfect definitions and unflawed thinking, as the unravelling of a being is not to be pilloried with.
Labels – the one word that sums up every single teenager in our generation where our faces and clothes seem to define us more than our personality. We are constantly judged for anything and everything. As daunting as it is, we teenagers do it to each other knowingly anyway. Do not deny that you have not looked at a passing teenager and voiced out to your posse on his or her physical appearance, be it good or bad. I know I have and while I am not proud of it, we are humans after all. Girls, especially, feel obliged to look good because they feel insecure. Low self-esteem is common in young adolescents. However, as William James once defined it as: the ratio of our actualities to our supposed potentialities. Where did this self-doubt come from, you ask? Look around you. We are constantly hounded by society’s definition of beauty. The media portrays the definition of a perfect woman to be stick-thin and curvy, resembling the features of a Victoria Secret model more so or less.
“The task we must set for ourselves is not to feel secure, but to be able to tolerate insecurity.” -Erich Fromm While the concept of makeup remains to be optional, our current society has deemed it compulsory to an extent whereby it has become a necessity. It has reached a point where you can feel empty merely with a bare face. You feel the need to hide behind your mask of makeup simply because you are afraid of what lies beneath the layers. Being surrounded by other beautiful strangers brings down your self-esteem even more so, edging you to pick up that palette of maquillage. As Audrey Hepburn once said: “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” Then again, there is always room for improvement. If cosmetics help you to achieve the flawless complexion you desire, what is wrong in applying foundation to conceal the little blemishes? It is not a crime to wear makeup. We all desire to look and feel beautiful. “To each their own” said Marcus Tullius Cicero, because we all have our own perspectives, which brings me back to the beginning of this article – labels.
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The problem lies within the society, who judges no matter the consequences – bare face, heavy makeup, and unfashionable clothes and basically everything else. You get deemed a copycat and get criticized for having no originality if you follow trends. We worry ourselves in trying to please society because we want to fit in but in the hopes of accomplishing that, we lose sight of the real matter – our self-being. Why do we need to please those that do not even know of our existence? We may mind the words of our family and friends but there is no reason to care for anyone else’s mindless opinions. We have to learn that it is not the society who is in control – it is ourselves.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
Image by: Pierre Dal Corso for Masquerade
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Nur izzah zafirah, 19, Student Listen to the tales shared by these two individuals who have had their fair share of society’s harsh and critical ways thaT eventually made them who they are today.
I am guilty as charged for I am indeed one of those girls who cannot seem to leave home without makeup.
I felt immense satisfaction when people began to compliment me. “You look super pretty today,” they would say.
I believe that for females, myself included, beauty is a touchy topic to discuss – and by beauty, I mean looks. At some level, I believe all girls are insecure – and for certain individuals, more so than others. My self-esteem has drastically deteriorated over the years because I am consistently allowing myself to be affected by persistent negative remarks made by my own family members, friends and even strangers. You may think that it is just a harmless opinion and that it should not mean a thing to me but as hard as I tried to think otherwise, my sensitivity got the better of me.
My endless explorations with different products at long last, resulted in an acne breakout. My face condition only got worst as time passed and it brought me colossal misery. In due course, I finally resorted to adding the extra layers of foundation that were needed to hide my scars. The contentment I felt when makeup could mask my flaws – it was gratifying. Perhaps it might just be a veil, but if it ensconced my imperfections for even just a little while, it was worth it because I felt safe underneath the layers.
I started toying with make up when I was 13. I was part of a clique that had some of the prettiest girls in school but despite being friends, I envied them greatly. I was jealous of their perfect hair and flawless skin. Finally, I started putting emphasis and importance on my appearance and saw the need to improve my looks. It began with exchanging my glasses for contacts. It was a stepping-stone I suppose. Eventually, I learnt about the art of using a concealer, eyeliner and what have you. 8
Ultimately, I became dependent on makeup whenever I had to leave the comfort of my own home. It began with school – where I felt the need to impress fellow students and slowly, it built up to the point where I had to have my mask of makeup on to run even a simple errand. I could not bring myself to shun away from cosmetics, thus I became obsessed. It has been six years since then, yet I still feel vulnerable and exposed without makeup. The view society has on perfection is still continuing, but even with the makeup, I still feel as though I am greatly lacking. Therefore, I choose to withhold my flaws and not let it be affronted.
Because of my effeminate ways, I was deemed different from everybody else. I was incessantly bullied since I was 11. I could not change society – so I changed myself instead.
I look around me and I see my past being reflected in someone else’s life. The callousness of society had worsened and while I was so caught up in trying to be a part of it, I lost sight of what was right in front I hated physical education, I am not athletic of me. For fear of returning to my old self, I nor do I have any interest in computer became fixated in improving the front games or sports – these were the attributes I was putting up. that were quite uncommon for young boys. Thus, I was ridiculed and mocked for My insecurities ate me up from the inside behaving atypically. I was not brave and I became vain. I started improving my enough to tell the other boys off, so the complexion initially, and one thing led to bullying sustained. another, and I found myself owning a makeup bag of my own. When makeup When secondary school began, I wanted was still not enough to conceal my flaws a fresh start. I thought that I could escape on photographs, I lived off editing. the verbal abuses from before, but Perfect was unattainable, but I wanted history repeated itself, and I found to do justice however I could. myself right back to where I was – where people goaded and jeered at my unlikeness. Eventually, the gibes stopped, but I was still not accepted by society. I was an outcast in my own class. “Although society might I became invisible. judge me for who I am I realized that society would ceaselessly continue to criticize and condemn, but there was very little of what I could change, so I blended in as much as I could to avoid trouble. When I finally entered poly, I made a promise to myself – to be accepted by the people. I started paying attention to trends and reinvented myself. Fashionable clothes – checked. Cool haircut – checked. Coloured contacts – checked. I felt like a newly improved individual – to which society, at long last, accepted me.
now, at least I learnt the lesson of not changing myself for anyone else but me.”
Angus Soh, 19, Student 9
Tattoo images from top to bottom: joaoleitao.com/ mullemor.deviantart.com / tattoomenow.com / d-morris.com
T o R r A ? e n a in
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Here are the views of a few students around campus, voicing their thoughts on tattoos being either a rational or an asinine proposal.
As people look at me, they think I might be associated with some sort of gang because of my numerous tattoos. It is definitely unavoidable, with Singapore being quite a conservative country, for people to judge and assume the worst of you just because you do something out of the ordinary. I do not feel offended by their stares. I believe that once I have accepted myself, others would follow along. You think my own mother was thrilled at the sight of her son coming home with an arm sleeve tattoo of a Hannah mask and Koi? Of course not! She was hysterical when I revealed the rest of my tattoos to her – Chinese opera on my leg, a Fortune cat and dragon on my right arm sleeve, a Geisha and tiger on my back and my most recent tat, a Fudo on my chest. These designs derived from the Japanese art. For myself, I prefer them to Western designs because Japanese designs are neater and tidier. I am aware that there are other reasons for getting tattoos. However, I do not have any besides the fact that I think that ink is beautiful. That was the only thought I had in mind while the tattoo artist was inking me. “The more the merrier” as the saying goes, right? Oh how wrong I was.
I do not regret getting inked but I do regret getting too many tattoos, especially the ones on my hands. It finally hit me – tats are permanent. I can never wash them off. As I look at myself, I started to miss my clean body. I am lingering on the decision to do laser even, perhaps later in the future. Therefore, I suggest to those who are considering inking their bodies to think real hard before you go ahead and scar your body for life. Do not do it for the sake of being influenced by your peers, like I was. If your reason is an excuse, stop, because regrets are endless.
Goh Jun Wei, 19, National Serviceman
Image by: inktattoooo.blogspot.sg
Image by: horimatsu.com
Desvin S/O K. Sukumaran, 19, Student Tattoos to me are a way of expressing ourselves to others. They speak more about a person than words or actions. A tattoo can signify a person’s life changing experience, be it a positive or a negative one. There are many reasons as to why people would get themselves inked. The most stereotypical answer would be that they think it’s “cool” and that having a tattoo instantly boosts up your physical attractiveness – or so they think. There are also those who wish to have a reminder of a turning point in their life. Another common reason would be related to a relationship with a lover, friend or family. Tattoo designs can be simple or complex. If it is a quote or a name, the font is debatable. If it is a picture, colours are arguable. I suppose people would want their tattoos to be as artistic looking as it can be, with the meaning still perceivable. At the end of the day, our body is our own. It is perfectly fine for my friends to get a tattoo. Of course, I will advice them to not be hasty in their decision and to give it a second thought.
Image by: th-ink.co.uk
Image by: th-ink.co.uk
Chu Zi Hao, 19, Student Tattoos show creativity so I suppose, it is a form of art. Although some individuals may find it attractive, unfortunately I am not one of those people. I would not say that the act of inking is ludicrous, but I do not fully support it. The reason being tattoos are everlasting – they are not removable. Many forget this consequence. I have a couple of friends who have revealed to me that they only think of the beauty of tattoos while making their decision. From this information alone, I can gather that regrets are inevitable. Then again, there are those amongst us who have gone through ups and downs that drove them to the extent of marking their bodies with everlasting emblems of any sort. I believe it would make more sense if a tattoo had a meaning behind it. Although I have nothing against tattoos, I most definitely will not be getting one. I am not confident of how I would feel twenty years down the road about this. Also, if I do not like my tattoo then, I would not want to go through the trouble and pain of removing it.
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CLASSIFIED It is indeed remarkable how face cosmetics can help
***Double eyelid: Quite a percentage of Asians are often mocked at for having single eyelids and while some choose to go natural, there are multiple ways to acquire double eyelids. The amateur approach would be to relentlessly make a habit of folding a small portion of the eyes to which would eventually result in a faint double eyelid. Next, double eyelid tape can also help you attain the perfect arc at your crease temporarily. Also, a drastic measure that is popularly adopted by South Koreans would be plastic surgery. Eyebrows: *can be shaped initially before filled in by threading, plucking, shaving KEY: The form of eyebrows that you desire Coloured circle lenses: *Enlarges your pupils *Makes your eyes appear less dull and dreary *Brighten your complexion KEY: Bigger and rounder eyes Primer: *Base for other cosmetic products *Obliterates blemishes on the face KEY: Covered pores on the face. Concealer: *Completes the coverage *Obscure the blotchy parts of the face that foundation doesn’t KEY: An unflawed complexion Foundation: *A thick, natural coloured face paint *Shrouds the scars of the face KEY: Nearly perfect complexion.
BEAUTY
OBSCURE imperfections with its miraculous manufactured products. Let’s unlock the secrets of makeup.
Eyeliner: *Augments the size of your eyes KEY: Bigger eyes Eye shadow: *Adds colour to your eyes *Bolder and vivid colours for more dramatic look KEY: Enhanced eyes Mascara: *Lengthening, curling and volumizing *Recompense the heavier eyeliner and eye shadow KEY: Longer, curlier, and more distinct lashes ***False eyelashes: Although mascara thickens your lashes, falsies help define them. The exaggerated length and volume of fake lashes clearly outlines the shape of your eyes, making them appear larger than they originally are. Blusher: *Brings out shape of your cheekbones *Adds colour to your face KEY: Healthier looking cheeks Bronzer: *Sharpens your features KEY: Better defined jawline Lipstick / Lip-gloss / Lip liner: *Outlines the shape of your mouth, *Allots various colours to your complexion KEY: Attractive, glowing lips
GLAMOUR
Celebrities seem to have the perfect everything, but behind all that glitz and pizzazz, we forget that ultimately, they are just normal people.
Celeb images from left to right: celebitchy.com / entertainmentwise.com
From banning your favourite idol from any form of romantic relationships to undergoing plastic surgery to attain a certain celebrity’s features - just how crazy of a fan are you? People are so blinded and fanatical over the ostentatiousness of celebrities when in retrospect, their lives (and faces) may be more ordinary than we think. They tend to disregard fame and fortune for being immaculate. So just because Miranda Kerr is one of the world’s top models, it does not in any way mean that she is beyond compare, and if so, Orlando Bloom would not have separated with her. Oops! Being public figures, their prominent statuses yield the expectations that commoners envisage of celebrities and because they constantly appear preeminent, people are under the illusion that they are indeed – flawless. However, with celebrities, exaggeration is customary. Lady Gaga even slammed her own cover for ‘Glamour’ once because she thought they made her look ‘too perfect’. Celebrities may appear unadulterated but it is sadly, untrue. Under the close scrutiny of the public eye, they are enforced to take their image very seriously because their mistakes are not simply condoned. Take Justin Bieber for example – the nineteen-yearold superstar has been under unremitting supervision of the paparazzi for his infamous ways to stir up trouble. As stars are placed ever so highly at the top of the charts, they do their best to secure that position and remain untouched. Nonetheless, there are the occasional slip-ups – these sporadic blunders make up for their unblemished ways and open our eyes to their otherwise, ideal lives. So, what happens when the curtains fall? All is revealed – when you tear away the glamour, you realize that the allure has diminished entirely, and you find out that celebrities are not at all what you imagined them to be. These run-of-the-mill folks, if not for the glitz they possess, are just as mundane as you and I.
Celeb images from left to right: imnotobsessed.com (2) / oceanup.com (2)
When celebrities let loose, they do not appear as they typically do. They go about their daily routines and do the necessities needed – but because they are celebrities still, nevertheless, the paparazzi report even the minutiae of their everyday life. It is not uncommon for regular people to get groceries at the supermarket nor is it unusual to go for a run in the park, but when a celeb undertakes similar tasks, it becomes the headline of an entertainment magazine. We are so accustomed to the idealism of celebrities that we fail to recall that they are merely average individuals. Mentally prepare yourselves for the unveiling of these so-called impeccable celebrities that we all adore because the revelation of it all is not from their aptness but their shortcomings. The enlightening of renowned iconic names such as Kim Kardashian and Mila Kunis may leave you flabbergasted over the validity of such news and at the end of the day, we ask ourselves – Do these celebrities essentially act and look as how they appear or is it all for show? Despite the exemplary façade they put up, celebrities may incidentally let out their private lives without meaning to because of the incessant pursues of the paparazzi. Commoners then get a glimpse of what lies behind the glamour and that is when the disillusion is fathomed – celebrities are masked by pretentious entities fabricated by people’s very own conjectures.
DOWN Celeb images from left to right: huffingtonpost.com (2) / celebritystyle.about.com / fanpop.com / nothings normal.com / theoriginalgreenwichdiva.com / tattletailzz.com / independent.co.uk / followpics.net / rollingout.uk / huffingtonpost.com (2)
Mila Kunis She was named the sexiest woman in the world – WHAT?! Unless they have changed the definition of sexy, I suggest they recount their votes.
Katy Perry The singer songwriter is practically glowing with radiance without makeup, but who knew Katy looked so… ordinary.
Kim Kardashian All blotchy and flawed, this is definitely a new sight for the always picture-perfect Kim K!
NOW you SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T.
Annalynn Mccord The ‘90210’ star has been known for her sensual looks but unfortunately, as the season ended, so did Annalynn Mccord.
Lady Gaga Perhaps she was born this way and deserves applause for being valiant in her uncanny choices of fashion and beauty but Lady Gaga seems to be missing more than just her eyebrows in this picture!
Kylie Jenner Kylie may be young but she is diligently following her sister’s footsteps. If she continues on this path, we all know who will be taking over Kim’s limelight.
UNVEILED BY SHAHIR AYOB
i am a... gamer GAMING – one of the most controversial
issues in the mainstream media that has been in the lime light for being “bad for youths”. This is due to the presence of such games like Grand Theft Auto, which has elements of violence, sex and death. Other than these themes always being said to waste time and only kill brain cells, it also affects the influence of a gamers’ character. True that youth nowadays, particularly young boys, spend most of their time right in front of the computer screen – clicking and clacking on the keyboard non-stop for countless of hours. However, does it truly mean that gaming will lead you to nowhere? I s it only a source of entertainment or can it bring you more than meet the eyes? With games such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and Starcraft, the perception of gaming has been revolutionised. E-sports, the new upcoming trend where teens go “pro”, are widely spread in the social media, creating a whole new level of interaction. But does it mean that Singaporeans are accepting a whole new trend?
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Background Image by Mashable.com Photos by pcgamers.com
THE GAMER SGS. KAILING (ROMULUs), PROfessional GAMER Singapore Sentinels (SGS) are the very first professional gaming team competing primarily in the worlds’ most played game, The League Of Legends. Having played in the big stage at Europe, SGS has made their way up the rankings and competed in the most prestigious League of Legends tournament – The IGN Pro League. They have achieved many titles such as Champions of Teemo All-Stars, 1st runners up of Garena Premier League Community Shield, 1st runners up of Garena Premier League Spring Season 2013 and most recently, champions of The Legends Circuit 2013. SGS Kailing or Romulus, the team captain for Singapore Sentinels, truly believes that sooner or later Singaporeans will get rid of the perspective that gamers are a bunch of no-good people. “I believe that times are changing. Gaming is not only a leisure activity; it is a means of money for someone like me. True that there are young students that are addicted to gaming and it is not good for them but there are some who are truly passionate and wants to make a living out of it,” said Romulus. “With SGS, we have received great support by the local supporters and yes we are getting more and more publicity as the day goes by.” Parents might not like the idea that their children wants to be a professional gamer as most of them still have the idea that gaming is nothing but just mere leisure activity. Even the current professional gamers’ once faced this issue in their lives. “At first my parents were against the idea to go “pro” but after a few competitions, I am able to prove to my parents and convince them that with this game, League of Legends, I can earn more than the average workers in Singapore.”
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Fall of OUR Local Scene? Singapore - a city full of vibrant culture and people from all over the world flying in for a visit. having many different people from different backgrounds, surely our local scene has the potential to thrive internationally. doesn’t it seem so? It actually is uncertain that our very own local scene is appreciated especially in the arts, sports and music section.
couterier/ ARTS DYHLA AKASHAH, 23, LA SaLLE STUDENT Dhyla Akashah, 23, is a young fashion designer who feels that even though the local scene in Singapore is relatively small, Singaporeans are becoming more accepting towards Fashion as a career. “Although it is still relatively small, it is making baby steps in the right direction and is constantly upgrading. With the help of different Art schools producing stellar fashion designers and the government encouraging the Arts, Singaporeans are becoming more accepting of this profession.” Singaporeans will go crazy for branded goods – from Prada to Louis Vuitton. However, do Singaporeans support and appreciate their homegrown designers? “I wouldn’t say that local designers are not as appreciated, rather they are still in the early stages of being introduced into the market. I guess it takes a while for Singaporeans to understand that locally produced fashion apparel can be equally measured to the those from a foreign designer,” she said.
“With the help of different Art schools
producing stellar fashion designers and the government encouraging the Arts, Singaporeans are becoming more accepting of this profession.
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”
“There is still much room for improvement and when it comes to the media supporting local talents. I think they are capable of doing much more to encourage, promote and create awareness about the hidden talents in Singapore.”
contendeR/SPORTS Abdil Qaiyyim 24, Footballer Abdil Qaiyyim, 24, a young local footballer who is currently playing in the S-League, believes that the Sports scene in Singapore – especially in terms of football, after the recent victory in Suzuki Cup 2012 – has received more support. Abdil has been playing football professionally for a long time and finally after nine years of hard work, he was brought into his all-time childhood dream team, Warriors FC. He even played for Courts Young Lions and Home United in the S-League and spent one year with LionsXII in the Malaysia Super League. When asked about the support that S-League players are receiving in the local sports scene, this is what he has to say: “As a player, I would say the support that we receive is sufficient for us to try to do better in every game. Every club has a few Die Hard Supporters. Even though they support local football as a whole but they have this club they will support no matter what.” “Of course it brings back the memories of the golden age. Players like Fandi Ahmad and Sundram graced that league before. Fans from the older generation used to tell us how it was when Singapore competed in the M-League. So now when LionsXII is competing in the MSL, they would want us to bring back that era.” It’s clear that the local media do not appreciate the SLeague as much as the LionsXII, who played in the Malaysia Super League and won the title for 2013.
I would say the support “ thatAs aweplayer, receive is sufficient for us to try to do better in every game. Even though they support local football as a whole but they have this club they will support no matter what.
”
“The turnouts for MSL games are also way better than SLeague games. I wouldn’t say that we are appreciated l ike those EPL players. In a way we are. You would be surprised that some players even have their own diehard fans!” With the notion that the Singapore local sports scene is slowly dying, this is what Abdil has to say. “A few years ago, it was. 2012 was a good year for Singapore football. LionsXII got 2nd in the MSL and went out on penalties in Malaysia Cup. That set the rhythm going for the fans that are looking forward to Suzuki Cup. After winning the Suzuki Cup, the football scene got better. Fans would come in bigger numbers now.”
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artiste/ MUSIC SHA’ARI AYOB 26, GUITARIST Sha’ari Ayob, 26, a guitarist of local band Sifulan, believes that the local music scene is slowly dying. “It’s hard to get good turn ups to local music shows especially those that are independent and somewhat underground. For example, a few weeks ago, we had played for a music festival that features one of Singapore’s punk rock band that had been in the scene for a long time called Shoe Size Nine,” he explained. It is true that Singaporeans listen to more music that is imported from Europe and United States of America. So what does that mean for our local music scene? Even though Art Institutes like Laselle, Singapore Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic offering diplomas in Music Technology, Sonic Arts and so forth, can this change the mindset of society towards the industry? I’m sure you’ve heard stories of people who want to pursue music but failed to do so because their parents forbade them with reason that they cannot succeed in it while in Singapore. “With reality shows such as The Final One, it brings out musical talents that our generation has. We may not have as much support as foreign musicians but I believe that with the support and encouragement of a few, our music scene will be able to carry on even without much help from the media.”
“
It’s hard to get good turn ups to local music shows especially those that are independent and somewhat underground.
”
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There are some who succeed; there are some who failed. Take Charles & Keith as an example of a homegrown brand that has managed to make it Internationally. Baihakki Khaizan, a local football player, is currently playing for Johor Darul Takzim – a football team in Malaysia. Singapore has also participated in Worldwide Sports Competitions like SEA Games, Youth Olympics, just to mention a few. Finally, bands like Plain Sunset and The Great Spy Experiment has performed gigs internationally. Hence, in conclusion, there’s an increasing uncertainty in Singapore’s local talents to succeed internationally. They probably could succeed on a small scale but to triumph and achieve worldwide fame – we’d have to wait probably a little longer.
D E T A UNR
box office a summary of few of the most
controversial movies & documentaries of all time
Image from Vimeo.com. All credits due to their respective owners.
VICE was founded in 1994 as a magazine. However, if you are unable to purchase a copy, their Youtube Channel is also the real deal. They set out to explore and research more about controversial and unconventional issues that people are not brave enough to question. As it is written on their Youtube Channel, “VICE specializes in exploring uncomfortable truths and going to places we don’t belong”. Here, you can watch documentaries regarding North Korea’s lifestyle, the Ghosts Rapes of Bolivia, Drugs, Middle East’s war, Prostitution, bizarre religious practices in parts of the
Herein you will find people talking “frankl y about their hatred and love for various things, general heresy, the only travel and news documentaries you’ll want to watch, tons of exclusive new stuff, and probably a lot of cats. You’re welcome.
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TSUNAMI CAUGHT ON CAMERA This documentary tells the tale of the Boxing Day in 2004, when the deadliest waves take a turn above shore. Footages from various people who were able to film the incident were compiled and the survivors from this natural disaster shared their terrible experience during the interviews. This short film captures the fatal waves that affected different parts of three core countries – Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Image from 3.bp.blogspot.com. All credits due to their respective owners.
Thousands of lives were claimed by the tsunami – Parents lost their children and children were left as orphans. A movie adaptation of the 2004 tsunami called “The Impossible” was also released in the year 2012, showcasing a family’s struggle for survival. Real life motion pictures, similar to the ones in the documentary, were also featured in the movie.
CHILD OF RAGE (1992)
Not capable of connecting with others as her broken mind seeks to protect itself from her past abuse, Beth employs vastly brutal, and often sexual acts upon her younger brother Johnathan; all the while wishing that she could murder her entire (adoptive) family. In her final interview with her psychiatrist though, Beth breaks down in tears – an indication to which there is a conscience left in her after all. Without help, victims of abuse are left impaired still and unknowing of the consequences of their future acts.
Image from devontra13.blogspot.sg.
Sexually violated and neglected at a young age by her biological father, six and a half years-old Beth suffers from a reactive attachment disorder which left her damaged and unable to feel any form of empathy.
HOSTEL: PART III (2011) Released in 2011, Hostel: Part III is the third installment of the American horror film series based on ‘snuff film’ business. The term here refers to a film genre which depicts the actual murder of a person or animal on tape for (commonly) entertainment purposes. Unlike the first sequence of the film, which focused more on people paying to torture others, Hostel II and III presents a different class of people who pay to watch the infliction of high-sadistic acts of pain upon another human being - in an attempt to seek sexual gratification. While the Hostel: Part III might seem slightly exaggerated in terms of its over-the-top portrayal of violence and almost too-cruel character deaths, there is no doubt of its warning to society that there are menaces with savage thoughts hidden amongst our populace. Image from aceshowbiz.com. All credits due to their respective owners.
DA VINCI CODE (2006) Da Vinci Code, one of the few movies/novels in the 21st century that is able to boggle your mind. But what makes Da Vinci Code so controversial? True in the Da Vinci Code, it talks about the Iluminati, Free Masonry but there are also many other stories which includes the thrilling writings of Dan Brown. In the Da Vinci Code, it revolves on the idea that Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings were actually secret symbols that are meant to preserve history of the medieval order of Templar Knights. Those worthy of such greatness were the only ones who were given the opportunity to be handed down the sacred knowledge – the knowledge of one of the most renowned figure in history, Jesus Christ himself. The story argued that there is an alternate history of Christianity, which is suppressed and hidden by the church over 20 centuries ago, and the truth that we know on this very day, will all be rewritten. Image from img.jeuxvideo.fr. All credits due to their respective owners.
V FOR VENDETTA (2005) This movie is an adaptation of the 1982 graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Llyod. It revolves around a man whose face is behind a Guy Fawkes mask, only known as “V” and Evey, who is played by Natalie Portman. The movie is set in London - during a time when society faces oppression by the government, poverty and curfews. V saves Evey during a night she was almost captured by the Fingermen – a secret police. She then enters his world and discovers that V is on a mission: to go against the government and give people hope to fight for freedom. The reason for V’s mission is because he has seen through the eyes of the government and the crucial things they have done upon their people to turn UK into a totalitarian state. Topics related to politics, homosexuality, religion and terrorism can all be found in V for Vendetta. So do check it out! Image from wpmedia.o.canada.com.
THE BOY IN STRIPED PYJAMAS (2008) A controversial film relating Nazi and Jews – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas follows the journey of a family living in Germany during the Holocaust. The mother learns of the harsh reality behind her husband’s work and the movie shows how prejudiced the Nazis’ really are against the Jews. The daughter and son, Gretel and Bruno, were taught anti-Semitism and nationalist propaganda until Gretel becomes obsessed with the Third Reich. However, the younger child remains unimpeachable. Bruno then discovered an extermination camp for Jews and befriended a Jew boy named Shmuel, who wears a striped uniform. This forbidden friendship continues to grow as Bruno meets Shmuel each day, providing him with food and entertainment. When Shmuel loses his father, Bruno disguised himself as a Jew to help Shmuel find him. As the two adolescents wandered about the camp, they lost themselves in the heat of a terrible moment. Image from 4.bp.blogspot.com. All credits due to their respective owners.
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take zero PRODUCTION SECRETS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!
Movies always appear clean and crisp – cars racing by in perfect sequence, monsters from parallel universe appearing at the Empire State building through a wormhole or even a man turning into a huge green monster. But what does it take to bring something that can only be imagined, into the real life? I might be killed for exposing the real truth of Movie Magic but I am risking it all for the sake of my readers.
In the movie the Titanic, Jack and Rose are in the middle of the ocean fighting for their dear life. Merely surviving with Rose on the edge of a door from Titanic itself, does it really mean that they had to shoot the whole scene in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?
Computer-generated Imagery (CGI) has the ability to recreate anything and everything that can be imagined. From the blue little humanoids also known as The Smurfs to the magical powers of the characters in Harry Potter. It will take a whole issue to explain the usage of CGI and it’s process but to make it simple, with CGI software, it can recreate whole new world just like Rivendell from The Lord of The Rings.
Did you really think that Pirates of the Caribbean is shot in the middle of the ocean too? What about all the fancy shots? Did they have to ride a real helicopter over the city of Manhattan just to get a 10 second cut away for the movie? Fortunately, technology is the key to solve everything. There are two ways to get these amazing shots. Firstly, with CGI, as mentioned above, and with the functions of remote controlled helicopter for example the Dragan Flyer X6. Google it if you dare!
With the Draganflyer X6, you are able to get razor sharp crystal clear high-resolution videos. With a little practice, you are able to do wonders with this little piece of plastic. The sky is your oyster, with just more practice. The flyer is capable of sending live digital video feed so the chances of you missing the perfect shot with practically zero.
With cameras such as EPIC-M RED DRAGON and Phantom Flex4k that cost roughly about 50 thousand dollars each (mind you that is only the body and not including lenses) anything is possible from shot ranges that are wide enough to capture the whole landscape to capturing water droplets making it’s way down your face! Even though these equipments are hard to operate and require professional hands, it does not take much for the camera operators to acquire amazing shots. An example would be when the Decepticons from the movie “Transformers” jump off the desert with all the sands flying all over the place which can be clearly seen.
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“You’re a wizard,
harry”
Harry Potter - A movie that is loved by many. Obviously, a lot of CGI and After Effects have been used to produce the magical effects but what about the characters? Which of them are real? No doubt that Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emmat Watson) and Ronald Weasley (Rupert Grint) are real life people. With the exceptions of Dobby and other elves that are in the movie (well, obviously those are fake), what other characters are not real or digitally enhanced?
“
I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. ‘Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.
”
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
It’s time to ruin memories and crush all dreams. Reubeus Hagrid, the beloved Father figure in the movie is not real at all. True that Robbie Coltrane plays the part but is he that tall? Hagrid is a combination of two people – Robbie Coltrane himself and the body of Martin Bayfield, a rugby player. Being 2.08m tall, weighing 106kg, he is surely fit for the job. So there you go! Hagrid is not real.
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photos from thesnitch.co.uk
“I’m a good swimmer” Titanic is second in line for the highest-grossing film. Remember the famous ending scene where Jack sacrifices himself for the safety of Rose? I’m sorry to say that it was NOT shot in the middle of the sea. Is your mind blown yet? Titanic, was not filmed in the middle of the sea. But how is it possible you ask? With the power of CGI, like I mentioned earlier. With CGI you can practically do anything and everything. Strategically placing their cameras in ways to ensure that you will not be able to see the landscape of the set, they did a perfect job to execute it. Most of the scenes are actually filmed in a tiny tub and a pool just to simulate the feel of the sea.
“Fifteen-hundred people went into the sea, when Titanic sank from under us. There were twenty boats floating nearby... and only one came back. One. Six were saved from the water, myself included. Six... out of fifteenhundred. Afterward, the sevenhundred people in the boats had nothing to do but wait... wait to die... wait to live... wait for an absolution... that would never come.
”
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photos from theberry.com, izsmile.com
“YOU SHALL NOT PASS” Last but no least, my personal favourite movie of the 21st century, Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit. It is no secret that the movie is filled with special effects and computer generated images. However, what about the main protagonist, the hobbit Frodo Baggins that is played by Elijah Wood? Is he really that short? Just like Rubeus Hagrid, Frodo Baggins is unfortunately, digitally enhanced. Being an estimated height of 4ft, surely he is not real. So there you go! Movies are not as real as they seem. Even though in the big screen, they look like they can co-exist with you in the real life, all of it is actually fake. F-A-K-E. Movie magic as they call it. Remember this the next time when you watch a movie, so you can try to make a guess if what you see on the screen is real or being generated by a computer. Have fun!
“ It cannot be seen, cannot be
felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.
” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
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photos fromscreencrush.com
TAKE ONE So you thought singapore was small? Have you discovered these places yet?
1.
Kampung Buangkok
Labelled as ‘Singapore’s last kampong’, it is the perfect place for young aspiring filmmakers who are interested in getting the retro old school feel. Since the place already has a nice atmosphere, just a touch of good lighting is all it takes for the filmmakers to get the perfect shot. photos from wikipedia
2. HORTPARK HortPark is a combination of 4 different parks - Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. Even though these places consists a lot of greens, there are still various magnificent colours which deems that it is the place to have lovey-dovey scenes with just good lighting complementing the beautiful, wide landscapes. photos from hortpark.com
3. EASt coast parkway Even though there are many newer beaches in Singapore like Sentosa’s Pahlawan Beach, you don’t have to go so far! Katong’s East Coast Parkway is just as good and can give one the perfect combination of urban and beach feel. With the mixture of green and blue, east coast parkway will give you the homely feel and is especially good for montages.
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photos from wikipedia
photos from (top to bottom); remeberingsingapore.wordpress.com , melchan94-jjlinr0x.blogspot.com,
Places in singapore for aspiring filmmakers,
4. Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel Ever need to find a ghostly-looking place? Well look no further –Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel is the right place for you. Being an abandoned hostel that is moulding up, it creates an eerie atmosphere. However, please do be careful when you choose to film there and always be wary of the area. photos from remeberingsingapore.wordpress.com
5. Punggol stables Have you ever thought to yourself, ”You know what Singapore needs? A stable.” Well my friend, where have you been all this time? Singapore does have a stable indeed! It located at Punggol. – An area that was once quiet but is currently being revamped over the years with recreational equipment and purposes. These stables give you the perfect place, especially if you want to run away from the average Singapore scene.
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x-POSED x-posed BY BY NUR nur W wAHIDAH ahidah
CHAINGING THE HABIT Smoking is in fact, a harmful addiction. So why do these smokers still continue with this habit? Is it actually possible to break free from this addiction? We speak to a former chain smoker to verify this particular assertion.
Taufik Aziz, 24, who works as a Warehouse Assistant, never expected himself to be rid of his addiction to smoking until he sees the consequences affect the people around him. He might not be a chain-smoker but he is acquainted with one.Taufik shares his story with us on CATCH!
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Like you mentioned, to quit smoking for a heavy smoker is tough. So how did you manage to succeed in doing it? You have to really want to do it. There is no secret, only selfwillingness. If you decide to quit smoking, stick to your words and do your best to quit. Do not fall into the temptation in a mere day or two. If you fall into it after a few months like I did, I completely understand your sentiments. However, it would be a waste of your effort don’t you think? If you can last for the few months, you can definitely quit. That was my mindset.
When did you start smoking? When I was 15. I was a heavy smoker for eight years. When did you quit smoking? I decided to quit smoking in early 2012. It was actually a plan between my friend, Alistar and me. However, being heavy smokers, we were too addicted to smoking. We resorted back to our old ways after trying to abandon the bad habit. It was really hard. I have had my share of a few sticks here and there, but as of now, my last stick was in April 2012.
You can only keep yourself distracted. For me, it was the gym. Cliché again, I know but it is true. You can feel the difference in doing any physical activities when you are a smoker and when you are an ex-smoker. I don’t feel as breathless as I did before and it kind of gives me this… clean feeling inside. I work out four to five times a week to distract myself from smoking. Going to the gym gives me an excuse to not want a cigarette because it will be a waste of my efforts in working out.
What made you take the step to quit smoking? Two reasons being – health and money. I think these two are some of the basic reasons as to why people would want to quit smoking. I was contemplating on my decision though. I did enjoy smoking and as a heavy smoker, you kind of get blinded to the consequences. Even with the constant threats that are visually printed on the packs of cigarettes, smokers ignore these warnings and go on with their lives, feeling nonchalant about it. It was not until I saw with my own eyes, how it affected my loved ones. My grandfather suffered from a stroke and both my uncles were falling sick due to heavy smoking. I talked about this to some of my friends and Alistar was the one who asked, “Till when are we going to be like this? What will happen to our future family? Will they lose us at an untimely period just because we picked up smoking at a young age?”
What about your friends and family? Was there anything they did to show support? Not really. (Laughs) To tell you the truth, my friends were all, “eh Taufik, here lah smoke one lah. Don’t action lah. Step quit smoking only. No need lah, just smoke.” They did not motivate nor did they give me any encouraging words, but they were not demoralizing either. They were mostly teasing me. You know what’s worse? ALL of my friends are smokers. Ok, maybe just 99%. (Laughs) But when you want to achieve something, only your determination gets you to your goal. Your friends will just adapt to the decisions you make.
Smoking also caused me to have dire financial issues. Being a National Serviceman, the allowance we get is not much. There was a phase that I went through whereby, I had to resort to rokok gulung* for a long time, and I just got tired of rolling and preparing my cigarette every time I wanted to smoke. Eventually I thought, “Just quit sua,” and in the end, I did!
On the other hand, my mother had always wanted me to quit smoking ever since she found out, so she was supportive during the whole process.
But what was the ultimate reason? Did anything happen to you or you just felt motivated from the reasons that you have stated? I have a colleague who suffered from a heart attack when he was 45 years old. He was both a heavy and chain smoker. To add on, he has four daughters – the eldest still studying in Junior College. He was telling me that he felt so thankful to have survived. What would have happened to his daughters if he did not make it? What would happen to his entire family? They will be devastated of course, but most importantly, how were they going to keep going on without a working dad? So, that is the one major experience that made me feel determined to quit. What more, I started at 15. By the time I am 45, what would happen to me then? You just have to think of your future because getting rid of this habit will benefit you and your loved ones in the long run.
In conclusion, do you think smoking is a habit or an addiction? I think it is a little bit of both. It becomes a habit at first and then unconsciously, when we try to get rid of it, we can’t because we are addicted to it.
Image by: Tumblr.com
What do you say to people who want to quit smoking but say that it is tough (because of cold turkey effect, addicted etc)? Malay. (Laughs) Because it’s true! Malays love to make excuses. That is what I say to my Malay friends though. It is my perception. If you want to do it, do it. Don’t talk about it but do something else the next day. If you don’t think you are ready to do it, then don’t talk about it. It applies to every issue.
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DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS? Not many students have the privilege to commit to their studies. However, they do not give up because people tell them, “Things will get better once you graduate”. But does it? It is not hard to find full-time students who are juggling their studies with a part-time job. Some even come from less fortunate families and have to work a few more odd jobs to make ends meet. They tire themselves with school during the day and immediately rush to work in the evening till late, just to earn a few extra dollars for school supplies or basic needs like food and transportation fees. All these, just because parents and society in general say, “With a diploma or degree, life will get better.” But does it? Unemployment for Diploma graduates has increased to 3.9% for the first half of 2013, according to the TRS (TheRealSingapore). Many youths are settling for jobs unrelated to their diploma just for the sake of “bringing home the bacon” for their parents or to pay off student loans. Some even have difficulty in finding a job within six months of graduation, despite holding a diploma or degree.
Siti NurKhairina Binte Hj Johari, 24, educator Khairina’s eyes were beaming with joy when she recently graduated from Kaplan Higher Education Institute. She thought that it was the beginning of a new path and she could finally earn enough to support her family as well as herself. She has worked a variety of part-time jobs while schooling thus, she feels gratified of having the weight on her shoulders being lifted after completing her studies. “Oh how wrong I was, “ she says. She currently works as an Educational Customer Care Executive – which is far from her course of study in Kaplan. Her experience as a fresh graduate in search of her job wasn’t a bed of roses at all. Countless interviews, numerous rejections – Even with a Diploma in hand. It wasn’t like Khairina didn’t do well in school. She even succeeded in achieving a “distinction” grade in some of her modules. So what was the problem?
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“The working industry always mentions how fresh graduates are an asset to them because they can contribute novel ideas that veterans can’t. They say we add creativity to the team but we usually face rejection in the end of the interview because they want someone with more relevant experience,” explains Khairina. It also seems like a lot of convincing is required, apart from just showing that you have the qualifications. An impressive piece of paper meant nothing if you did not show your worth to the company. What adds more pressure to fresh graduates is that this phase is the start of adulthood to them – get a good-paying job, pay off student loans, ease their parents’ burdens, settle down, build a family and the list goes on. Some even need to consider saving up money to continue their studies in order to upgrade themselves so that they are updated with the industry we live in. For Khairina, the biggest commitment on her mind right now is her wedding preparation. With the increase in cost of living, preparing for a wedding and managing her basic everyday needs and monthly bills are taking a toll on her. She would change her job if she could, but because of these reasons she stays in order to earn enough. “It really doesn’t get better after graduation. Well, for me at least. It is tough to find a job that is related to what you have studied and pays well according to your qualifications. In the end, you have to accept the reality that there are bills to be paid, so you settle for a job that can sustain your needs and all the while telling yourself to “survive” for as long as you can,” says Khairina.
What gets her through this disappointment is that she tells herself if it is not meant to be, it is okay to always try again. It is when you get tired of trying and you start to not care – that is the first step to your downfall. Ultimately, what does it say about Singapore’s Work Force when students like Fattah, put in so much effort and energy into juggling both work and studies at the same time, goes out to the working industry only to be disappointed just like she was? Should we really have the mindset of – “that’s life, deal with it” towards this issue? There are many reasons to this problem which fresh graduates are currently facing. Some are picky and determined on the kind of career they want to have, some blame the
“ It is tough to find a job
that is related to what you have studied and pays well according to your qualifications. In the end, you have to accept the reality that there are bills to be paid, so you settle for a job that can sustain your needs and all the while telling yourself to “survive” for as long as you can.
”
presence of foreign talent for stealing their jobs away, some feel that the salaries offered do not meet with their certificate and so on. There is one thing we know for sure – Competition is everywhere and no one gets to the top easily, even after you have attained the proper qualifications. So, is the grass really greener on the other side? 37
ABDUL FATTAH BIN CHUMINO, 21, STUDENT Raised by a single mother, with two other siblings in the household, Fattah has always been working part-time and odd jobs to support himself. He has tried committing solely on his studies while studying in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) but he could only survive for three weeks or less. Fattah is one of the many less fortunate students who do not get to enjoy the privilege of focusing on his studies alone. “I feel like there is no choice for me. I have to work,” he says. “Not that I’m complaining. It’s just the situation given. I’m more than happy to support my family, being the elder brother.” It has been a long road for Fattah – from N levels to O levels to ITE Nitec, ITE Higher Nitec and now, being in a Polytechnic.
“Sometimes I feel like it would be so much better to just quit and focus on a full-time job so I could earn more and in return, provide more for my mother. But I just went through with my education in the end. People kept telling me to complete it so that it would benefit me in the future,” said the 21-year-old. He has an elder sister and a younger brother. His mother only allows his sister and him to have a job while schooling, whereas the youngest is forbidden to work at all. his is because Fattah’s mother feels that she and her first two children are capable enough to feed the entire family. Also, she does not want to see her youngest go through what her first two children did. As the saying goes, “You learn your mistakes through the first few experiences.” Things hit an even rougher patch when Fattah’s mother was retrenched from her job last year. What more, just a month before he enrolled himself into Republic Polytechnic. 38
“I’m more appreciative for the
people who encourage me to finish my studies. Also, I feel that I can’t really make any judgments about what’s happening out there. Once I step into the real world, then I will know for myself just how hard it really is. ”
“I was thinking if I should do my National Service (NS) first because even with that meager allowance, I would be able to stand up on my own two feet and help my family. If I went to school, I would not be able to earn as much,” explained Fattah as he recalls the dilemma he had at the time. “Furthermore, my PSEA was already used for my ITE education. I couldn’t figure out how to pay for my Polytechnic tuition fees. I know bursaries, sponsorships and all are available, but I was thinking about how to make it for the next three years.” Ultimately, Fattah did enter Republic Polytechnic in April 2012, with the assurance from his Mother that she would be able to provide for them. He might have made the decision to proceed with his studies, but the battle was not won yet. He still finds himself caught in situations when the option of quitting and getting a full-time job was much more attractive and beneficial. What motivates Fattah to move forward? His friends. His family. His facilitator. Republic Polytechnic has a facilitator attached to a group of students, serving as their “mentors” and providing them with a platform to share their problems, allowing them to help these students. This program is especially useful to students like Fattah, who experience difficulty in school due to personal problems. He feels safe when he shares his problems with his facilitator.
Another reason for his determination is because he has seen the consequences of giving up education halfway through. “My sister was in Republic Polytechnic too but she quit halfway and helped my mother by working a full-time job. It doesn’t get better actually. I see her struggling and always tiring herself out. After I saw what happened to her, I always tell myself to endure till graduation. I wish she could continue her studies again but once you make a decision like that, it’s pretty hard to turn back.” Fattah has heard idle talk from his friends that even with a diploma qualification, it does not guarantee a job. Many Polytechnic students like Fattah are actually afraid of entering the working industry, as it seems that the availability of a well-paid full-time job is very rare. “As of now, I don’t really listen to when people tell me of these stories about how hard it is to find a well-paid fulltime job with a Diploma in hand. I’m more appreciative for the people who encourage me to finish my studies. Also, I feel that I can’t really make any judgments about what’s happening out there. Once I step into the real world, then I will know for myself just how hard it really is. I sincerely hope that the economy will take a turn for the better once I have completed my National Service.”
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BEATING THE RED LIGHT
Controversial places in singapore That you should look out for
CHANGI Changi Village is not just the place you go to get one of the best Nasi Lemak in Singapore. When the night falls, you can spot some transsexuals standing along the streets, waiting for men to stop their cars and invite them in for a night of pleasure. The difference between Geylang and Changi is that Changi is well known to have transsexuals as prostitutes and that Geylang has more women. Also, Changi is more suited for men who are rich. These transsexuals usually stand along the street so the men will stop their cars beside them, unwind the window and negotiate the price. Once the deal is made, the transsexual hops into the car for some action or they go to the nearest hotel. No matter the reputation, Changi is still a relatively safe place. Many go to Changi Village for a late night snack at 24-hour eateries but these transsexuals can still be spotted hanging around the district.
GEYLANG Geylang is well known for being a red-light district in Singapore as many Asian prostitutes from other countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia go there to lure in men for sex. There are many brothels located amongst the “Lorongs� (what they name each lane) in Geylang. Many budget hotels with cheap rates (per hour or per night) are also available in this area, which usually attracts people who want to engage in one-night stands or casual sex. Besides prostitution, you can find people selling contraband cigarettes here too. Rumour has it that the police have attempted to raid the area and get rid of the illegal activities before but was outnumbered, thus failing to do so. Another speculation is that some pimps or people who earn a living in the district own guns and that if a police officer attempts to question or harass anyone, the whole Geylang will go against him. Try to avoid entering this district, especially for the girls, unless you have a family member or guy friends with you.
TECK WHYE LANE Teck Whye Lane, one of the main areas that were filled with notorious local Gangsters called Salakau or 369. Salakau opened its own branches in many parts of Singapore. Places like Tanjong Rhu, Kallang Airport, Teck Whye Lane, Clementi, Tanglin Halt, Mei Ling Street, Joo Seng, Bishan, Thomson, Geylang and places like Yew Tee are the main branches in which many members are recruited. Every child that grew up within the area of Chua Chu Kang and Yew Tee will always hear rumours or stories of gangs that are loitering around specifically at Lam Soon CC. Parents would make sure that their children would keep away. News of men that were beaten up or even killed at Teck Whye Lane was nothing unusual. From a case of a cleaner murdered by an alleged ex-secret society member to an Auxillary Police Officer being pummeled by 7 youths at Teck Whye Lane – This area is surely a place to be on the alert.
BUKIT PANJANG Not far off from Teck Whye, another area that is being speculated to be the breeding ground of Salakau is Bukit Panjang. There are many cases of youths being attacked and even slashing occurrences. It is no wonder that this area is considered a taboo with cautious eyes carefully walking by every single day. There was a case of with six young men from the age 19 to 25 to have been involved in slashing, causing seven youths to be severely injured. Though it has been rumoured that Bukit Panjang is also a breeding area for Salakau, there is no confirmation made by Singapore Police Forces. Nonetheless, being in Bukit Panjang, you will have to be very careful.
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BEHIND THE SINS If Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world with one of the lowest crime rates, then why doES prostituition still exist? Is it the fault of the desperate women or the sleezy men?
Prostitution – How do we view it? Do we look at it with an open mind or just with disgust? I admit that I am one of those who are repulsed by the profession, thinking that it is and always will be, wrong – a belief I was brought up with – and often deliberated was the thought that the girls involved were too easy. There are many books, documentaries and movies about this profession. It is one of the oldest occupations existing and currently generates over $100 billion in revenue, according to havocscope. If it is so “wrong” to us, then why does it still exist? According to an article by BBC titled “Why does Singapore top so many tables?”, it stated that Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Try taking a stroll through the lanes of Lorong Geylang. Would you feel the same way now? I have to admit that living in Singapore, being one of the richest countries in the world (according to mapsofworld.com), I feel that most of us are so accustomed to a good life that we are blinded to the fact that this industry even exists in our premises.
Image: www.mubi.com
I remember watching a Bollywood film “Laaga Chunari Mein Daag” which tells a story about Badhki, played by Rani Mukherjee, who becomes a social escort in the city to save her family from poverty. She went to the city in search of a proper job initially, but was then tricked and raped by a potential employer. The scene that made an impact on me most was when Badhki brought her younger sister, Chutki, out on a carriage in the city. They came across a couple of call girls by the streets and Chutki instantly teases them. Badhki, being a call girl herself, immediately gets angry and tells Chutki to give them some sympathy because not all girls enjoy the profession but are being forced into it. Chutki then replies, “Who cares? Anything but this. Whatever your situation is, I feel it’s not right to sell your body.”
Image: doonung.com
To be honest, that was how I felt. Whatever situation you get caught in, prostitution should be the last thing on your mind. Better if it wasn’t even an option at all. With so many risks included in the profession – death, abuse by the men or pimps, sexually transmitted diseases and so on, why bother thinking about it? It was not until I befriended a social escort myself, that it finally opened my eyes to see beyond the repugnance of her profession. Her character and personality blew me away and I never would have guessed her career to be as such. I had always thought that I would feel discomfort if any close acquaintances of mine were to be a prostitute but instead, I felt sorry for her. Image: wisekwai.buzznet.com
Turns out, not every prostitute loves doing what they do – this is the first step in changing your mindset towards this condemned industry. I recommend reading a book called “Pleasure Factory” written by a local author, Kaiwen Leong. This book consists of different stories shared by various prostitutes that Kaiwen and his team (Elaine and Chiu Whye Leong) have interviewed.
Image: wisekwai.buzznet.com
The team went through such a painful and unconventional research method in order to write the book. Every page of the prostitutes’ stories brought me to tears – one of them was a mother earning a living for her daughter so that she would not grow up having the same fate. Some got hurt by other groups of prostitutes for “entering their territory”. This book will share with you the unknown happenings of the prostitution world – their stories, what really happens along those streets and many more. A quote from one of the featured prostitutes in the book says, “Anywhere they could touch, they ravaged. I was nothing but a telephone pole for dogs to pee on”.
who is the real cause behind this multi-billion industry that has not ceased? The docudrama, also named Pleasure Factory (2007), tells different stories regarding prostitutes – how some of them are actually forced into conducting foreplay with men, how not all men who look for prostitutes have no morals and most importantly, how prostitutes, like any other woman, look for love, compassion, sincerity, loyalty and for someone to be with peacefully. They may not look like they have a sad story when in a group, but if you happen to see one along the streets, try looking into their eyes. Can you tell their story? In my opinion, it is still wrong to resort to this profession but unfortunately, that is not a choice or privilege in life that all of us have. Do not ridicule them. Shouldn’t we try to save them instead? As I went around the red light district to do my research, I observed all the men loitering around the area, in search for these women. Then the most basic principle of Economics popped into my head – If there is no demand for it, wouldn’t there be no supply? So, who is the real cause behind this multi-billion industry that has not ceased? The men who are willing to pay whatever amount for a one-night-stand, or the girls who are there to meet their demands? Image: studiohelenaco.blogspot.com Background Image: www.canada.com
FACT OR FICTION? Can you believe everything that you’re told? Here are some conspiracies currently happening around the world.
NEW WORLD ORDER (aka ILLUMINATI) The Illuminati is a secret society found in 1776 to oppose abuse of state of power, religious influence, prejudice and superstition. However, rumors state that the aim of the Illuminati is actually to achieve corruption, greed and empowerment through music, movies, media and many other things around us. The sign representing Illuminati is the “All seeing eye” on either a triangle shape or pyramid, which is present on the U.S’ onedollar note. There are speculations whereby the Illuminati makes deals with some of the celebrities to influence the behaviour and mindset of people through subliminal messages hidden in their outputs of media. In return, these celebrities will achieve fame and fortune. Some of the names associated with Illuminati are Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. image: Giantbomb.com
But what do you think? Does such a conspiracy exist? Or do they simply want you to overthink it so that you will fear them?
YOUTH OLYMPICS 2010 When the Youth Olympics were held in Singapore in 2010, some Singaporeans openly criticized the organization and planning of the event. Many question the budget of the YOG as the infrastructure and venues did not tally up with the S$387 million (three times more in comparison to the initial amount they proposed) that the government spent on this event. The locations used were places such as Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Sports School. There was also a case of food poisoning during the YOG. On August 15, some volunteers suffered from food poisoning after consuming the food provided for the event. This then sparked further questioning regarding what the government has done with the money. Not forgetting, a man named Abdul Malik was also arrested after commenting on the social media regarding this issue. Even though his comment was a figure of speech – that we should “burn Vivian Balakrishnan and the PAP”, what was he really arrested for? Does Singapore truly practice the freedom of speech?
image: Muslimvillage.com
AREA 51, ROSWELL Area 51 is located in Nevada, United States. Many people believe that there have been sightings of “Aliens” and that they have entered and left Earth several times, but The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has not disclosed the information to the public. There is also the case of The Black Knight Satellite – only reported when the Russians found it. It is a mysterious dark satellite floating on top of Earth’s surface. Many believe that it might be an alien satellite watching over us. What do you think?
9/11: OSAMA WAS A CIA AGENT September 11 – a tragedy of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. While we are told that Osama Bin Laden and his team of extremists had caused this, some believe that it was an inside job by the U.S government.
image: FROM TOP LEFT WIKIPEDIA/ TRUTHDIG.COM, WIKIPEDIA
It is said that the planes were already detected to crash into the Twin Towers but they did not issue a warning for evacuation. There were also not many pictures of the attack on the Pentagon as a cover up might have been detected if the photographs were to be released. One important factor for this conspiracy though, is that there are rumors that Osama is a CIA Agent sent to Afghanistan as a spy for the United States. Also, The Bin Laden family is speculated to have connections with the Bush Family.
THE HAARP HAARP stands for High Frequency Active Auroral Research Programme. The U.S Air Force and U.S Navy fund it, with a total of $300 million received to this date. The HAARP is believed to be able to control the weather and cause natural disasters despite officials claiming its use for communication purposes instead. According to the idle talk of society, it also controls the behaviour of the people who are targeted. Such an incident rumored to have involved the HAARP was Hurricane Sandy. Experts believe that it is man-made because no hurricane issues were given and they had not seen anything like it.
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Alter ego
BY tan xiang june vivian
“Someone else endures the pain for you. Even if you get hurt, the one who’s really hurt isn’t you.” Saya Irino, Black Rock Shooter Credits: Geno / Coser: Lawliet
THE VANISHING SCENE: COSPLAY
“With superficiality becoming the new definition of beauty and passion no longer bearing significance to many, true hobbyists are starting to disappear. Is this truly the end?”
Disclaimer: The following article is written based on the personal insight of Jun Hoshino, an avid cosplayer (2011-Present).
Over the last couple of years, the nation has seen increasing media attention towards cosplay as the fandom crossed international boundaries to grow into a global phenomenon. A contraction for the words ‘costume’ and ‘play’, the hybrid term ‘cosplay’ is not one in need of much explanation. The practice of dressing up and role-playing as characters (commonly) from Japanese genres of manga and anime rose into popular culture in the 90s, traversing across extensive demographics with mounting numbers in some one hundred countries today.
risen over the years as cosplayers start going professional. At the same time, expert cosplay photographers have also started emerging. As the saying goes, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’, and these photographers play a very significant role in the rise of the sub-culture. Bringing a cosplayer’s work to life is by no means an easy feat, but these photographers are constantly challenging their own limits in an attempt to capture that split second of tranquility – one containing the very essence of their models’ works.
Alongside its rapid growth in terms of global influence, a fast-developing niche market of the sub-culture has emerged in response to rising consumer demands worldwide. “These days, cosplay functions as a 40 billion yen (US$390 million) industry and has a large impact on Japan’s economy,” says Rachel Tackett from RocketNews24, an Internet newspaper for Japanese and Asian Entertainment.
Nonetheless, the idea of why certain people are willing to invest so much time, effort and capital on cosplay is still incomprehensible to many. Popular as it has become these days, society is still hostile towards the sub-culture as a whole – branding it as something that is ‘out of the norm’ and ‘very weird’. Stereotyping is not something new to this nation and, as society seeks to put a definition to what they do not understand, cosplayers face the challenge of being largely misunderstood despite all their efforts to prove otherwise.
From ‘two-dimensional’ makeup application to semiprofessional wig styling, the making of one’s own costumes to almost proficient craftsmanship, international standards have
“Why do people Cosplay?” Often, defining why cosplayers
Image by: Breathtaking Photography (above) , Thai Cosplay Celebrity Yuegene Fay (left)
VISUAL GALLERY COSPLAY
“Welcome, Earl. Do you want to see how it feels to sleep in my custom-made coffin?” Japanese Cosplay Celebrity Sakuya as Undertaker from Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler).
“Do you really think you can bind me with the reasons and moralities of this world?” “Humans are such foolish creatures.” Thai Cosplay Celebrity Yuegene Fay as Kagamine Len from Vocaloid (Knife). All Cosplay images are from WorldCosplay, uploaded by the various cosplayers.
are passionate about the hobby is a lot harder than simply going ahead and ‘doing’ it – but it usually boils down to two things: the desire to express the love you have for a particular act, and the sense of belonging.
“ Cosplay
transforms lives.
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There are those who enjoy the dressing up and roleplaying, others who are there for the technical challenge, and then there are those who find comfort in the hobby. The lack of self-confidence in one’s adolescence years is something not all that uncommon, and, despite what others might think, countless have found healing in Cosplay. Psychologist Carl Pickhardt wrote in his book ‘Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence’ “…As the scope of life enlarges, the young person typically feels diminished in a number of ways. As the challenges of growth become more complex, they feel relatively more uncertain.” Many have spent their adolescence years feeling ugly, awkward and unwanted by their peers but, to some, Cosplay has turned all of that around. It has given them a goal, a passion, and more importantly, taught them how to love themselves and others. It has helped them become more comfortable not only with their outward appearances, but also the person that they are. Like what Internet articles have always been saying, confidence is an attractive quality. It has not been an easy journey though - not in the past and not now - as cosplayers face disapprovals not only from society but also the people that they love. Many who embrace the fandom are told to be ashamed of their interests and for not ‘growing up’ enough – but they are not alone in this. Though small in numbers, in a tightly knit community where everyone shares the same interest and are unafraid to openly express their love for the fandom, these cosplayers have found a place of comfort alongside a sense of belonging. While society might have labeled them as ‘outcasts’ and family members and friends have opted to ‘close both eyes’ on their cosplay activities, fellow hobbyists are always around to offer help and guidance, and many have found
lasting friendships which transcended even beyond the hobby. That, however, is all in past tense now. Much as the scene is seen to be flourishing in the public eye, the truth is: the true hobbyists are leaving. Gone were the days where everyone knows everybody and familiar faces are all that you see. With the emergence of many new cosplayers in 2013 comes… ‘The Drama’. Creative criticism has always been something which cosplayers actively practice as they seek to raise both their own and others’ standards. In 2013, however, that all took a change when ‘Cosplay Confession’ pages start emerging from nowhere across various online platforms, subjecting cosplayers to anonymous hate messages aimed at ‘flaming’ their works. What was meant to be a tool for improvement transformed overnight into something else altogether. The Japanese culture of respect has always meant a lot to adept cosplayers but, as ‘newbies’ join the local scene as a means of rising to fame overnight, it seems like that might have gotten lost along the way too. Strutting across convention grounds and demanding for photos as an indication of their newly found ‘popularity’, these cosplayers were harshly judged for their inaccurate costumes and character portrayals – and for their attitudes above all. A shocking escalation of online ‘flaming’ directed at them resulted in more ‘drama’ and, suddenly, there was unhappiness everywhere you look. Everyone was arguing with everyone else over who said or did what, or how bad someone looked. With certain photographers encouraging ‘more-revealing’ costumes by being more attentive to them and ignoring the rest, it seems like cosplay is now graded by ‘how much skin you show’. It was truly the Dark Ages for the local scene, and many from the older generation of cosplayers have decided that it is time to leave. “It is all skin-deep now. There is nothing beyond what you can physically see,” says hobbyist cosplayer, Isabelle Ong. “Their actions are putting all of us in a bad light.” The 19 year-old who is currently a student at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) has decided to take a break from cosplaying after graduation next year. It seems like the walls of the community have finally started to collapse from the inside – an undoing of the very people it had sworn to protect and call family. When passion dies out and cosplay conventions start turning into beauty pageants, competition becomes the only thing left of the subculture. Somewhere along the way, the true meaning of cosplay had gotten lost without anyone realizing it. When, one by one, true hobbyists grow tired of picking up the broken pieces and choose to leave, will cosplay in Singapore truly be a vanishing scene?
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The Invisible Wall 58
FEATURE STORY When the line between imagination and reality merges, and invisible walls start closing in, a young woman struggles to live out her passions.
“It’s difficult meshing art and design together because art is not design, and design is not art. There is no right formula,” says Carrot. “But many don’t understand the nature of what we do, the industry, or how much we go through.” She chose to follow her heart, not her peers, but that decision did not come without sacrifices. The world does not understand designers, and it will probably be years before they eventually do. On that topic, Carrot says, “I personally feel that society is killing the creativity of designers, and that the rules of the system have become a prison for us. We have to meet our clients’ needs and keep them happy, even if it compromises the basic knowledge of art and design. They don’t understand art, and they don’t understand design. It almost seems like there was an invisible wall between us.” The Design student sleeps an average of three hours a day, often forgoing rest and meals as she works tirelessly on her design projects. There are no ‘right’ answers in designing, but that also means that Carrot is never truly satisfied with her work. “In design, the pressure can get real terrible, and there were times that even I feel like giving up. Society is killing my passion, and I’m struggling to get back on track. I spend all my time on my projects but it seems that no matter how much effort I pump in, I can’t beat those who finish them in a few hours.”
At 5, I wanted to be a forensic “investigator. At 10, a hairdresser. When I hit 13, I wanted to be a designer. I was truly a child of many dreams.
”
Nonetheless, growing up soon taught children that the world is not of the colorful one in their imaginings. Dreams have no place in a world where reality revolves around a never-ending paper chase. As they mature, children are taught to fear failure and ‘see the bigger picture’. They are discouraged from pursuing dreams that come with any form of risk, and encouraged to take on careers that will ‘give them a future’. Yet, nineteen-year-old Carrot chose living the dream over job security. The third year Design student had always known that she was more inclined towards the arts, and that she wanted to be a designer one day. Still, no amount of preparations would have prepared her for the journey ahead.
Having to self-fund projects which can cost up to $600 per semester, Carrot struggles to manage her time and finance between school, work, and personal life. She used to be an avid cosplayer, but has since decided to leave the local scene as her health continues to deteriorate. “It was a real struggle for me as I couldn’t let go of the friends that I’ve made in the cosplay scene. But the world is cruel. In order to live, I had to give up things. I had to survive,” she said. Nonetheless, this is not the end. “I might be struggling now but, at the very least, I know that I’m doing something right with my life.” The designer had seen many others giving up their dreams and passion for a steady paycheck, but she was not ready to become one of them. Though her Designer 101 problems may not have come to an end, she has found a new way to relieve her stress. In 2014, Carrot will be taking on the position of bassist for a 4-member band that will be making its debut. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she explained. “It’s no longer a dream for me, I’m making it come true. The walls are still there, but at least I’m having a happier time working on them.” 59
BORN THIS WAY
“It’s easy to fictionalize an issue when you’re not aware of the many ways in which you are privileged by it.” Kate Bornstein, Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation
60 Image by: Shawn Fang
What defines a man or a woman – their sex or their gender?
“I was not ladylike, nor was I manly. I was something else altogether. There were so many different ways to be beautiful.” Michael Cunningham, A Home at the End of the World
Contrary to popular belief that the two words can be used interchangeably, there are actually major differences between sex and gender. Dr. Ann-Maree Nobelius, a consultant in gender and cross-cultural issues, has defined the terms as such, “Sex refers to biological differences; chromosomes, hormonal profiles, internal and external sex organs. Gender describesthe characteristics that a society or culture delineates as masculine or feminine.”
extreme end to the other – or simply stay fixed somewhere along the middle.
To put it in simple terms that while sex distinguishes males and females from one another based on genetic elements, gender on the other hand, seeks to classify an individual based on what society has defined to be ‘correct’ for each of the sexes – and the two do not always match up.
Society uses the term ‘transgender’ to describe a person whose state of gender identity does not match to that of their assigned sex at birth, ‘bigender’ to refer to people who relate to exhibiting two genders, and ‘genderqueer’ to refer to all other forms of gender identification outside of the ‘man only’ and ‘woman only’ category – just to name a few.
Gynecologist Dr. Vanessa Cullins wrote that, “Children learn gender roles from an early age — from their parents and family, their religion, and their culture, as well as the outside world, including television, magazines, and other media. As children grow, they adopt behaviors that are rewarded by love and praise. They stop or hide behaviors that are ridiculed, shamed, or punished. This happens early in life. By age three, children have usually learned to prefer toys and clothes that are “appropriate” to their gender.” Nevertheless, there will always be deviations from the norm. There are known cases of boys who favor Barbie dolls over motor toys cars, and girls who prefer playing sports to playing dress-up. By behaving differently from societal expectations, does it make them any less of a person? Although society can provide you with what they deem the proper definition of a true being, ultimately it is you who gets to decide who you are indefinitely. After all, gender roles were decided upon by humans. What does it mean to be a male or a female, a man or a woman then? Interestingly enough, having the right sexual organs do not automatically classify you as either gender. Gender identity refers to one’s psychological sense of being male or female - and it does not always conform to the majority. Over time, a person’s gender identity may change from one
Adrian Dalton, a trans activist who was born female but is now male-bodied, said that, “…Although my body is male, there is very little else about me that is remotely masculine. Being a man to me is simply having a male gender identity. In my case, I am also only comfortable in a male body.”
When a person goes beyond psychological identification and undergoes sex reassignment surgery (SRS) to become the opposite sex, they are termed ‘transsexuals’. The world has always took pleasure in labeling people, dividing them into segments of the various designations given by society. Even with the division, the core differences of humans are still only skin-deep. Gender identity does not change whom a person is deep down inside. Like a mirror, it merely seeks to reflect the person who they aspire to be. A person with a different gender identity is just as human as anyone else. They deserve an equivalent amount of respect and dignity bestowed to others as well. There is nothing inherently wrong with a feminine man or a masculine woman – not their gender, and definitely not their sanity. Now, here is the question: Is gender identity a result of genetics at work, or is it simply a matter of choice and personal preference? When sex and gender do not match up to each other, the enquiry extends to whether the mistake is the result of birth or choice. The world can continue to make its own assumptions, but perhaps, it takes one to know one.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, and don’t judge a man based solely on what you see. Looks can be deceiving, but gender identity has always complicated business.
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Facts are many, But the truth is one. RABINDRANATH TAGORE