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Romance
and relationships in Singapore
Culture
is changing due to Japanese influence
In
our series of interviews with Loletta Michelle, we followed up with her to talk
about relationships in Singapore, her own relationship, and her perspectives on
Japanese men and women. (Related articles: Loletta
Michelle on impact of Japanese fashion and style on Singapre,
Lolette
Michelle causes a scandal in Singapore, and finally, Loletta
Michelle talks about herself and her boyfriend)
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MYNIPPON:
When we interviewed you last time we were starting to hear your
thoughts on Japanese
men. Please tell us what you and other Singaporean people think of
Japanese men?
Loletta:
To most Singaporean
girls, the mention of Japanese men would mean the funkiness and
charm of Takuya Kimura and other typical J-pop bands,
cute, sweet,
boyish, etc. Personally, from my experience, I feel that most Japanese
men are still pretty much a chauvinistic lot.
MYNIPPON:
We know that you, as well as other Singaporean women, closely
follow what Japanese women are up to.
But apart from that, what is your impression of Japanese women?
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 Loletta:
Japanese women are the epitome of class, sophistication and trendsetters
to most Asians. They dress
well, put layers of make-up, and exude a style of classiness. I
feel that a typical Japanese woman knows how to take care of her
physical well-being. They are so detailed about their appearance it is
almost hard to spot sloppy Japanese women on the street. I got
to agree with the notion that they do doll up themselves painstakingly
just to look presentable before stepping out of the house. All I can say
is that I have to hand it to them for their trouble to go through the
morning rituals of cleansing up their skin thoroughly and
dolling up with makeup. In Singapore, the weather is so hot and humid that
even the thought of applying thick makeup is a turnoff, although some
local girls here do not appear to mind the feel of sticky, oily
foundation residing on their faces.
MYNIPPON:
Let us talk about relationships in Singapore.
A general observation of Japan, its magazines, TV, movies, or its
people creates an impression that relationships in Japan are just
wonderful.
A vast number of people, on the other hand, tend to think of
Singapore as a dull society – which is probably again not accurate
either. We understand that
your opinion on this subject are likely to represent your own life but
please tell us more about relationships
in general in Singapore?
Loletta:
Singapore comprises of a majority of the Chinese race. Having the
mentality of a typical conservative Chinese, women are brought up to
believe that they should be discreet in anything related to their
relationships. Hence, we appear
to be ‘dull’. Any woman can tell you that she’s not too much
into her
relationships or would brush away the question on relationships, as if she has been
offended. However, if probed
deeper, only she knows what she is fully capable of. As more and more
young liberal Singaporean women are opening up, you can see the change
here. Chinese women are a pretty wild lot in
bed; it’s just that we
don’t like to reveal it or even hint at it.
I
am no exception either. I was brought up in a pretty conservative
society - yet not too strict. I don’t
know at what age I started to liberalize but I do know that I had a
potential to be something bigger.
MYNIPPON:
As you might be aware, conversations related to
relationships are not a
taboo in Japan. Almost all
magazines and late night TV programs keep talking about
relationships endlessly. What is the situation in Singapore?
Loletta:
It’s funny how Singaporean women feel as if they are feminists. Don’t be surprised to find some local men and women still touchy on
the subject of relationships. You just got to know the crowd before you can even
start on the jokes. Usually it’s the men who bond together
and talk about relationships and the girls about fashion, make up and the latest
trends.
MYNIPPON:
There are several stories of how adultery is more easily accepted
in Japan than other parts of the world.
Adultery is fairly
common in Japan as well and both men and women can go to a variety of
clubs or just call a phone number to find short-term romance.
What is the attitude towards adultery in Singapore?
Loletta:
Singapore women take it very, very seriously. Even
emotional betrayal (boyfriend/husband fall
for someone else) is not spared. I do know for a fact here that if a guy
commits adultery, the girl either takes sweet revenge after the breakup
or starts a night-long session of quarrels and fights before breaking up
in most cases.
MYNIPPON:
If Japanese people could learn something from Singaporeans or
other Asians regarding relationships, what would that be?
Loletta:
Do the Japanese even need to?
MYNIPPON:
We would guess that you have a very healthy and exciting
relationships? Would you and your
boyfriend consider yourself an exception?
Loletta:
Yes, you guessed it right - I do have a very rich, healthy and exciting
relationship.
Recommended links:
Lolita complex
Dating
Singaporean women
Declining
marriage rate in Singapore Influence
of Japanese pop culture on Singapore
A
Singaporean woman's visit to Japan Style
trends in Singapore A
Singaporean woman wants a lesbian relationship |
