Soon, I will be on my flight back to Singapore, leaving this simple and nice place for the hot and humid and fast-paced life in Singapore. Compared to SIngapore, Copenhagen may not be the best place for shopaholics and people who love to eat. It may not have as many cinemas or shopping malls or places of interest where one can idle their time away. Yet it is a peaceful and beautiful place to live in.
As I think of the culture differences between SIngapore and Denmark, I have fears. I cannot say that I have a good understanding of the Danish culture to justify a good and firm argument. Yet, I do see some differences.
1) The ease and freedom of speech with special reference to sex, porn and sexuality.
To a large extent, we (people living in Denmark) are open and receptive to topics such as sex and sexuality. We can often see couples, not just heterosexuals, but also homosexuals walking on the streets without fear of being singled out and spoken about. We respect one another for the choices that they have made and we wish them well.
Porn is just like a daily dish of meat or vegetable. It is shown everyday, of course at certain timings, and it is just like another programme for one to relax after a long day at work. (What is so embarrassing about porn anyway?) Both males and females have sexual needs at least once in a blue moon...
2) Expression
People here are very direct in expressing their thoughts and they do not hold back anything. 'No' means no and 'yes' means yes. The service culture here is very different. You are not treated as if you are a VIP. The cashier or sales personnel are not your subordinate. You can ask questions but do not expect to be 'served' as if you are a king or queen. They do not need to smile at you if they do not want to. Just get the transaction done and be gone!
Well, of course there are also very friendly and nice store personnels who make you feel good after making a purchase. But this is not the norm.
3) Expectation of integration into the local culture
I finally understand why everyone speaks to you in Danish even though you look obviously like a foreigner. While they are glad to speak English and improve their standards with your help, the Danes also expect foreigners to respect and integrate into the Dane culture, especially if you are living her for a longer period of time. It is not easy to learn Danish because of the pronunciation, but simple words of thanks and hi can certainly bring out the smile on their faces.
Singapore is different. Instead, we try to accommodate to the many foreigners by adopting English as the main language instead of our mother tongues. This move many years ago has led to the diminishing interest in our own mother tongues. Steps are being taken to correct this and bring about balance to the linguistic abilities of the people in SIngapore.
4) Equality, despite your age
Everyone here is seen as an equal. Even children. Children have their rights too, like the adults. They are not viewed as the weaker human beings. Instead, logic and persuasion are used, albeit there would be rewards and punishments as well. Children are given the freedom to express themselves. They are treated as equals. It is quite different in the Singapore context where the children are pampered, spoon-fed and sheltered (or suppressed) till they are quite old. Children do not enjoy the same level of equality as adults. Or perhaps the culture does not foster that.
Here, each one owns their decisions and actions. Everyone makes wrong moves and they accept their consequences. THey do not mind falling down and trying again.
5) Looking at life from a different angle.
THey look at life from a different point of view. Life is not just about achievements, power, authority and wealth. Life is about meaning, satisfaction and joy. While I have to say that there will always be exceptions, I must say that that is the impression that I get.
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