In contrast to yesterday’s blog entry regarding the lack of a topic, I have volunteered in place of Frederik (who has, ahem, kindly agreed to write on my behalf when it’s my turn the next time) to be in charge of today’s blog entry. Not exactly related to my previous entry, I would like to introduce the term “banana”.Banana; a term to describe people of Chinese descent leading Western lifestyles and are unable to speak Mandarin, or those who have a blind-admiration for everything Western. I have never been called a banana, but I do not deny my inability to speak and my condescension towards what is supposedly my mother tongue (which is my mother tongue only by default of my of Chinese heritage). In Singapore, there is a stereotype that the more-educated speak better English, while those from neighbourhood schools speak more Singlish and Chinese, or whatever their mother tongue.

The concept of banana-ism (or “the grass on the other side is greener”) exists in other parts of Asia, including Japan, too, as I have observed since coming here. Being a native English speaker I have been on the receiving end of awe and admiration when I speak in the language that is most comfortable to me, which is all very flattering, but I rather be included in “this side” than be on the other side of the fence. Which was why I refused to stick with fellow foreigners during my schooldays and put effort into conversing in Japanese with my Japanese classmates.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

Something getting harder to do, as Rome is becoming increasingly banana.

Ying Tong (a proud banana and banana-hater and wondering about the next banana shake)