http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/295032/1/.html
and
“Rehiring: ‘Reference manual’ in 2 years”- Straits Times, Home, Tuesday, September 18 2007
In this piece of reflection, I shall be using two separate, but complementary articles- both addressing the issue of modifying the retirement age in our nation.
The first article, about the 2007 National Day Rally Speech made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, clearly reflects the generally concurring and supportive viewpoints of the masses with regard to the proposed governmental changes. The second provides a more factual report on how the changes will be implemented in the next decade or so, to cope with Singapore’s rapidly aging population, which will purportedly be the fourth oldest by 2050.
An increased life expectancy, without doubt, would entail the need for senior staff to work and contribute to Singapore’s blossoming economical status. Nevertheless, I believe that it is even more imperative for the government to consider the conflicting issues in light of the many benefits the advocated changes can bring about.
Are older staff members still able to retain the enthusiasm the younger generation promises in copious amounts? Or is the retaining of older workers going to bring about a major loss in productivity? These are questions the government needs to account for.
A clear reason why companies prefer employing younger workers to older ones is simply because of the cost they are able to save salary-wise. Furthermore, bright and energetic, younger workers are most certainly able to learn and adapt more quickly, and can bear the guarantee of serving the company for a longer period of time.
Taking all these into consideration, quite blatantly, why would a company opt to hire older employees out of free will, when it can hire one at a similar, if not lower salary demand? Contemplating the long-term effects, it could possibly deter foreign companies from starting businesses in Singapore, since this motion could very possibly pose unwelcome restrictions.
Another interesting point to cogitate would be how Singapore’s economic landscape would look like with the influx of foreign talents. The cosmopolitan landscape is undergoing massive transformation, and I doubt, in a decade or two’s time, it will look anything like the one at present.
As such, with the speculated population to hit 6 million people by 2010, and the extension of retirement age, job opportunities would be in even greater demand. Modifying the retirement age would, in my opinion, still come to naught if there were to be a dearth of career opportunities. In other words, while making adequate plans to deal with the aging population, creating jobs should be of similar priority.
Personally, a work-force comprising the young and old, junior and senior, is most certainly viable. The biggest problem I foresee is very much one of conflicting egos. For me, both parties are valuable to Singapore’s economic growth. And there should be no shame in having older employees draw from the capabilities of the younger ones. Vice versa, it is crucial that the hubris of the young workers are kept in check, while tapping into the valuable experience accumulated by the previous generation.
On the government’s part, better communication could be urged to clear “coffeeshop rumours”. Cogent reasons should be put forth, as to how new initiatives implemented are going to be effective. For without having the hearts of the citizens put into the effort, it is almost a sure-to-fail exploit.
All in all, I am heartened. These new moves made by the government show coherent and far-sighted planning for the future; not just the near future, but many years ahead. It is impossible for one to have a cake and eat it too- conflicts are unavoidable. On this count, it is really up to our government to ultimately make the best decision after weighing and evaluating the various options, in the best interests of our nation.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Singapore's culture
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=881&id=299668
Contrary to the previous four pieces I had reflected on, this one is unique, in that it is not directly reflective of the original article procured; rather, a “link” to it which I find worth discussing.
Having crossed the S$3 million mark at the box office, “881” by Royston Tan has become the “highest grossing Asian film in Singapore for 2007.”
“881 tells the story of two childhood friends who grow up mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of ‘Getai’ and dream of one day performing on the ‘Getai’ stage. After being blessed by the Goddess of ‘Getai’, they fulfill their dreams and become the most sought-after pair of ‘Getai’ singers ever.
Unbeknownst to them, rival sister group the Durian Sisters have become intensely jealous of the Papayas' success, and are determined to trip them up by messing up their schedule. With the help of their gangster Godfather, the Durians succeed in shutting the Papayas out of many ‘Getai’ performances. The movie climaxes with a dramatic musical battle. Both sides pull out all the stops to win over the audience.”
(http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/881/881.htm)
However, amidst all the brouhaha and rave reviews about Royston Tan’s production, I was set thinking by issues that transcend beyond the film.
“Getais” (歌台), heavily featured in this film, have been an integral part of the Ghost Festival locally. With the performers conversing predominantly in Hokkien, the older generation would, in general, enjoy the boisterous performances, and even sing along to the familiar melodies from “their generation”, which are part of a typical “getai”’s repertoire.
Nevertheless, a regrettable trend has slowly started to surface. With the unveiling of younger and more attractive stars now a common occurrence, the younger and, dare I say, more fickle-minded generation would, stereotypically yet quite accurately, relate to “getais” as kitsch.
One of the many examples, “getais” have gone to show just how much our unique Singapore culture has, slowly but steadily, been eroded away over the years.
As though swallowed by a tidal wave, the various forms of culture unique to this “little red dot”, widely appreciated by those of the previous generations, have been replaced by contemporary pop artistes like Jay Chou and Eminem. Subsequently, as their appeal among the masses dwindles, their previous fame and reputation diminish to naught but dust-covered memories.
This is most lamentable. Replacing our very own culture, are foreign artistes possessing undoubtedly beguiling styles, whose scandals probably receive more coverage than that of all our local starlets combined.
And again, who are those complaining about Singapore’s supposed dearth of talent and creative juices?
I admit- I probably am being biased and exaggerative here. But a chinese musical (If There’re Seasons by The Theatre Practice) I watched with my 22-year old cousin a month back is probably a most real indication of this alarming trend.
Inspired by the popular hits of local songwriting sensation, Mr Liang Wern Fook, the many xinyaos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinyao) featured were virtually unheard of, for me at least. Contrarily, my cousin, merely seven years my senior, was humming away with the tunes. It surprised me to know that many of them were the motifs he had grown up listening to in his cradle. A mere seven years time had lapsed between our births, yet the culture I had been exposed to was radically different from his.
Indeed, I do not deny the exciting colours that foreign styles can bring to the spectrum of our local arts scene. However, if we do so at the cost of compromising what I strongly believe to be our unique identity, one which can withstand the barrage of time, to be recognised by generations after ours.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I believe many share my sentiments. Personally, it would pain me to see Singapore’s cultural scene end up as nothing more than the “replicas” of others.
In my opinion, the unique Singaporean culture, like all of Singapore’s history, has a well-deserved spot in the heritage of our nation. Skeptics may refute this claim, arguing that Singapore does not even possess her own unique culture. And that is exactly where we, as Singaporeans, should be out to prove them wrong!
From the “getais” to “xinyao”, these are all parts of our culture we should strive to preserve, not shun. For these are where our roots lie, these are what make Singapore, and these are what the future generations have the right to know about.
Contrary to the previous four pieces I had reflected on, this one is unique, in that it is not directly reflective of the original article procured; rather, a “link” to it which I find worth discussing.
Having crossed the S$3 million mark at the box office, “881” by Royston Tan has become the “highest grossing Asian film in Singapore for 2007.”
“881 tells the story of two childhood friends who grow up mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of ‘Getai’ and dream of one day performing on the ‘Getai’ stage. After being blessed by the Goddess of ‘Getai’, they fulfill their dreams and become the most sought-after pair of ‘Getai’ singers ever.
Unbeknownst to them, rival sister group the Durian Sisters have become intensely jealous of the Papayas' success, and are determined to trip them up by messing up their schedule. With the help of their gangster Godfather, the Durians succeed in shutting the Papayas out of many ‘Getai’ performances. The movie climaxes with a dramatic musical battle. Both sides pull out all the stops to win over the audience.”
(http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/881/881.htm)
However, amidst all the brouhaha and rave reviews about Royston Tan’s production, I was set thinking by issues that transcend beyond the film.
“Getais” (歌台), heavily featured in this film, have been an integral part of the Ghost Festival locally. With the performers conversing predominantly in Hokkien, the older generation would, in general, enjoy the boisterous performances, and even sing along to the familiar melodies from “their generation”, which are part of a typical “getai”’s repertoire.
Nevertheless, a regrettable trend has slowly started to surface. With the unveiling of younger and more attractive stars now a common occurrence, the younger and, dare I say, more fickle-minded generation would, stereotypically yet quite accurately, relate to “getais” as kitsch.
One of the many examples, “getais” have gone to show just how much our unique Singapore culture has, slowly but steadily, been eroded away over the years.
As though swallowed by a tidal wave, the various forms of culture unique to this “little red dot”, widely appreciated by those of the previous generations, have been replaced by contemporary pop artistes like Jay Chou and Eminem. Subsequently, as their appeal among the masses dwindles, their previous fame and reputation diminish to naught but dust-covered memories.
This is most lamentable. Replacing our very own culture, are foreign artistes possessing undoubtedly beguiling styles, whose scandals probably receive more coverage than that of all our local starlets combined.
And again, who are those complaining about Singapore’s supposed dearth of talent and creative juices?
I admit- I probably am being biased and exaggerative here. But a chinese musical (If There’re Seasons by The Theatre Practice) I watched with my 22-year old cousin a month back is probably a most real indication of this alarming trend.
Inspired by the popular hits of local songwriting sensation, Mr Liang Wern Fook, the many xinyaos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinyao) featured were virtually unheard of, for me at least. Contrarily, my cousin, merely seven years my senior, was humming away with the tunes. It surprised me to know that many of them were the motifs he had grown up listening to in his cradle. A mere seven years time had lapsed between our births, yet the culture I had been exposed to was radically different from his.
Indeed, I do not deny the exciting colours that foreign styles can bring to the spectrum of our local arts scene. However, if we do so at the cost of compromising what I strongly believe to be our unique identity, one which can withstand the barrage of time, to be recognised by generations after ours.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I believe many share my sentiments. Personally, it would pain me to see Singapore’s cultural scene end up as nothing more than the “replicas” of others.
In my opinion, the unique Singaporean culture, like all of Singapore’s history, has a well-deserved spot in the heritage of our nation. Skeptics may refute this claim, arguing that Singapore does not even possess her own unique culture. And that is exactly where we, as Singaporeans, should be out to prove them wrong!
From the “getais” to “xinyao”, these are all parts of our culture we should strive to preserve, not shun. For these are where our roots lie, these are what make Singapore, and these are what the future generations have the right to know about.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Polluted cities taking initiative to tackle global warming
Many amongst us are apathetic towards global warming. Is it because global warming has not revealed its ugly side to us directly? Or is it because we simply could not care less? In my opinion, it would be far too late for mankind to salvage the situation if we see the light only as we start paying compound interest for our utmost inconsiderate actions and nonchalance
Rapid climate change, as experts put it, is “the single biggest threat to the future of humanity”. The carbon footprints that Man’s activities have left on our planet’s atmosphere will most certainly prove to be indelible and detrimental in time to come. In fact, from what I have read elsewhere, scientific research has shown that if mankind keeps up the nonchalant attitude, the oceans would have dried up so badly we would hardly be left with any seafood for consumption.
One of the biggest obstacles I believe polluted cities face in reducing carbon emission would be the mindset that the part each individual plays is too minute to make any difference at all. This alone, I believe, can possibly be fatal to man’s efforts of tackling global warming.
I strongly believe that each and every individual has an important role to play. Definitely, the power of a solitary individual is hardly worth mentioning. However, just envision a situation whereby all Singaporeans work together in achieving this common target. An individual is weak and powerless. But as we talk about the collective force of a large group of people, it would most certainly be able to cause a great impact. Nevertheless, to make this possible, the contribution of each individual is still essential!
Secondly, I feel that the governments of the more heavily polluted cities in the world ought to take a more active approach towards tackling the problem. Governmental action on climate change is certainly one of the most important factors involved. As New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg said in an interview: “We need no new technology, we need no new invention, all that is required is political will.”
Industrialisation, a major contributor towards carbon emission, is at the same time a large stockholder of what is required to sustain a healthy economy. However important sustaining economical welfare may be, I feel that environmental issues as such should never be compromised! I adamantly feel that governing bodies around the world should focus a great deal more on this issue of global warming than they are doing currently. Therefore, I feel that the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol was indeed one worthy of praise. At the same time, perhaps more money could be invested in research on adopting renewable energy sources, increasing recycling levels, reducing city waste etc.
For centuries, planet earth has provided for mankind almost all that our specie requires. Therefore, I feel that it is only fair every single person do their part in tackling global warming. Remember, whatever damage we inflict on our planet right now, we ourselves would suffer the repercussions in the years to come. We can be the ones making the difference here.
- The Straits Times, 17 May 2007
Rapid climate change, as experts put it, is “the single biggest threat to the future of humanity”. The carbon footprints that Man’s activities have left on our planet’s atmosphere will most certainly prove to be indelible and detrimental in time to come. In fact, from what I have read elsewhere, scientific research has shown that if mankind keeps up the nonchalant attitude, the oceans would have dried up so badly we would hardly be left with any seafood for consumption.
One of the biggest obstacles I believe polluted cities face in reducing carbon emission would be the mindset that the part each individual plays is too minute to make any difference at all. This alone, I believe, can possibly be fatal to man’s efforts of tackling global warming.
I strongly believe that each and every individual has an important role to play. Definitely, the power of a solitary individual is hardly worth mentioning. However, just envision a situation whereby all Singaporeans work together in achieving this common target. An individual is weak and powerless. But as we talk about the collective force of a large group of people, it would most certainly be able to cause a great impact. Nevertheless, to make this possible, the contribution of each individual is still essential!
Secondly, I feel that the governments of the more heavily polluted cities in the world ought to take a more active approach towards tackling the problem. Governmental action on climate change is certainly one of the most important factors involved. As New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg said in an interview: “We need no new technology, we need no new invention, all that is required is political will.”
Industrialisation, a major contributor towards carbon emission, is at the same time a large stockholder of what is required to sustain a healthy economy. However important sustaining economical welfare may be, I feel that environmental issues as such should never be compromised! I adamantly feel that governing bodies around the world should focus a great deal more on this issue of global warming than they are doing currently. Therefore, I feel that the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol was indeed one worthy of praise. At the same time, perhaps more money could be invested in research on adopting renewable energy sources, increasing recycling levels, reducing city waste etc.
For centuries, planet earth has provided for mankind almost all that our specie requires. Therefore, I feel that it is only fair every single person do their part in tackling global warming. Remember, whatever damage we inflict on our planet right now, we ourselves would suffer the repercussions in the years to come. We can be the ones making the difference here.
- The Straits Times, 17 May 2007
Love for art pays her cancer bills
I was deeply heartened as I read this short article in The New Paper a few days back. This encouraging story of a brave cancer patient, Ms Chun Wee Ping, has shown me what it means to find that smallest flicker of hope even in the most desperate of situations, and to stand up bravely against the innumerable challenges we may possibly face in our lives.
To divert her attention away from the intense pain she was suffering, Ms Chun focused much of her time on painting. This proved to be more successful than initially expected- besides helping to take her mind off her illness, the money she earned from auctioning her artwork on ebay covered a majority of her medical bills.
Ms Chun’s story is certainly, in my opinion, one that can serve as a major source of inspiration towards all other cancer warriors.
Experiencing the same horrible side effects of treatment (chemotherapy, radiation and surgery), including weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and hair-loss, she continued producing 4-7 pieces of artwork weekly. Dealing with the side-effects of treatment would certainly be an ordeal for any ordinary person, but Ms Chun quite amazingly created something extraordinary out of those dire circumstances.
A friend of my mother was fighting cancer a couple of years back. From what I could see, it was a tough and strenuous battle for her, having to cope with taking care of her young children, as well as the treatment which caused her a great deal of somatic distress. Having seen for myself the amount of distress cancer could bring to a person, it is somewhat shocking to see how Ms Chun was able to overcome this obstacle so positively. Wasn’t she undergoing the same treatment as other cancer patients? Wasn’t she encountering the same side-effects? However, it is exactly the way in which her optimism was always able to shine through, and her strength in fighting the illness that really impresses me.
In the course of her battle, Ms Chun was an epitome of courage and vigor. Life is never meant to be a bed of roses. We should always be resilient and stand strong against the adversities that attempt to strike us down time and again. Ominous the circumstances may seem, certainly not all we have is lost. Ms Chun, for example, continued pursuing her passion in painting while fighting her illness. Not only was she able to derive utmost joy from painting, the $15, 000 she received from selling them was an unexpected bonus for her.
In one’s life journey, things do not necessarily go our way all the time, or even half the time for some people. However, I feel that we should regard all the obstacles as building blocks of our own character, and as Ms Chun herself so aptly puts it, “Stay positive, always looking up towards the light.”
- The New Paper, 11 May 2007
To divert her attention away from the intense pain she was suffering, Ms Chun focused much of her time on painting. This proved to be more successful than initially expected- besides helping to take her mind off her illness, the money she earned from auctioning her artwork on ebay covered a majority of her medical bills.
Ms Chun’s story is certainly, in my opinion, one that can serve as a major source of inspiration towards all other cancer warriors.
Experiencing the same horrible side effects of treatment (chemotherapy, radiation and surgery), including weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and hair-loss, she continued producing 4-7 pieces of artwork weekly. Dealing with the side-effects of treatment would certainly be an ordeal for any ordinary person, but Ms Chun quite amazingly created something extraordinary out of those dire circumstances.
A friend of my mother was fighting cancer a couple of years back. From what I could see, it was a tough and strenuous battle for her, having to cope with taking care of her young children, as well as the treatment which caused her a great deal of somatic distress. Having seen for myself the amount of distress cancer could bring to a person, it is somewhat shocking to see how Ms Chun was able to overcome this obstacle so positively. Wasn’t she undergoing the same treatment as other cancer patients? Wasn’t she encountering the same side-effects? However, it is exactly the way in which her optimism was always able to shine through, and her strength in fighting the illness that really impresses me.
In the course of her battle, Ms Chun was an epitome of courage and vigor. Life is never meant to be a bed of roses. We should always be resilient and stand strong against the adversities that attempt to strike us down time and again. Ominous the circumstances may seem, certainly not all we have is lost. Ms Chun, for example, continued pursuing her passion in painting while fighting her illness. Not only was she able to derive utmost joy from painting, the $15, 000 she received from selling them was an unexpected bonus for her.
In one’s life journey, things do not necessarily go our way all the time, or even half the time for some people. However, I feel that we should regard all the obstacles as building blocks of our own character, and as Ms Chun herself so aptly puts it, “Stay positive, always looking up towards the light.”
- The New Paper, 11 May 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Football: A Billion-dollar Industry
This article gives us insight on the astonishing takeover of English Premier League giants Liverpool Football Club by American tycoons George Gillet and Tom Hicks... In an unbelievably incredible deal worth S$1.32 billion.
Non-followers of football would probably be surprised to know that Liverpool is actually NOT the first club in the English Premier League to undergo a massive deal as such.
I quote the article, "West Ham, Portsmouth, Chelsea and Fulham are also foreign-owned."
The transactions are staggering, but they are no longer considered astonishing in the modern context, in this massive industry called football.
Football is a sport that has mesmerised football fans worldwide, and I sure am no exception. Pele, Maradona and many others have graced "The Beautiful Game" over the decades. But, it is pretty amazing to see how football has flourished so rapidly into a multi-billion dollar business over the years.
A transfer fee of a player can easily hit a couple of million pounds. On an extreme end, I believe many of us can recall the 23-million pounds Real Madrid paid for David Beckham just a few years back. Furthermore, the endorsement fees players like him receive each year are jaw-dropping, with industrial giants Adidas, Gillete, and Nike coveting Beckham’s services.
Unhappy voices are then raised- Why should the transfer fee of a single player easily cost up to twenty million pounds when it can sustain the lives of innumerable underprivileged children in Africa?
Fans are also disgruntled- Certain “world-class players” can earn a hundred thousand-odd pounds a week, promising at least twenty thousand a game! Even when they are out on long-term injuries, they continue earning the startling amount for recuperating under posh conditions.
Criticisms are commonplace. But in my opinion, the figures involved, albeit massive, are justified.
However, when what we see is the players at their fullest glory, we do not catch a glimpse of their much less smooth-sailing road to fame. To children of less-developed countries, football provides them with the avenue to escape the poverty cycle. It is a gamble for them, keeping in mind the fact that their careers might never take off if their talent remain unearthed. Moreover, their careers can even go up in smoke over a split second due to a devastating injury!
Just last year, the horrifying injury to Chelsea Football Club's goalkeeper Petr Cech nearly cost him even his life, on top of his career. Therefore, in this sense, the price tags placed on these footballers are justified.
However, footballers do have to watch their behaviours at times. They should know that there are youngsters all over the world who emulate them; with that, show absolute discernment in all situations.
Also, they have to remember that they could never have attained this hero-like status without support from the society. Especially for those from humble backgrounds, they should be able to step into the shoes of the disadvantaged.
In my opinion, their huge bank books should be utilised more on bringing happiness to the unfortunate, instead of letting money corrupt their lifestyles.
Non-followers of football would probably be surprised to know that Liverpool is actually NOT the first club in the English Premier League to undergo a massive deal as such.
I quote the article, "West Ham, Portsmouth, Chelsea and Fulham are also foreign-owned."
The transactions are staggering, but they are no longer considered astonishing in the modern context, in this massive industry called football.
Football is a sport that has mesmerised football fans worldwide, and I sure am no exception. Pele, Maradona and many others have graced "The Beautiful Game" over the decades. But, it is pretty amazing to see how football has flourished so rapidly into a multi-billion dollar business over the years.
A transfer fee of a player can easily hit a couple of million pounds. On an extreme end, I believe many of us can recall the 23-million pounds Real Madrid paid for David Beckham just a few years back. Furthermore, the endorsement fees players like him receive each year are jaw-dropping, with industrial giants Adidas, Gillete, and Nike coveting Beckham’s services.
Unhappy voices are then raised- Why should the transfer fee of a single player easily cost up to twenty million pounds when it can sustain the lives of innumerable underprivileged children in Africa?
Fans are also disgruntled- Certain “world-class players” can earn a hundred thousand-odd pounds a week, promising at least twenty thousand a game! Even when they are out on long-term injuries, they continue earning the startling amount for recuperating under posh conditions.
Criticisms are commonplace. But in my opinion, the figures involved, albeit massive, are justified.
However, when what we see is the players at their fullest glory, we do not catch a glimpse of their much less smooth-sailing road to fame. To children of less-developed countries, football provides them with the avenue to escape the poverty cycle. It is a gamble for them, keeping in mind the fact that their careers might never take off if their talent remain unearthed. Moreover, their careers can even go up in smoke over a split second due to a devastating injury!
Just last year, the horrifying injury to Chelsea Football Club's goalkeeper Petr Cech nearly cost him even his life, on top of his career. Therefore, in this sense, the price tags placed on these footballers are justified.
However, footballers do have to watch their behaviours at times. They should know that there are youngsters all over the world who emulate them; with that, show absolute discernment in all situations.
Also, they have to remember that they could never have attained this hero-like status without support from the society. Especially for those from humble backgrounds, they should be able to step into the shoes of the disadvantaged.
In my opinion, their huge bank books should be utilised more on bringing happiness to the unfortunate, instead of letting money corrupt their lifestyles.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Campaign for REAL Beauty
I chanced upon this video on YouTube while surfing the Net randomly, and it caught my attention right away. I thought it would be really meaningful for me post it here and share my thoughts about it.
Understandably, it is human's nature to be conscious of their own looks, and they strive to make themselves look as presentable to the public as possible. However, many are still unsatisfied with the way they look. Therefore, in a bid to achieve "perfection", an increasing number of people choose to undergo cosmetic surgery.
Technology in the plastic surgery field has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. As a result, the charges for cosmetic surgery become more affordable and accessible to a larger group of people. Many are wheeled out of the surgical room with much “improved features”, having splashed big bucks on trying to attain that state of physical "perfection" in their opinions.
On the other hand, in my opinion, the concept of real beauty has been badly distorted. Firstly, I absolutely believe the true essence of beauty lies deeper than merely the physical aspect of it. Do good looks alone deserve such high adulation? Do your physical features truly reflect who you are as a person? So what if someone is obese? Does it mean that he/she is of any less worth than a person blessed with wonderfully good looks but a totally horrible personality? My answer would be an outright "NO"! I feel that a person's true beauty is what lies way beneath the surface.
Looks are but what can be seen on the surface alone, but undoubtedly what many people make their first impressions on. Good looks, to be fair, can give someone a one-up in many situations. But, they are by no means an accurate gauge of a person's character and capabilities. Characteristics as such are innate qualities, things no amount of money can buy. They are honed and sharpened over years after years of perseverance and zeal. They are not as easily achieved as forking out wads of crisp bills and a couple hours in the surgical room under the glinting scalpel.
Everyone, absolutely each and every person, should be proud of who he/she already is and the way he/she looks. God created each and every person to have his/her own unique identity and appearance, and everyone should take pride in knowing that there are people who would appreciate them for the way they already look; more importantly, for who they are! In a genuine relationship, physical features are the very last thing anyone should be thinking about.
In conclusion, personally, I am in full support of Dove's Campaign for REAL Beauty. A person certainly does not have to undergo cosmetic surgery to make him/herself exceptional. Instead, by spending more time on developing one's inner beauty, he/she will then gain the true, innermost admiration of the people around, becoming a role model and paving the way for the people around.
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