Image

We live in a society filled with expectations and pressure. There is stress for results, for money, for cars, for condos, etc. This has driven Singaporeans to be classified as one of the most materialistic people in the world. But one of the things that we are most preoccupied with is how we look. We spent hours preening in front of the mirror. We spent a bomb every two weeks to update our wardroab so as not seem unfashionable. We spend more money going to posh clubs and stand around holding exorbiantly priced drinks trying to look cool. Image has never seemed so important before.

In the past, going for interviews was probably the only reason to don a shirt and tie. Now? You would probably see shirts and ties walking along orchard road. Maybe even sitting down at your local coffeeshop even! Whoever heard of men going for manicures or pedicures in the past? Now there are men going for facials, waxing, and even pimple removal! What is the world coming to when you can't step into a lift without worrying whether your body odour is going to drive your fellow passengers nuts, or whether your breath stinks when your having a conversation with someone?

Time yourself. How long do you spend in front of the mirror everyday? How much time goes into making sure your hair is not out of place? How much time do you spend 'freshing up' after every meal? Then look carefully at your spending habits. How much money do you spend a month on deodrant? How much money do you spend on clothes? Oh and on that matter, how much do you spend on underwear? (Why call it underwear if its bought to be seen?) Through this little self-observation you would realise just how much time and money image maintenance takes up.

Could we ever live in a society where image doesn't matter? Could we ever create a society where eyes are not customised to judge a person from how he/she looks? Personally, i think it would be impossible. But then again, if Ally Mcbeal made it, then...