.:Rambling-Nonsense:.*

Have you ever visited another country and have the local asking "Do you like the country?"

It seems like such a redundant question to ask a guest. How could any visitor to another land answer that question in any way but favourably?! Common social etiquette will naturally determine the answer else one risk being rude and unwelcomed.

However there are people who are very frank and open with their opinions; Malaysians, however, in general are not. Most of the time when the chef drops by the table to enquire about the food, they are usually met with a non-committed reply of standard polite comment that seems to be a template for most Malaysian.

The reason behind this nicety usually lie in the general characteristic of a typical Malaysian to not cause a fuss and have the spotlight on them. They would rather keep their opinion to themselves than put it out to be openly discussed and risk offending others with their thoughts.

However there are some, who are vocal and opinionated. These are but a rare breed of people among our culture where it seems almost a taboo to be vocally opinionated. Some may think they are excruciatingly blunt and lacking in common courtesy sometime. These people are refreshingly frank and honest and may sometime seem crass even; but they undoubtedly offer a different outlook to matters whether they are good or bad.

I think it's about time such taboo are banished and people start voicing out their opinions more, however it is always wise to take a minute or two to process what sort of repercussion your opinion may bring; and if the remark may be socially unacceptable. It's sort of like a balancing act of stating one's opinion and being mindful of others' feeling. After all, it's always nice to be polite!

However we must get rid of the notion of not stating our thoughts for the fear of being thrust into the bright dreadful spotlight!

Labels: random musing