As I was sorting out my photo albums today, I ran across this rather nice photo of my friends Hoo and Kim at 116 Pall Mall (me: behind the camera). We were attending a wedding reception in London in July.
Speaking of marriages, I am the second trans-continental couple in my family, the first being an aunt who married an Englishman. From this, you would think I come from a remarkably open-minded Malay family. Well, we are, and we aren't. I have cousins, who, as a result of what my aunt did, were forbidden to even think about marrying a non-Malay -- religion being the issue, is my guess. And the aunt in question is, after fifty-odd years of married life in England, still being bombarded by people giving unsolicited advice on "Malay-nizing" her life.
Secret thought: Instead of being despaired of as a "problem child", I wish this aunt would be looked upon as an example by others in the family of how interesting and successful mixed-marriages can be (dare I say it, more interesting and successful than their own!).
01 October, 2006
Two Schmoozers
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5 comments:
Aaah, this is the wedding that I missed cos I decided to go to Bracknell instead. And you promised to show me the photos!
*mock*shock*horror*
*grin*
if the other party was willing to convert, why not ah? the lifestyle won't be the same lah (drinking beer in broad daylight is not considered traditional malay custom, right?) but if they adhere to malay religion, why not ah?
Dear Diz,
This is our basic problem in our society. We are so much concerned about 'apa kata orang' (what will the others say) more so than what is good for one.
We are not open-minded, whence we should. After all its the 21st century already.
To think that your aunt has been successfully in partnership for 50 years already! The ones who do not see the light will never see this as a clue. Ha ha ha! In retrospect I should not laught but sigh, indeed.
diz,
halloo..have you got my email?
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