The P concepts...

I have never been patriotic. Or political. Apart from striving to be politically-correct.


Patriotism. I love my country and all it has to offer. It has variety. In food. In languages and ways to express myself. I can use up to 4 languages in 1 sentence and most people will still understand me. I believe living in Malaysia has automatically instilled in me an awareness and most importantly, an acceptance of different cultures. Different people have different ways of doing things, and it's OK. It's OK/normal to have a Malay neighbour or Indian teacher. And Petronas commercials usually make me cry.


I love all that about my country. But does it mean I'm patriotic? I never thought so. It's my appreciation of what is good in a place. I can do the same about Singapore, or Adelaide, or Melbourne.


But recently, there has been a little feeling growing inside my heart. A feeling of wanting to make a contribution. Possibly a difference or a change, if I allow myself to dream about it. And it's different from wanting to make an impact in general. This feeling is specific. It's for Malaysia only.


Politics? Never felt the need to make any stands. Just sit on the fence and watch. Watch until I know what's going on. Lately I've been wondering...there's wisdom (in waiting), and there's idleness. Up till now, I still don't really understand it. I can't tell if this is acceptable, if this is wise, if silence is the key or whether this is brain-washing. But maybe it wouldn't hurt to choose a stand. To have an opinion and be humble enough to stand to be corrected.


So with all these new thoughts....I ask myself again. Am I patriotic? I still don't know the answer. But perhaps what it is or isn't, is not as important as what I eventually do about it.