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Consolidation and reflection

1. Consider this statement in the introduction by Dave Chua: “In Imaginary Geographies of the Singapore Heartland, she explores the Singaporean landscape through a survey where she reveals more depth than immediately apparent.”

Focusing on the transcript parts of this sections (Parts B and C), identify two examples of that depth…i.e. more than just a humorous representation of the rascally uncle character

• uncle is proud of his area, supports new developments (villages to buildings, “cleaning up”) – “Jurong got space”. would think that older generation would value kampung more. but has disdain for the dirtiness. kampung community spirit, wants to be able to see people interacting, but not be part of it. how progress would look like in Singapore. modernisation in Singapore.
• “everything so good there so everywhere else not as good, so got big problem.” – actually understands why daughter in law behaves that way
• want the westernisation but is able to notice how the effects of this brings

issue westernisation? or Singaporeans need to look outwards, everything else looks better.

looking at material indicators of progress rather than spiritual.

2. Focusing on the final extract of the sociology paper / academic writing (P. 75), review some of the ideas (from basic to complex) that we discussed about pastiche, (meta-)parody, irony.

How does Ang use these features of form and style to make both satirical criticisms and more sincere observations of Singapore?

3. Now read the section called ‘Hyperhistories’ (p.72-3): how does this section compare to the other in terms of parodic satire and more sincere/convincing contemplation?

mention of it being a narrative.

mocking us and her role in it

at the end, still a pastiche, but more parodic or more sincere?

any lines that seem more resonant? “the grandchildren we consider the stereotypical products…” nothing particularly

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