Girls, Girls and Girls (Second Edition)

2003-11-29 10:24 p.m.

So, the other day, the Straits Times ran an article on the typical characteristic of students from certain “well known” schools. They said something like SCGS girls were excellent in English and were deemed to be “tai tais” (spendthrift and frivolous housewives), MGS girls were arrogant, well dressed and rich and something like SJI boys were “nice boys and hard working”. Other stuff included like how ACS boys usually became businessmen. Intrigued by the article, I sent a message to Chih Hung and Lucas asking for their comments. Here’s what they had to say:

Chih Hung on SCGS girls being very proficient in English:

“True what."

Chih Hung on MGS girls:

“Arrogant. Hmm…not those that I come into contact with” (sounds familiar)

Lucas on ACS boys turning out to be businessmen:

“Businessmen?! haha! Well later perhaps. They are now pains in the asses. You being an exception.” (That’s quite extreme but I accept that)

I guess the comment on MGS being arrogant cannot really hold true for all MGS girls, however those I’ve come across do hold a certain “I’m superior, please do recognize that attitude”. I’ve found only one exception, who best not be named just as yet. With regards to the part about them being well dressed and rich, I guess that’s just an undeniable trait that can’t be erased from them and ACS boys. It could have something to do with them being from a Methodist background, but I shall not further that argument.

How about girls thinking and living with just having fun as an integral art of their lives. Ho, yes SCGS girls can be that sort. Having such a fun lived life? In my view, they evenly balance studies and fun, or for some of them, like my friends in HCJC, place so much emphasis on studies such that when the holidays come they play to their hearts content. Indulging in lives luxuries would be rather the typical view of the “middle and upper” class young women of today, not just really based on their school, but on their background.

However, to extrapolate it to a further level, is that not the stereotypical woman’s view? Do they not always hold the illusionary concept that all they need is a rich husband and a house filled with luxuries? Or do we nowadays see women like men, not just acquiring similar occupations but similar mindsets and characteristics? I have come across quite a few of them and you wouldn’t believe they are actually girls. They lose almost feminine aspects. Sounds like an essay question that Mr. Dio set us once regarding Sylvia Plath. The papers also recently featured an article by someone saying that RGS do not create girls with lady like qualities. I should think that the writer does have a point, however, she probably focuses on the notion that its success are mainly in the academic arena, and therefore lacks a holistic education. Ah well, if you really want to look at schools, you also have to observe the other “less known” schools.

However, what sort of girl would a man look out for, and what sort characteristics should a girl hold? I won’t provide my views on that, I guess this whole talk isn’t really heading anywhere. However think of it, whether you’re a girl or boy.

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