I’ve been forced to explain homosexuality to my kids (aged 3 and 4) because their uncle is gay. This incredibly difficult and traumatic experience went as follows:
Child: Why does Uncle Bob go everywhere with Pete?
Me: Because they’re in love, just like Mummy and Daddy are.
Child: Oh. Can I have a biscuit?
We’re all scarred for life. Scarred, I tell you.
| — | KateP, Internet commenter (via cocklordsimone) |
After the match tonight, I must say that I am rather disappointed. Disappointed that we clearly weren’t focus enough, disappointed that our defence was rather weak and disappointed that my silly imaginations had me all excited about seeing us taking on Argentina,England, Brazil (I was even ready to switch allegiance) at the next World Cup. I was even more disappointed to realise that by the next qualifyer, I’ll probably be too old to care. I admit that I don’t know much about football (offside rule, whaaaa..?) but I knew enough to say that our performance was lacklustre, judging by .. well the number of goals and the fact that we were on our asses most of the time.. THAT cannot be good by any standards.
As I was yelling curses and throwing things at my TV (sports really unleash the hooligan in me), I didnt feel alone as my Twitter Timeline told me that almost all of my friends were doing the same too in their respective homes, annoying their respective parents. It was then that I suddenly had a moment of realisation : When was the last time that everyone, and I mean, everyone felt this passionate about our football? I mean, a girl like me couldnt even be bothered to catch a match before this or even learn the names of any of our players (such knowledge is too embarrasing! It’s like knowing the names and positions of the Frisbee Little League team.. who?? Exactly.). When someone has the audacity to bring up the topic of local football, I’d just throw in random profanitiesl to feign interest.
But this time it’s different, I was felt a peculiar excitement for a sporting event that I havent felt since the last World Cup. How can I not be when everyone was getting psyched days before the match,assuring one other that we’ll get them this time.
During the match, it was as if the entire nation came to a standstill and people from different walks of life put their differences aside, came together and unleashed their patriotic (and surprisingly barbaric) side. Those at the stadium were huddled together under a giant flag. When a goal was scored, strangers at Mamak stalls hugged and high fived each other, those who under normal circumstances would dismiss each other at a glance. Yes, one may argue that this happens at all football matches especially if the big guys are playing, but how awesome is it now we are all cheering on our very own team? I’ve never thought this would happen as when I was growing up, our football team was always a national joke.
I don’t know about you but I felt moved by such display of unity. I mean, how rare are these moments? Let’s be realistic, we are not as united as portrayed in the tourism posters (where there is always a token representative from the three major races and if you’re lucky, you’ll get one from an ethnic Borneo community somewhere in the background.. in full costume too, mind you). So in a way we’ve won. We’ve found a common pride and passion that have brought us together and united us all.
So maybe we’ve lost the game. So maybe we don’t qualify for the next world cup. Doesn’t mean we should bow down and give up, or ignore the milestones that we’ve achieved. Heck no, that is very unbecoming of tigers. Instead, we should celebrate the fact that our very own homegrown talents (yes, Singapore, I am glaring at you) are defying limits and redefining local football, and bringing us together along the way. The Tigers have made us believe once again that there is a possibility of us cheering them on at the 2018 World Cup. Sure, we have a long way to go, but look how far we’ve come. It is still a distant dream but now it is an entirely possible one. No longer is it a laughable matter like it was previously. I think that’s one hell of an achievement right there.
Keep roaring Harimau Malaya and we will be roaring along with you, all the way
The best feeling in the world is waking up one day realising that the things/people that used to bring you down and make you cry barely affect you anymore.
Awwww isnt this the cutest?? They look so happy together, Im so excited bout the Royal Wedding!
Aw, they’re so cute. HAHA, to be honest I’m quite excited for the Royal Wedding. I want to see her dress.
Ditto! Unpopular opinion of the day: I care about the Royal Wedding.
They are so cute! :D
Kate obsession senses are tingling!!!
