Video | Brought to you by Carolina Choong Animation & Arts Production (CCAA)
Like many of you, I go through phases of ups and downs. As a child I was raised by a single mother, so life was a bumpy ride for us. On a daily basis I see the many challenges she goes through, from juggling between work and home to playing the roles of mom and dad simultaneously.
At times, I need to man up. Whatever my mom ‘tak boleh buat’ (cannot do), I need to ‘boleh buat’ (can do)! For instance, attending to repair works around the house and chasing unwanted pests out! Over the years, I morphed to be more independent, strong and bold towards everything in life. In trying situations, books and also the Internet have often been the place I seek comfort and to find guidance and articulate my emotions or thoughts.
I came across many books that have taught me profound things and inspired me to change for the better. It has helped me to stay courageous, strong, and positive in every circumstance.
There are, of course, many books that have left a strong impact on me, but today I choose to share some thoughts on “Crazy Rich Asians” as it was a present from my classmate, George Yong (our Nicholas Young). It had sat on my shelf unread, as I was busy preparing for my IGCSE examinations.
My first encounter with Crazy Rich Asians didn’t start with the novel, but instead through the movie whilst on a long-haul flight to China back in late 2018. It was the landmark rom-com film of the year, so I thought why not give this movie a shot?
Crazy Rich Asians is not your typical fluffy “romedy”. While it’s got comical sidekicks and a happily ever after romance, on a heavier note the writer Kevin Kwan throws in the scandalous lives of Singapore’s elites. It consists of backstabs, slanders and gossip which plague the rich and famous, including those that linger too close to their radar.
Here are some life lessons to think about from Crazy Rich Asians:
Familial love comes in unexpected ways.
“The most precious jewels are not made of stone but of flesh”
- Robert Ludlum, American author
What is the perfect embodiment of a family? Well, that differs across people of different races, cultures and environments. In a world where lineage and wealth dictate life, the characters in the book wrestle with what defines and upholds a family, each of them having their own convictions and values. Some attempt to protect the family wealth from exploitation or residing elsewhere to prevent dramas and extinguish chaos. While it does not portray a picture perfect family, it presents familial love in dissimilar forms.
Prejudice is a prick.
"Now that America is broke, all these ABCs (American born Chinese) want to come to Asia and sink their claws into our men. They are even worse than the Taiwanese tornadoes because they are Westernized, sophisticated, and worst of all, college educated."
- Lorena Lim, Crazy Rich Asians
The story claims where a person is born and bred matters, the Chinese elites of Singapore deem outsiders like Rachel (Nick’s American Chinese girlfriend) as greedy and cunning individuals and regard the Mainland Chinese people as inferior beings despite the fact that they all derive from the same ancestry. Prejudice is a disease prevalent in our society where people are quick to judge others unfairly without any logical basis. It is a learnt trait, and most don’t even know they are under the influence of it. Society constantly changes their opinion, so regardless what you do, you will never be enough. In my opinion, we don’t necessarily have to follow others to feel enough because quite simply, we are good enough.
Ethnicity does not equal culture.
"Why do we Chinese never learn? Every time we get mixed up with the West, everything falls apart.”
- Eleanor Young, Crazy Rich Asians
To most Asians, preserving the sanctity of their money and pedigree is the rich and powerful's prime concern, so a mate’s bloodline and association very much matters. But those with a westernized mindset couldn’t care less about any of that. While almost every character in the novel shared the same ethnicity, it does not automatically mean a shared common culture between them. Cultures and traditions within a family and the environment shapes a person’s unique identity and while some of us may not agree with it, the least we can do is just to accept and respect it.
Money isn't everything
“I’ve had enough of being around all these crazy rich Asians, all these people whose lives revolve around making money, spending money, flaunting money, comparing money, hiding money, controlling others with money, and ruining their lives over money.”
-Rachel Chu, Crazy Rich Asians
Whether we like it or not, money does play a rather important role in our daily lives. It provides for our wants and needs, augments one’s self-confidence and most importantly, grants you freedom of choice. However as many said, money is not everything. While money can buy you the luxuries of the world, it can never buy you true love, liberty, happiness or well-being. Money can’t buy you class either, as it is evident in the novel most of the characters let the ugly habits of gossip and entitlement predominate benevolence or true elegance.
Don’t let others bring you down.
“Doing nothing can sometimes be the most effective form of action.”
- Sophie Khoo, Crazy Rich Asians
At Araminta, who is Nick's best friend, Colin Khoo's fiance's bachelorette party on a private island, Rachel’s chalet was wrecked by Araminta’s friends with mutilated fish, leaving the room in a bloody massacre along with a warning scrawled on the walls - “Catch this, you gold-digging bitch!”. The girls viciously strive to annihilate Nick and Rachel’s relationship and intimidate her into submission. But Rachel doesn’t back down that easily. Instead of letting them feed on her exasperation or being dragged down to their level, she chose to stay classy and cool. Just walk away and forget about it, there is no use in arguing with idiots.
People in competition are drunk in jealousy.
“Yes, I am aware that even now dark forces are trying to sabotage me,”
-Nicholas Young, Crazy Rich Asians
In a world driven by materialism, jealousy is just a stone’s throw away. Let’s face it, no one will ever be truly happy for your success other than your parents and true friends. Jealousy is inevitable, it stings, it’s bitter, it’s detrimental. A person can be overwhelmed by jealousy simply because they are insecure. Francesca (the daughter of Eleanor’s close friend, Nadine Shaw) for instance, tries to arouse jealousy in Rachel by her flagrant attempt at flirting with Nick. She’s trying to prove to Eleanor that she’s the better choice. Unfortunately, my dear Francesca, blowing out someone else's candle does not make yours shine any brighter, remember that.
Conclusion
Sometimes, I think we all forget that life is temporary and vain. People in high society, pleasure, fame, fortune, status with a plethora of other things are still not satisfied with life. Materialism is a system designed to kill us, building up our discontent with our lives and constantly putting us in competition and comparison with our peers. We should keep in mind that sentimental value is higher than monetary value. We need to value things money cannot buy. Remember, a truly rich life happens when you follow your dreams and not other’s dreams. Life is too short not to be happy, so don’t take things too personally, be too competitive or let negativity get in your way.
~ Food for thought ~
I recently also read a very interesting short article that tells the story about the tragedy of obsession with riches. John Ruskin, a profound English art critic told the story of a man who boarded a ship carrying his entire wealth in a large bag of gold coins. A few days later a tremendous and utterly unaccountable storm disrupted his voyage and he was forced to evacuate the ship. Strapping the bag around his waist, the man went up on deck, jumped overboard, but he sadly sank to the bottom of the sea.
Asks Ruskin:
"Now, as he was sinking, had he the gold? Or had the gold him?”
Prosperity is more than just money. It’s about time to become aware of just how rich you really are, by simply being true to yourself and live life to your fullest to make the world a better place.
Think of something from your own life that has inspired, troubled, or intrigued you — how can you explore this topic more fully?
Do you have any good books and advice to recommend? Feel free to share and leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post!
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Stay cool & chill out!
Thanks a million, and have a“Pro$perou$” day!
Citations:
https://www.booksatwork.org/dont-judge-a-book-by-its-cover/
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/814957-constance-wu-crazy-rich-asians-movie
https://www.washingonpost.com/opinions/celebrating-my-asian-face-and-american-spirit-at-last/2018/08/22/_story.html
Very interesting read!
Nice work!
Wow! This has been insightful. What's interesting and still unthinkable is the fact that these and many other lessons are glaring to the world and yet the attitude of people of the higher class never change. That is why we have to grow a thick skin and never relent because at every stage in life, wherever we may find ourselves, at least a person of such character would prove to be a thorn in the flesh. So, we've said it all Ms Choong. We all deserve the best and we must go get it with a positive attitude! I recommend, "Attitude is Everything" by Keith Harrell Great work!
I loved your video clips as it is so fun seeing you acting out the lifestyle of the CRA casts. Excellent job!
It must be difficult to write a book review on Mr Kwan's CRA's best seller book nevertheless you did an excellent job and able to "hook" me to read the entire report at one go. I particularly liked your sharing on - 6 life lessons we all can learn from CRA and your conclusion is very compelling!
Keep up the good work!
You’ve done it again, Carolina. This time you managed to take a deep dive in to a book that many, including myself, have only watched as a movie adaptation
I absolutely agree with you that there are many factors that affects an individual’s culture, where wealth is one major factor. I think that sometimes we are so caught up in sharing similarities, we forget that our small differences as individuals allows us to bring some uniqueness to the world.
Looking forward to your next write up of your next book!