How Singaporeans Waste Time

During one of my language classes (and no, it was not English), the teacher asked us what we did in our free time. Everyone said they went to the cinema (including me) or went shopping on their days off. All 20 students had the same answer.

This made me think why are people so obsessed with shopping in this country? I know that this is the month of sales. It is the Great Singapore Sale time again and it is only held once a year. Everyone is out hunting for bargains, but honestly, what is going on? Downtown is packed with hoards of local people even when there isn't a sale.

Why do people in Singapore shop so much? I have friends who shop every weekend. Is it because it is too freaking hot to do anything outdoors? Believe me, you can literally go from one air conditioned mall to the next up and down Orchard Road without breaking a sweat. Malls are pretty much side by side all along the roads.

What about the cinemas? They are always busy too. Again, is it because of the air con? Are Singaporeans so whimpy that they can't do anything without air con?

Personally, I liked going to the cinema to escape reality, not just the heat.

However, I think there is something else going on here. Why do people prefer to watch a movie than do something that requires more interaction with others or something more constructive? Do people here shop just to have the latest fashions or brand name goods? Or is there something else going on?

I wonder.....