Day Two – Because I’m a girl

When was the last time you had the feeling that you should not do something because you are a woman in your society (and for the men out there, the last time you had the feeling that the woman should not do something in your society)?

Well, it had been a long while since I had that notion. It was about 4 years ago when I was almost knocked down by a speeding car at a zebra crossing and felt that women should not drive. Seeing that I am taking driving lessons now, I think I have grew past that naivety.

Day two reminded me of the social gender inequality again when we interviewed a souvenir shop owner at White Temple.

Initially, she was hesitant about the interview and insisted that we speak to her husband instead, claiming that he is the man of the household. Eventually she agreed to the interview and during which she raised a point that female smokers in Thailand face greater stigma than their male counterparts.

This piece of information came as a surprise to our group, since we are too accustomed to women speaking up for their rights in Singapore and demanding to be treated equally and fairly as men. We treated our privileges as a given and I think these are privileges because being situated in Asia, Singapore had a high chance of remaining conservative, if not for the great foresight the pioneers had. Good job!

Thinking back, does Singapore treat her female smokers differently from her male smokers? I do not know for sure, but personally I do take a second glance at female smokers, simply because they are much rarer than males. Could there be a hidden stigma against them as well, just like in Chiang Mai? This area is worth exploring as well. People may claim to be accepting of smokers, both males and females, but they could be pressurised into giving the socially-acceptable answers when asked. Socially desirability, we psychologists call them.

Interesting observation today. Food for thought for you and me.