bits of malaysia

Jiwang is a malay word, actually it's not a proper dictionary word but a slang, that means the state of 'walking over the clouds'. I like that they have this one word to describe such a complex - and wonderful - state of mind and spirit.

It's like with portuguese and the word 'saudade' which means the feeling of missing someone or something and portuguese is the only language in which there's a noun to describe it.

Oh and yes, I know. I should be learning proper malay before the slangs.

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I was browsing through this malay women's magazine, that I don't actually remember the name, but it's alledgelly the largest women magazine in malaysia. I am not too much of a feminist so I won't say it pisses me off, but there was this piece on what the editor wanted for new year. one of the phrases said something like 'I could say I wish for world peace on the next year but who am I kidding, what I really want is a effective way to stop aging'

oh my god.

then there was this other very large piece on Husband Chasing, and it went on and on about how times have changed and women actually want marriage. Then there was this one page box on how to become proper marriage matherial, with tips such as 'cook because what men really want is to be fed by his woman', 'look really good to attract men' and so on.

Am I the only one thinking this is way too absurd???

It is funny because I've come here with this who pre conception, due to muslim and chinese cultures, that culture would be so opressive with women, then I see loads of women working - from waitressing jobs to proper office jobs - and everything and then I come accross with this magazine dressed up as women's voice media and with such old oppinions. I got really shocked.

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