Making a living off sympathy

8th October 2008
Wednesday
Test of goodwill, or sheer emotion manipulation?

Brass band today was awfully boring. Playing the cornet sucks. At least, playing the cornet that I am using really sucks. Intonation is really bad, the mouthpiece feels weird, and I keep getting double buzz in my sound. Every brass band practice makes me feel totally demoralised, and it really is a waste of time.


I always believe that if we are able to, we should give help to people who need it. By using the word help, I refer to monetary aid. Yesterday, while walking from the train station to AMK hub, I saw this old man sitting in the middle of the walkway holding up a sign. It read "please help me buy something worth $3". He was trying to sell a packet of strawberry flavoured 'Pocky' for $3. Downright ridiculous.

When met with these type of people, I sometimes wonder if such old folks are taking advantage of people's kindness. I can forgive the bad english, but $3 for a packet of 'Pocky' is ridiculously expensive. I wonder how much profits he is gaining for each packet sold. And although I do not know the market price of one packet of 'Pocky', I do have a fair view of how much it is worth. And the price is definitely lower than $3.

Later in that evening, an old man approached the table I was having dinner at, asking for $1. For whatever reasons, I do not know. I simply gave him a gold coin out of goodwill. Then he went over to the next table and asked for a dollar. A table a dollar, ten tables make ten dollars. In that coffeeshop, there were at least sixty tables. $60 for about an hour or less of walking and asking for money? I'd happily do that! No wonder why so many old folks are going around trying to make a living off the sympathy of the population.

But then again, if they already have sufficient financial support from the government, if not their family, they would not have to resort to such means to get money.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Brass Band, Chorus and Percussion Ensemble
Directed by Richard Adams and Zechariah Goh Toh Chai

Date: 14 October 2008
Time:8pm
Venue: Lee Foundation Theatre
NAFA Campus 3
151 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189656

Email: music@nafa.edu.sg
Admission: FREE

Please do drop by and support the NAFA music department. I will be performing in the Wind Ensemble, Brass Band and Chorus. So do drop by and enjoy the music.

"If life is immeasurable, then what does no life mean?"
-Han Yong