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"Ulysses by the Merlion" is a very positive representation of Singapore. The depiction of Singapore is contrasted against the many adventures of the great hero Ulysses. Singapore's mascot the Merlion is shown to be almost legendary against the other beasts that Ulysses has faced.
The description of such a powerful creature is contrasted against the reality of Singapore to be small and peaceful - highly puzzling to Ulysses.
Singapore is shown to be equal to the wonders of the ancient Greek civilisations. Ulysses is amazed at the unity of those who have settled on Singapore and manage to coexist while retaining their unique traditions and cultures.

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Conceptions of Singapore-
A product of our pioneers' hard work
They had to overcome countless challenges to bring prosperity to Singapore (similar to Ulysses' adventures)
Singapore is a fusion of multiple religions, races and cultures.
Singapore's future is bright as a result of point 1
Singapore is a successful major trade centre

Perceptions of the Writers-
Sees Singapore as a great place that even heroes such as Ulysses are in awe of (land of opportunity & hope)

Writer-
Writer's background...

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-This poem praises Singapore
-Comparing Singapore to Greek mythology, trying to show the spirit & story of Singapore is more amazing than the Greek gods, Showing the high standards of the country
-Portrays a hopeful futur

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This poem highlights a lot of inadequacies in Singaporean society. The first line says "I wish it had paws". By using the word 'wish' he indicates a desire to have something that is lacking. The Merlion can be said to be a representative of Singaporean society. By comparing the Merlion to a 'post-Chernobyl nightmare' it relates to how Singaporean society can be likened to 'rojak', an amalgamation of different cultures and races that usually would not mix, coexisting somewhat harmoniously. The poet writes that one of the characters wonder how the Merlion even moves, supposedly a basic function that all creatures should possess, likening it to how they don't expect Singapore to succeed.

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greek myths
-Merlion in a positive light
-singapore is a cohesive commnity despite all the people from many different races
-still remembers their culture
-sense of pride
-some mythical creature as fearsome and contendable as the myths of old
-symbolizes our vibrancy and diversity
-from all the different myths and cultures- singapore creates a new one aka merlion
cult of the merlion

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“Ulysses by the Merlion” portrays Singapore as a place of high standard. The author exaggerates that he had seen many mythical beasts such as Circe, Scylla, etc but nothing quite like Singapore’s Merlion. He feels that the Merlion is an indication of Singapore’s strengths as an all-rounded country that is one of the best he has seen.

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-first part suggests that Singapore is crippled/at a disadvantage(referring to our lack of natural resources/size constraints
-second part, naturally, has to sing praises of Singapore
-highlights the problem of Singaporeans forgetting their heritages
-Singapore's search of identity between its Asian roots and Western ideals

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Assuming "The Merlion" is a representation of Singapore, this poem suggests that Singapore wants to achieve the Singaporean dream, however, it is unable to.

"It tries to purge itself of its aquatic ancestry"
Ancestry refers to Singapore's past economic success. The Merlion (Singapore) does not like the fact that it is stuck in the materialistic mindset that cannot be "purged" away.

"Denial"
The Merlion (Singapore) is afraid to confront and jump out of this materialistic mindset

"No sun or rain can wash the slime or salt off the Merlion"
The Merlion (Singapore) also cannot get rid of this materialistic mindset.

"The Merlion is afraid of looking at its own reflection"
Singaporean is unhappy about this materialistic mindset and is regretful of taking the Singaporean plan.

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-a large community of people occupying a large piece of land ruled by a central government and recognised by other major countries or the United Nations
-citizens share similarities in philosophies, beliefs and ideals and contribute actively to the development of a nation

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"The Merlion" is a harsh 'whacking' of the Singapore Condition. It simultaneously gives off vibes of stress and shame of Singapore while criticising the confusion of the Merlion at its own roots.
The Merlion (which is used as an analogy for Singapore), is trying its best to cleanse itself of its muck of a tangled past. Some of the unique Singaporean traits come from its dirty past.
What strikes us most would be the phrase 'iridescent slime' - an oxymoron. The word 'iridescent' has a positive connotation, like the bright, multicoloured rainbow. The word 'slime' conveys the disgust of how Singapore is nothing more than a murky mix of bits and pieces of other foreign societies.
The third last stanza is a strong description of how Singaporeans somehow manage to identify more with other modern cultures than its own local 'rojak' culture - a confusing mix of traditions, something that most millennials cannot begin to even recognise in themselves. The description of 'blond highlights in your black hair And your blue lenses the shadow of a foreign sky' is a scathing commentary of how the author's friend relates more to foreign culture than his own Singaporean culture.
Finally, "acquired accent" is a subtle hint at the possibly constant acquisition of little morsels of other cultures by the locals.

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-excessive control(oppression?) by government
-stress and high expectations imposed by family/society
-lack of freedom of speech and expression(not allowed to talk badly of key government(PAP) figures or religions) with local press and media being heavily by government
-Eastern or Western ideals?
-high cost of living
-more or less under one-party control(awarded, rather generously,a flawed democracy in the World Democracy Index)

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Conceptions of Singapore-
Singapore is on an endless search to find its identity
Singapore's future is uncertain
Singapore is slightly westernised, although it still preserves its Asian roots
Singapore has great leaders that tries to erase traces of its past, but still preserves its history
Singapore is a continually morphing nation

Perceptions of the Writers-
Sees Singapore as a flawed and discontented nation

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“The Merlion” shows the different perceptions of Singapore between a foreigner and a local. However, both show distaste for Singapore and hate the Merlion. Their reasons are different, as the foreigner hates the Merlion because it is designed poorly, it could have been better if it had paws and if there was no water spewing out. The local hates the Merlion as he thinks that the Merlion resembles a monster and looks like a “post-chernobyl nightmare”.

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A nation by definition is a large body of people united by something in common. It could be by descent, by history, or even culture. It is also an individual country considered together with its social and political structures, such as having a government and relationships with other countries

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Created in 1977, when Singapore just gained its independence. Poet believes that Singapore has the potential to succeed(refers to Singapore as "lion of the sea", even claims that Singapore's Merlion, metaphor for Singaporeans' dreams for their country, left a greater impression on him than Greek Mythological heroes)

Theme: Hopeful vision for Singapore's future

Everybody coming from all corners of the world, working together in the pursuit of success for Singapore

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-negative light
-mocking tone
-western culture
-criticizes singapore culture of being hypocritical and self-conflicted
so eager to reinvent itself
-singaporeans unsure of themselves
-diluted culture(easily influenced by others)
-where is our singapores got talent,
i love singaporean pop music
identify as singaporean pop culture
because i am nothing
-fake like me
-ashamed of what we are
我是americana

only have asias got talent
is this racism
are all asians just one big group
no asia is a lie
the world is a lie
my existence is a lie
am i

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Singapore's definition of success remains materialistic. They value it over free will. For example, the father of a friend of mine is a doctor who owns a Mercedes and a Condominium, and is part of the upper class, but he had to rush back to his clinic on the weekend afternoon, aborting his family time.

Social class is also a big ... (unfinished)

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A population of people who identifies themselves under the same culture and inhabits the same land. These group of people have a sense of belonging to their country and possibly a shared history as well

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- lack of control (supposed democracy) in order to promote social equality and harmony
- "kiasuism"
- consumer culture

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a bunch of people who may be of different races but are united through a common culture or ideals
sama-sama @ily tanhs

fourteen kiwi dimples

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A nation is defined by its people’s identities and cultures. It is a home to the people and a place where the citizens that come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives that co-exist and live together harmoniously to sustain peace.

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"Ulysses by Merlion" is a poem that positively portrays Singapore. It takes tradition the face the future.

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A territory which belongs to a central government

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Team 6

all the words that popped up whether or not its related
mmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

tissue paper choping
kiasuism
consumerism
gay
racism
security
societal expectation
socialism
anarchy!!!
satanism
identity-westernized

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-Common Aspects
-Territory and semi-dependence
-Shared identity and culture
-Flag
-Pidgin and derived languages
-Standing military
-Sustainable economy in short run
-Political system and framework
-Transportation network that unites
-Partial recognition from global community
-"Special" products or traits

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-Over-emphasis on standardised framework and competition
-Linear achievement criteria (economy)
-Rift between conservative elders and liberals
-A sizable majority get left behind in the system
-Extent of political authority
-Whether to reinforce stereotypes or let everyone compete on equal grounds
-Independence, dependence and soveirgnity
-Monotonous process of climbing social ladder
-Whether to create distinct culture or let Western culture assimilate