The Web

What web am I talking about here? A country's systemic web. A country's system is like an intricate spider web with many fine threads here and there to support the whole thing. If a country's system is to be changed, then there will be SO MANY threads to change. Otherwise, the change won't work.

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This is what came into my mind when I compare Indo versus Finnish system. Not to mention the differences in mentality and customs/tradition also play a huge part in creating these webs. Take for example queueing in the toilets. Here EVERYBODY knows already that it's "the custom", but in Indo, even until now it's not a custom yet. And how are you going to change that? EVERYBODY needs to change, too. It's not going to work if you're doing it all alone.

A friend mentioned to me that she felt "more at home" in Holland since in her opinion, Indo people (esp. the Chinese) hold on to this so much: "You are what you have, you are what you achieve."

Another friend who lives in Indo told me something that is related to the above statement. Her hubby decided to stop working for a company and started selling noodles in a kiosk. However, turned out my friend's family considered that profession to be an embarrassment to them (an ugly stain for the whole family). I can't believe that they feel that way!!! Unbelievable ego!!!

But then again, the problem in Indo is that...because the social system isn't as advanced as in Finland (for example), to gain financial security is really something that (in a way) will make your life easier. And since the salary standard in Indo is SOOOOOOOO unpredictable (unlike in Finland), people will tend to want to get the best salary/job of all.

Take this for example...in my fave beauty salon in Indo, I only have to pay around €5 for a haircut (and wash). Here in Finland, if I want to have a haircut and wash, I have to pay at least €25. And I know here in Finland that the hourly wage for a cleaner is around €7-9, but what about in Indo? I bet the standard salary for a cleaner is only around €50 per month (not sure but it's my rough estimation).

Here in Finland since the salary range is standardized and there are many benefits here and there, even if you work as a cleaner, you can still enjoy life. Plus since the tax system is good, even after you retire, you can also live without having to worry too much about money.

But in Indo, even after you no longer have the energy to work, you either have to have enough savings to support yourself for the rest of your life or you have to depend on your kids to live or you've got to have your own running company whose manager is now one of your kids - and only then you can enjoy life without worrying about money.

So it's all connected to one another - this intricate web. To change the view of a nation means changing these intricate threads, but it's not so easy, because there are so many tiny tiny threads that make up this web. I think it'd take a few generations to change this web. What do you think?