- Studying Differences
Can two people from different educational institutions maintain a relationship, especially if one institution is much higher up in the school rankings?
They cannot, according to many students from so-called "elite" secondary schools and junior colleges. This opinion has manifested itself under such controversial circumstances that The Straits Times and even The Sunday Star, a Malaysian newspaper, have reported on it.
The situation is this: A post on an online forum at www.icered.com about a girl from an elite secondary school dating a boy from a neighbourhood secondary school prompted a comment from an "RJCdude", who said the boy should "quit trying to climb the social ladder by dating students from top schools".
This led to a barrage of posts from like-minded students. "Cynic" said: "There also will be a great communication problem. I mean, what does a graduate from Cornell have in common with an Ah Beng on the streets?"
"CordonBluu" put it even more hashly, saying:"We are afraid of genetic dilution."
Though these statements are clearly prejudiced, some truth may be found in them. To what extent can the neighbourhood school boy complement the intellectual side of his girlfriend?
Also, coming from different schools means they experience different school cultures, have vastly different social circles, and may have different issues that are more important to them.
Yet, it is equally easy to argue that the girl might not want intellectual sustenance from the boy. From him, she could desire the company of one who has similar passions that are not school-related--in film, for example, or in horticulture. Contrary to "dumping her down", as one commented on the website, he might be holding her up.
It may be a refreshing change for her. Who's to say she will not be interested in issues beyond those that affect her daily life? She might be less self-centred than those who posted their comments on the forum.
From The Nanyang Chronicle
`Sometimes @ 1:27 PM
