Peaceful, unassuming village life you say?

Ahli Mesyuarat Tingkap

When someone mentioned about village life, we think of friendly, kind and helpful people or peaceful and stress-free life. When we mentioned city life, we thought people are rude, selfish and life is too fast-paced and stressful. It used to be like that but not anymore. I’m an observant person and people told me stories. Over the years, I have concluded that it is definitely bad for the mental to be living in the village. 

You would think people are generally more materialistic in the city but those in the village are worse. The first thing they ask if someone wants to be their son in law is “What is his job? How much he earned? Does he have a house, a car and if he does what kind of car?” Somehow they don’t think kindness, responsible or being hard-working is important. Families quarrel over money. All they talked about is money.

Competition is also fiercer in the village. Usually about whose house or car is bigger. Those with small, unfurnished house with no latest plasma TV or fridge will be ridiculed and talked about.  When a neighbour or a relative got new flashy furniture, they feel they need to compete and upstage their neighbour, even if they can barely afford it. 

Speaking about competition, they also like to compete whose children got married first and it’s almost like an honour to be a grandparent at a younger age than other neighbour/relatives. It’s a shame to have unmarried children over the age of 20.  

“How old are your children? Why are they not married yet? I’m only 45 and already a grandparent!” 

What they didn't tell was their children can barely support themselves so these proud grandparents need to work their ass off to support both their children and their grandchildren. Their idea of nice retirement I guess. 

Some of them have this sense of entitlement. They feel people owe them something. If people are more successful or richer, they'll say, "If it's not because of me/my parents who helped them when they are in need, they would not be where they are right now." or if someone did not invite them for a wedding, they'll say "lupa saudara". 

Somehow those in the village also tend to be more nosy, judgemental and vicious-mouthed. They see a girl with different guys and concluded that she is a slut. Someone quiet and shy is a pretentious snob. Their life is probably too mundane and unstimulating that they feel the need to spread lies, gossip and talk bad about others.  

I’m not saying all villages are the same nor all of them are like what I mentioned. These are just stories from my side. How about your villagers/village you came from?