I felt like life had gotten the best of me. All I wanted to do was let loose, have some fun, and forget my worries. So, I decided to go out drinking. I stumbled into Boat Quay and started to down a few beers.
Before I knew it, I was drunk.
My inhibitions were gone, and I was feeling much more confident. I started to talk to people, and then my mouth got me into trouble. I started to ask people “They from where one?” This is a term used in Singapore to ask which gang someone is from.
At first, I thought people were just joking around. I was having a good time, and I didn’t think anyone was taking me seriously. But I was wrong. People started to look at me with a mix of fear and confusion. I had crossed a line, and I didn’t know it.
I had no idea that this was such a loaded question. In Singapore, gang-related crime is a big issue. It’s not something people take lightly. Asking someone which gang they are from can be seen as a challenge, and can even be seen as a threat.
I was quickly pulled aside by some waiters and escorted away from the area. They lectured me about my behavior and told me not to come back.
I felt embarrassed and ashamed. How could I have been so stupid?
I never realized how serious the issue of gang-related crime was in Singapore. I should have known better than to ask such a question. I could have put myself and other people at risk.
I also learned that I shouldn’t drink to excess. It’s easy to forget about your inhibitions when you’re drunk, and that can lead to bad decisions.
I’m grateful that I wasn’t hurt or arrested that night…