mats as in the ‘mat melayu’ in plural. pavlovian as in the psychologist ivan pavlov’s conditioning theory. although what i’m going to say here is not really about pavlov’s theory and how it works but believe or not, i’m thinking singaporean men, especially the malays, are getting their dose of education straight out from the tv and in the very comfort of their living room!

and it’s about time! since most tv programmes are somehow produced with women and housewives in mind. so to target men is the new trend, i think.

first there was M.A.T or Misi Anak Tempatan. and it’s an interesting show because it features young malay guys who’ve did and trying hard in their line of work or interest and who’ve somehow found success and satsifaction in the course of putting their heart, mind and body into a particular chosen line of work. whether you’re a racer, or a kompang boy, what matters is putting your best in it. and ada WAWASAN laa. and apart from that, having a positive attitude and some noble manners brings out a lot more that people forget the kental part. wait, let me correct myself, there’ll be no kentalans if a guy believes in what he wants and doing the best. it’s not about what is ‘cool’ or not, but more of passion and identity working hand in hand.

for example, you have interest in skateboarding. well that’s interest and can be a passion. but what shape your identity is not necessarily being a skateboarder, but your personality and manners, and let’s admit this, girls love smart guys.

although i haven’t watch these new drama series, i believe it’s targetted to men as well. there’s Anak Adam and Hi-Bro! and i believe it should be ‘edu-tainment’ as well somehow somewhere.

and this is my favourite : My Dad is Better than Your Dad! a gameshow in which, fathers team up with their son or daughter going through some obstacles and quizzes. if these doesn’t teach fathers out there how to be bond with your children, i don’t know what to say. who says fathers can’t be gerek?

so really, i hope there’s a paradigm shift of perspectives, of attitudes. to talk about the ‘real’ situation of what’s happening on the ground, the number of financial assistance given out because there are men with families who just can’t live up to their fatherhood. of course, there are always circumstances and difficult situations and deserving of these assistance. but there are those who JUST don’t. i think my sdo-fdo-de friends can vouch for these.

ps: the new mosque is ready soon, i’m practically rushing for time to do a good job. and i’ve relieved of a project which has been burdening me and it has always been at the back of my mind. so releasing it is such a HUGE RELIEF. i can volunteer for it but i don’t want to lead.

i’ve said it before, my da’wah is this: education. and somehow knowing i have given up the said project, i know i’ll have some hours to spare…and i’m so going to read up books to enrich myself!! not story books la but books on education or religions. i so have to catch up!! 🙂