An interview with Kumar, Singapore's comedy legend, reveals his thoughts on why he'd never leave Singapore, the topics he avoids in his comedy, and the pressures faced by Singaporeans.
Why Singapore is Home
Kumar emphasizes the importance of home and belonging. He believes one will always be a foreigner in a foreign land and recounts stories from his friends living abroad who still face discrimination. He notes the increasing Asian population in cities like Sydney and London and how some locals have reacted to it.
Foreigner Caps and Population Balance
Kumar discusses Singapore's approach to population management, highlighting the need to balance the population by bringing in foreigners due to low birth rates. However, he expresses concern about the number of foreigners and suggests prioritizing Singaporean citizenship for long-term residents over new arrivals, as new immigrants can sometimes bring conflicting cultural norms.
Social Norms and Individual Responsibility
The Showering Debate
Kumar recounts a recent public debate about whether people should shower every morning before work. He finds the discussion trivial, emphasizing that showering is a matter of personal hygiene and individual responsibility.
Public Etiquette and Awareness
He stresses the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and practicing good social etiquette. He cites examples of people being oblivious while walking and using their phones constantly in public, advocating for minimizing phone use in public spaces unless it's an emergency. Kumar enforces a no-phone policy during his performances to encourage a human connection.
The Impact of Phones on Connection
Kumar expresses concern about the erosion of human connection due to excessive phone use. He shares observations of couples at restaurants who spend the entire time on their phones, questioning the quality of their bonding. He mentions restaurants in Greece that ban phones, suggesting a potential solution to encourage genuine interaction.
The Liberation of Being Phoneless
Recounting losing his phone in Manila, Kumar describes feeling stressed initially, but then experiencing a sense of liberation. He emphasizes the value of disconnecting and enjoying holidays without work or digital distractions. He believes people have forgotten the true meaning of a holiday, which is to destress.
Comedy and Cultural Nuances
Understanding Singaporean Humor
Kumar acknowledges that newcomers to Singapore may not understand his comedy because it often revolves around local contexts and cultural references. He distinguishes between international jokes about universal themes like family and Singapore-specific jokes that require a deeper understanding of the local demographic.
Censorship and Freedom of Speech
He explains the limitations on freedom of speech in Singapore compared to countries like America due to its multi-racial and multi-religious society. He shares that he avoids certain topics, self-censoring to avoid potential fines or arrests. Jokes about race are more acceptable than those about religion.
Self-Deprecation and Audience Connection
Kumar emphasizes the importance of self-deprecation in comedy. He believes comedians should be able to make fun of themselves before making fun of others. He also advises aspiring comedians to be prepared for failure, as the profession is challenging and competitive.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health
Kumar notes a rise in mental health issues since COVID-19, filling mental health hospitals. He also points out how people get triggered easily, and encourages them to breathe and not have expectations.
Navigating Sensitive Topics in Comedy
Boundaries and Self-Censorship
Kumar says that experience has taught him the line he cannot cross. He says he self-censors what he say due to 30 years experience and to avoid causing any troubles.
Avoiding Religion and Focusing on Race
Kumar explains why he avoids religious jokes due to his limited knowledge and the sensitivity surrounding the topic. He finds that jokes about race are more relatable to Singaporeans because they reflect conversations people have in their private lives.
Generational Differences and Sensitivity
He observes that younger generations (Gen Z) tend to be more sensitive and easily offended compared to older generations. He highlights the challenges this presents in the workplace and the need for careful communication.
Social Media and its Impact
Kumar acknowledges the toxicity of social media. He uses TikTok for short periods and avoids reading comments due to the negativity.
LGBTQ+ Jokes and Acceptance
Kumar shares his thoughts on LGBTQ+ jokes and the evolving social landscape in Singapore. He notes that while complete acceptance may not be universal, there is growing tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community. He talks about the government's laws, such as HDB, the national public housing, that are disadvantaging gay people. He also explains that younger generation want everything fast, comparing themselves to straight couples in Singaporean social circle.
Reflections on Life and Principles
Kumar's Career Origins and Evolution
Kumar recounts how he started his career, moonlighting as an actor in a bar for $40 a night. He transitioned to stand-up comedy at the Boom Boom Room, initially struggling with knock-knock jokes but eventually finding success with risqué humor. The success allowed him to work on tv program that he quitted, after realizing it was overwhelming him.
The Importance of Happiness
He describes being on stage as his happiest moment, finding joy in making people smile and laugh. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating life and living it authentically. Kumar emphasizes to be a kind person, and says that is is easy to say to be happy, but difficult to be good.
Overcoming Loneliness
Kumar shares his struggles with loneliness and his efforts to combat it. He lost his first dog, that made him realize how unpredictable life is. He does not overthink and goes with the flow.
Big Life Principles
Kumar shares his principles in life such as to walk away when being angry. He says not to sleep over the issue but solve it first.
{# 
{#