Are Malaysians Really Poor? A Discussion on Childhood Experiences and Food
This article explores a conversation about poverty and wealth, particularly focusing on childhood experiences with food in Malaysia and China. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of "poor" and how different families prioritize spending and values.
Contrasting Childhood Experiences
Malaysian vs. Chinese Perspectives
The conversation began with the question: "Are Malaysians very poor?" This prompted a comparison between childhood experiences. One chef shared that despite his family's relative poverty, they always had soup. This led to a discussion with Mrs. Wang, whose childhood experience seemed even more meager.
The Importance of Soup
Soup became a central theme, revealing differing levels of access to ingredients. One anecdote described a family adding three layers of meat to their soup, even when meat consumption was limited to a few times a month. This contrasted with experiences of others who only had access to very simple soups, like soy sauce soup with boiling water, or seaweed and shrimp skin soup.
Meat Consumption and Cost
The type of meat used in soup also revealed socioeconomic differences. While some families used ribs (a more expensive cut), others relied on cheaper pork bones for soup. The price difference between these cuts was emphasized, highlighting the disparity in spending power.
The Concept of Poverty Through Different Lenses
Shanghai Soup Traditions
The discussion turned to soup traditions in Shanghai. The simplest version consisted of boiling water with green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce and salt. More elaborate versions included seaweed and shrimp skin soup. More extravagant versions of soup include tomato egg drop soup, pickled mustard egg drop soup or seaweed egg drop soup. Some families even added ham and winter melon to soup.
Frugality vs. Luxury
Stories emerged showcasing both extreme frugality and surprising luxury within the same family. One participant recalled a father who would only allow three paper-thin slices of ham in a bowl of winter melon soup, while also buying expensive custom-made clothes for the mother. The concept of borscht was also brought up, but the family could only afford to eat it with Shanghai red sausage once or twice a year.
The Impact of Economic Development
Participants reflected on how economic development has impacted their lives. The ability to afford previously unattainable items like KFC or McDonald's was discussed, illustrating a shift in spending power and access to resources over time. The rise of KFC and McDonald's was a trend that not all families could afford to keep up with.
Shifting Values and Priorities
The Cost of Employee Meals
Auntie, who is employed with OKA-OKA is a prime example of how spending habits and preferences have shifted. Auntie insists that the employee meals contain ikan bills that cost more than 50 ringgit per kilo as well as other high-quality ingredients such as Kayiang Jingou Kayiang which costs 80-90 ringgit for 500 grams.
Modern Day Spending Habits
The conversation touched on present-day spending habits, noting that while some criticize organic food, the speakers now prioritize quality ingredients for employee meals, such as anchovies costing over 50 ringgit per kilo. This was compared to their own childhoods, where such expenses were unimaginable.
Contrasting Breakfast Habits
A significant difference emerged in breakfast habits. While some had bread and sardines from a young age, others ate leftovers soaked in boiling water, or milk-soaked biscuits. Condensed milk was considered a luxury item, saved for special occasions like Chinese New Year. In contrast, milk was a staple for those who could afford it, even if it meant sacrificing other expenses.
Conclusion: Wealth Beyond Material Possessions
The discussion concludes by emphasizing the importance of mental and spiritual well-being, regardless of material wealth. The speakers expressed a desire to provide their children with a more comfortable and fulfilling childhood, prioritizing good food and a loving environment. It was also emphasized that regardless of economic status, people should strive to embrace life and be appreciative of what they have. Even on days when you cannot afford to eat well, it is important to make the best of the day and create a beautiful and happy experience for yourself.
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