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April 8, 2008
The bright side to
inflation
INSPIRED by the Saturday Special Report on inflation and food
consumption, I would like to propose an alternative angle we could
view the situation from. While I empathise with the low-income
group struggling to make a decent meal out of what they earn,
inflation could well be good for most middle-income
Singaporeans.
Most families are first cutting down on luxury food items such as
potato chips and pizza. Some are substituting more expensive meat
dishes with tofu and vegetables, while eating out less often.
Coincidentally, these moves are helping to promote healthier diets
of less oil, salt, preservatives and red meat, as well as leading
people to healthier options such as vegetables.
Some are cutting down on luxury activities like watching movies and
travelling; some terminate their cable television subscriptions.
Many have started buying more local brand goods instead of imported
products/services.
Instead of unwillingly sacrificing our chips and cable TV
programmes, perhaps Singaporeans can be a happier lot by seeing the
silver lining behind inflation: healthier diets, more quality time
with our families, supporting local enterprises and developing a
greater appreciation of the simpler things in life.
Chen Weiling
I dunno if I should call this looking at the bright side of
things or what -_-"
