There was an article published over the Straits Times (Online of course, given that I'm in UK), detailing about the isolated incidents of anorexia occurring in teenagers, some as young as 8 in Singapore. Almost 24 of the over 200 anorexia cases are kids of age 12 and below as well.

That is an extremely depressing look of the situation in Singapore, where vanity has affected even someone the age of 8. We have reached a period of time where globalisation is no longer just recognized, but is also managed in countries around the world. We have access to a myriad of many cultures and perspectives simply by a click of the remote control. The continuous bombardment from loud western culture has begun to erode the traditional, conservative culture that has defined and ordered Asian civilizations from the past.

However, it is not the time to complain when such negative influences are upon us. We do have to recognize that while globalisation does bring along problems, we cannot simply ignore the benefits that follow. From open markets, to global collaborations and greater perspectives for citizens. Localisation and protectionism is not the way to go, but rather, I believe that this issue of increasing anorexia is a warning light for us to start increasing education and legislating laws to combat the problems of globalsation while reaping its benefits.

We of course, going back to the point of anorexia in children, skipping all the standard arguments of teaching kids and adults and controlling media within the house and all, have to really ask ourselves - Is it really all the fault of globalisation?

We have to recognise that in the end, it is the individual that is influenced by the world, and not the world that is influenced by the individual. Like many many arguments before, I emphasize the fact that in most problems, the first solution that we should be thinking of should be the individual, not the system. Would it not be easier to help a man adept than to adept a system to a man?

Firstly, we have to build up the self-esteem of insecure teenagers. As we globalisation, we open ourselves not only to resources from overseas, but also competition. Teenagers in Singapore today now live in a extremely competitive world. Schools are filled with foreign scholars, universities are with overseas students, and more and more students are allowed to study overseas and open their eyes to the best and brightest in the world. Unlike in the past where we were with less talented, and more "relatable" competition, we now could be competing for places even with a random boy from Egypt. The world is now your playing field, but the world is also now the other team. This can easily break up all self esteem in teenagers, and preventing them from believe in their decisions and perspectives, blindly following the ones stipulated by the world around them.

In addition to that, the influx of globalisation calls for a much more elaborate education of morality to students as well. With cultures blending together and different perspectives to view from, we have reached a point in time where the ability to tell between what is right and wrong would be an essential tool for any individual in today's society. We have to instill within our children that while there are many different ways to see a situation, there are definitely a socially and individual correct or wrong answer to most questions that they would face in their lives. They have to be taught, or at least, guided to come up with processes of decision making in order to make those decisions of right and wrong for themselves! We recognise that in the end, they are responsible for judging if their actions is wrong or right, but they must understand the subsequent outcomes that could occur from their decisions and would not regret such a decision that they would make. In such a case of anorexia, we have to recognise anorexia might not be wrong for some people. Suppose that a person has recognised that he/she has to lose a lot of weight, simply because he/she is extremely overweight, and is able to recognise the limits of excessive anorexia. I say, go along! The point is that children must not simply follow rules, but we must start teaching them from a younger age to recognise the consequences of whatever actions they might take, and not regret them.

After going so much about the individual, we cannot forget the fact that there has to be provisions of support from immediate families and society is order to bring these youths back to the right path. I place emphasis on change to come from the individual, but that doesn't mean that we can ignore what the society can do completely. We have to have parents able to recognise when these problems are coming on to their kids, as well as an avenue for these kids and parents to approach when in trouble. Schools should also have ideas like above incorporated into their CME syllabus, and teachers trained to spot students with such potential problems.

But actually, all in all, its okay to choose to eat less and starve yourself and all. Gandhi was not scolded for his hunger strikes. Just make sure that you know what the hell you're doing.