Insurgency

We just got back from Singapore last week. Towards the end of our trip, Audrey discovered a phrase that seemed to get everyone around her agitated. Intoxicated by this new found power, she began to use it regularly.

30 minutes into a visit at our friend's home, she hops on the sofa, looks imploringly at mom & dad. "Its so boring..." she says with a sigh. Mom&Dad and friend all look a little pai-seh and try to laugh it off, but in the process, we redirect our conversation and attention to her.

Next friend's place, same thing. TV is not on. "Its so boring..." TV gets turned on, BUT it is ChannelNewsAsia. Within a minute, "Its so boring..." again. At uncle's house the next day, grownups are chatting, she is sizing up the situation, we make eye-contact, she gives a sinister look, and says loudly "Its so boring..."
Again, we get unsettled, immediate responses from the grownups in the room. Such pow-wah !

After a few more incidences, we told her its not a nice thing to say out loud, even if she feels bored. Why ? Because that could put our hosts in an embarrassing situation. What is embarrasing ? Errr.... just don't say those words please. Why ? Its not nice, and that all there is. Threatening look. OK...

Audrey's little power trip. Shortlived, since we are asians after all. Parents rule with iron-fist !