Lloyd's Picture Discussion!
This illustration portrays a scene in the city streets. This photograph should be taken in the city of Singapore, judging from the people and trishaws. The traffic sign at the back of the background is definitely from Singapore. The sign ambiguously imparts that pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the road. From this I infer that the traffic in this road can be heavily congested at times thus pedestrians are discouraged from jaywalking across the road.
The road is rather wet and slippery from the reflection of puddles of water on the road in a fine weather, thus I deduce that a downpour has just stopped. In the background there are visibly three trishaws, followed by more further behind. Riding on these trishaws seem to be a group of tourists who are visiting Singapore, as they seem fascinated by the attractions around them.
The lady in the middle, riding on the first trishaw is looking bewilderedly in the sky. She should be around the age of an aunt, from the way she is modestly dressed. She seems to be reluctant to answer anyone, thus showing an disregarded expression towards the public. The driver of the trishaw the lady is riding on is staring at her. He appears to be speaking to her, and in a manner that she is unwilling to listen. I reckon the driver is preaching the lady about her attitude.
The plump man riding on the second trishaw is beaming brightly with exuberance. He should be engaged in a entertaining conversation between his friends and the drivers. In my opinion, I like to be engaged in conversations like these where everybody is chatting and joking away happily, as this will greatly improve the bonds and relationships between friends and families. Moreover, it will definitely help to reduce stress and pressure after a long day's work or studies. This makes me reminisce a period of time when I had loads of homework undone yet I was able to relieve myself from all the stress by chatting and joking with my friends. From there I was able to complete my homework with a lighter heart.
The young man on the third trishaw seems to be the youngest of the tour group. Apparently, he is holding on to a digital camera as he smiles while looking at it. From this I can deduce he must be satisfied with the beautiful photographs of the sceneries he have taken. He should be hoping to be able to share the photographs with his family and friends when he return to his country. In my opinion, taking photographs as memories is very essential as we might not have the chance to tour very often. I am inclined to think that photographs are a sense of achievement as looking at them will make me feel gratified that I have been to that specific area before.
These trishaws used for sightseeing today are rather advanced and improved compared to the plain and simple ones that were used as transportation in the past. Installed on the trishaw is a overhead cover which can be folded when not in use. In my opinion, this will enhance sightseeing as the sceneries will not be blocked as much. There is even a sound horn installed for the drivers to honk whenever they need the vehicles or pedestrians to make way. These features has brought much more convenience and I feel that the government has played a part in improving the standards of jobs and living, thus showing a distinct advancement of this developing city.
The bunch of drivers seems to be colleagues, from their similar attire and elderly age. In my opinion, a trishaw is definitely exhausting to maneuver, as it requires manual paddling in order to accelerate. With the passengers in addition, being a driver is definitely enduring, yet these senior citizens strive hard to complete their tasks, regardless rain or shine. From this I can infer that these aged men are still determined, strong and fit, pedalling their way to make a living.
I recall watching a online video from YouTube three middle-aged foreigners filmed themselves bullying a old Singaporean rickshaw driver at Clarke Quay. The three men were mocking and laughing away at how slow the driver was pedalling, ignorant of how enduring and exhausting it is to pedal, even at such an age. After a while they got off and claimed that they do not have enough money for the service fee of five dollars, and even hopped on a cab, leaving the old man alone in the middle of the streets. In my opinion, the old man only demanded for five dollars for his service yet these men who were able to pay for a more expensive service, were reluctant. I feel that this has shown to us how unfilial and immoral these adults are, and it tells me that they do not have at all, basic respect and are totally shameless people. I hope that they would put themselves into the old man's shoes and do some soul searching, realising that making a living through trishaw services is not easy.
In conclusion, I feel that this photograph has been taken for several meanings. The expressions of the tourists promotes the attractions and landmarks of Singapore, thus inviting more guests and visitors to tour in our country. Moreover, trishaw rides are not frequently found in many countries, thus the viewers of this photograph may be interested in the traditions of Singapore. Lastly, I am sure the trishaws and the drivers that are focused on in this photograph have a special meaning. Whether I remember the situation of the old trishaw driver bullied, or respect these men who toiled their way to make a living, I must definitely thank them on what they have done for the society and wish them the best in their career life and health.
Photo Details
Link: http://www.trekearth.com/viewphotos.php?l=3&p=29476
Date Taken: 2004-01-05
posted by Lloyd @ 7:09 AM
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