When I first moved to Hong Kong, move abroad from New York, I was ecstatic to see people who look like me. I was going to be surrounded by Asians! This was going to be so interesting! Despite visiting Korea each summer to visit my grandma, I had never had the chance to be surrounded by Asians. I couldn’t wait to see a country filled with dark hair and brown eyes.

However, while the country has been working to become a place soon everyone may now about, Singapore has created a layer of “fantasy” when, truly, we should be focusing on reality. Underneath the joyous atmosphere, peaceful nights, and clean streets, there are harsh laws and harmful consequences that enforce the magic and appeal of Singapore–these all hinder our sense of freedom and speech.