Madness and the Cup of Tea

None of your broad sheets for me, with clever people giving in-depth analysis of whatever the flavour du jour news item might be. Nor for me the sensationalist tabloids filled with celebrity gossip and real life, tv movie type heartbreak straight from the suburbs. I prefer to get my, ahem, "news" from the free commuter papers thrust at you at your local underground/subway/MTR station. I am attuned to the fact that whomever publishes such paper is in a very powerful position, as the rations of news and the means of its delivery to hundreds of thousands of commuters daily can really shape the public's perception of current events. What you get to read about is controlled. So in reading it, I always try and take it all with a pinch of salt. In a way, I suppose all media is controlled, but at least with time, money and the right tools at our disposal we can seek out alternative views from other sources and places, other countries, other cultures and political persuasions. Heck, you don't even have to go down to your local newststand to do it, you can do it right in front of your nearest computer, iphone, tablet, television or radio.

My commuter paper, The Standard in Hong Kong, is quite a balanced little paper with local news, international headlines, business (mainly Asian), some gossip, mainstream sports, and periodicals on fashion, movies, arts, etc. I kind of like the way that the front page is highjacked virtually daily with advertisements for IPOs, investment funds and, bizarrely, over the last few days, Marks & Spencer's new food shop opening up in Wan Chai.

What has grabbed me in recent weeks has been the number of stories of knife-wielding crazies going on the rampage here in Hong Kong and in mainland China. Granted, this could happen anywhere - Europe, America, Asia, Australia alike - and often, in the US' case, with much more devastating effects, swapping gun for knife. Often the story in The Standard is accompanied by a picture of a bloodstained floor. It grabs you, it is emotive. These knife attacks have happened in nursery schools, appartment blocks, shops, hospitals. It is as if the mental state of many Asians is precariously balanced on, well, a knife edge. "Don't push me, 'cos I am close to the edge, I'm trying not to lose my head," could never be truer, judging by my daily news feed. Perhaps in Hong Kong and mainland China's case it has something to do with living in incredibly close proximity to millions of others. There is no respite from the noise, comings and goings, smells, sounds and just the very presence of your neighbours. Most of us have to grin and bear it and look for the positives in other aspects of living in Asia. But maybe for the less privileged, the heartbroken, the down at heel and downtrodden they cannot find those positives in their perceived miserable existences. If the niggles and hassles get too much, maybe those who are not getting the help, love and support they need just crack. "It's like a jungle out there, I often wonder how I keep from going under."

Society is shocked and outraged at the crimes perpetrated by such people. Yet, society should maybe take a look at itself and around at its neighbours and see if there is anyone who might need a hand, a smile or invited in for a cup of tea. We cannot expect the state to know the mental health of all its inhabitants, but we can certainly try and discern that of our neighbours and try and be a bit more neighbourly. Its just takes some tea leaves, boiling water and a cup or two.

One of the world's great tea drinkers (we are very excited to have you Rheda)  is coming to visit our family for a week. She would surely approve of the remedy for some of society's ills.

If it works, what will The Standard report on now?!