podeamNyaa.
“I hate ugly people, and I hate Singapore.”
A statement that got me utterly fuming mad; I am a Singaporean boy, through and through (note how I skilfully draw attention away from the ugly bit of the statement?).
Of course, each person is entitled to their own opinion. Each person is entitled the right to have their own say.
It doesn’t mean that each person isn’t going to be bloody stupid.
A matter of nationalistic identity came up today – A claim that the Singaporean lack of Singaporean-ness is due to the youth of the nation was made. Apparently, it is due to that youth that our youth lack nationalism.
This may be very true, but I resent the sentiment that the Singaporean youth is apathetical and foolish. True, we’re mostly bloody stupid (as mentioned) most of the time, but we’re not necessarily really all that bad.
93.8 Live has scheduled a forum on Friday, 25th Nov, from nine to ten in the morning. The topic? The Singaporean Youth lacks the edge to compete in the global market (or something along that line; the exact wording eludes me).
Isn’t that predictable?
The Singaporean Youths’ Apathy and Kantang-ness is a common denominator, as is the Not-So-Youths’ constant belabouring of the point.
And they say Singapore has no culture.
I must admit there are a large number of, let’s call them culturally parallel imported youths. They were born in New Jersey, really; they somehow ended up in Semei, or Yishun, or wherever else – the proud proclaimer of the statement at the beginning of this is a case in point. With their faux -American/-English/-French/-Other-Vaguely-White Accents, their sole purpose in life is to get to another country and stay there for ever and ever and ever.
Not all of us are determined to leave, though. People mistake my Singaporean-ness for something laudable. It’s sheer arrogance, really.
No matter where I go in the world, or how much time I spend there, I’ll always be a Singaporean. It’s something I can’t change. Why would I want to be part of something that doesn’t belong to me? Where I would never really fit in?
I refuse to be seen as second-rate in anything, be it in achievement, or citizenship.
I do look outwards to the world, though. Embracing other cultures, other ideas, other ideals, I see what it is I want for me, and I will make it so here.
We are, after all, traders by heritage.
We have learnt, through sheer dint of determination to survive, to want the best goods. The best grades, the best schools, the best standards of living. And I make no apologies for that; I am Kiasu.
I also want the best things society can offer, right here for me. I want them in my home.
After all, it’s kind of crazy, but we win other country.
Yes, I’m aware this is the five millionth thing I’ve written on this topic, but I can’t help myself. Really.
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