Stand Up

Dear all,

My apologies in advance for the dry content to follow, I am not adept at writing tongue-in-cheek style (which would probably be misconstrued anyway).

When I was younger, I used to detest being where I was or who I was. Now that I am older, I am more accepting of my circumstances because that is what I would choose were I given a choice now. That is not to say that I have not given it much thought or have given up trying to change things.

While I am loathe of the way things are sometimes, no doubt an inevitable viccissitude of life, the attitude to adopt is still a choice that is mine to make. Objective standards should be upheld to the best of one's abilities insofar as assessments need to be made.

I can see why people choose to be surrounded by others who share the same opinion, but is it not the exchange of ideas, facts and information that is so idolised in the 'free' countries which they exalt that is absent here? The same lack of freedom that they criticise.

Intentions may have started out well-meaning, but the group has now ballooned to proportions that have clearly overstepped the bounds first laid down by its creator. Although he may not see it, it no longer is limited to criticism of a certain government (or ruling party).

I have chosen to speak out during this crucial time (when I am meant to be studying or sleeping), initially because I had been so outraged, but now am composed and the voice of reason rings clear in my mind (usually, I bask in my apathy). I humbly wish to share my view and I shall not partake of the heated argument. Hence, no naming or quoting.

It is not denied that many of the examples given are true to a large extent, but not to such degree that warrants such statements. It consists mostly of complaints, something I am also guilty of sometimes (forgive me for I am human and fallible), without any substantiation. While that is true, I do not go to such lengths to rant publicly.

Lapses in manners are not uncommon, it is observed perpetually and but nevertheless riles me up. Simple acts such as giving your seat up to the needy, standing on the left side of an escalator, thanking a person (with a smile) for holding the door open, the list goes on, occur at only a fraction of the frequency they should. But oftentimes, I turn a blind eye. After all, Rome was not built in a day. People change, but only over time. Education of the younger generation continues, and it may take decades before the gracious society is achieved. This lagtime in the nation building needs to be appreciated, the effort applauded.

While people have criticised the education system, I choose to stand by it including its imperfections. Honestly, I did my fair share of grumbling and lamenting about it too. On hindsight though, it was all-in-all not a bad experience. It is not my place to comment on the system as a whole, not having passed through all stages and routes, but I do believe that there is something that makes it worth exporting. Singapore pre-schools (and schools) have been expanding overseas (22nd April 2009, Straits Times).

Comparing us to other Asian countries like Japan and Korea, the pressure here is not so much as to lead to cram schools setting up shop. Rather, a well-rounded education is emphasized both in school and out. This is true of other Asian nations as well. The reason for less emphasis on manners (it is not wholly omitted) being taught in school is perhaps the deep-seated Chinese notion that upbringing is supposed to be left to family. I, for one, agree that some parents may need to be more responsible, but again, it is not true of everyone.

With regard to English, many other countries are no less intelligible than we are. There are many videos out there which would support this. Even native speakers of the language may not be understood by others from different regions. If a person is speaking in a half-baked accent for the sake of being pretentious, I might be revulsed too. But if the person is earnestly trying to speak the Queen's English, then who am I to discourage him?

The government has run the country respectably. Some may argue that the end justifies the means (of a certain leader), and some may argue otherwise. It is only looking back at the history of this young nation that one may see the reasons for such decisions. Jurisprudence indicates that Law evolves. Laws are amended, new rules are made in courts as we are a common law jurisdiction. To some extent, the letter of the law is a reflection of societal norms and ideas (gay rights, marital rape etc.) even if they may not be strictly enforced. Again, Rome was not built in a day. It is the role of Parliament to question periodically, which I think, is doing its job. The system may not yet be crystallised, but the Utopia may not really be attainable since you cannot please everyone. Looking to the Western models (England, Welsh, Australia) and also Asian (Indian) (non-exhaustive lists) on which we have based our own laws on, one might be surprised to discover that it is not identical. Thought has been put into drafting, and improving, tweaking the laws to what this little nation needs.

It may be that no other party will come into power any time soon, but I am thankful that the country is where it is today and that they are competent. Their salaries are not so much in contention. Tax rates are reasonable and relatively low (a maximum of 20% compared to America or Britain's maximum of 40%; a lesser known tax haven for the wealthy in the region).

There are many things for which I am grateful. Although the laws are harsh, hey it's made Singapore safe. As a friend (who could not take it sitting down) wrote, I can safely meet my friends for kopi after the sun has set, where almost everywhere on the island is available via public transport, and while not perhaps the easiest or the best place to do so, also the place where I can potentially hold a stable job in the future and MAYBE raise a family and not be afraid of my kid getting grabbed from the sidewalk whenever she comes back from school. Read more here.

This could go on forever. I am entitled to my views, as you are to yours. My main point is that there are always black sheep wherever you go, and if there is no bad there would be no good. Things need to be put into perspective, sometimes by someone other than ourselves. Overgeneralising may not be fair to everyone (including me).

I have made considerable effort in maintaining civility and practising self-censorship (oh go on, laugh at me for being so typical a citizen of this nation). I am not patriotic, although the tone may be so in rebutting some claims, and tried not to go so much into the nitty gritty of every single thing I read in that group. I do not claim to be more than I am and pray that this post is coherent. I additionally hope that rationality pervades this post and thank you for bearing with me.

Yours Sincerely,
XXX

P.S. the media should stop taking the interwebs so seriously though. Ugh!