Intro:
• Singapore is a strange little society. Situated at the crossroads of numerous shipping and transport routes, it has, over the years, under the confluence of external and internal societal forces, moulded what I believe is an extremely idiosyncratic and distinctive culture
• But is it unique culture? – Casts a shadow upon the originality of our culture
• Culture: set of beliefs, practices and lifestyles that is embraced by, and entrenched in, a common group of people. Ideology and value system that characterize us.
Singaporeans have cultivated themselves a global image which is synonymous with the infamous Singaporean trait of ‘Kiasuism’ (afraid to lose out)
• Pragmatism, political apathy, prudence and the desire to pursue material objectives
• Display the distinctive ethos of competitiveness
• Tracing its origins to the hard life that our migrant ancestors had to lead, the political system and the general Chinese desire for material gain and social status
• Engendered this spirit of ‘die die must win’
• Satirized by the international media and local commentators … calculative and self-preserving ways
• Ridiculed for packing food into napkins at buffets to get max value for our dollar
• Rebuffed for our conservative attitudes to seemingly frivolous things such as casinos
• Conservative, self-centred view that resembles that of Victorian England where social status, wealth and propriety were celebrated
• Still firmly rooted in tradition and exacerbated by the island’s competitive economy, such a distinctive Singaporean attitude will persist long into the future
Aside from attitudes and mindsets, Singapore also has a unique cultural scene that brims with the vigour of its Asian flavour
• E.g. Sumptuous spread of Asian hawker fare
• Thanks to diverse ethnicity of Singaporean’s population, local cuisine here is ruled by a gamut of influences
• Aromatic spices, the opulent cream sauces of Western society, traditional and modern cooking methods have manifested themselves in a gastronomic delight
• Characteristically Singaporean dishes touted as ‘must-trys’ for tourists include Hainanese Chicken Rice and roti prata. The list extends into infinity.
• Attributed to Singapore’s role in a converging point for the region’s different cultures.• Vast variety of influences manifests themselves in our local culture
Exemplifies the mingling of the Eastern and Western worlds
• Colonial roots and increasing penetration of globalization forces
• Culture has evolved into a cross-cultural fusion of East meets West
• E.g. Singlish effectively infuse their Asian roots into a Western language
•Influence of local dialects which stem from the ancestral roots of our migrant forefathers, Colonial
English has been transformed into a unique Singaporean form
• Words like ‘lah, ‘lor’ and other popular dialect terms have become part and parcel of the Singaporean diction.• Singlish is the idiosyncratic lingua franca of Singaporeans
• Demonstrates uniqueness of Singaporean culture and the ability of Singaporean society to assimilate modern influences into its tradition to produce its own unique lifestyle
Caught effectively between the past and present
•Retain and preserve its traditional heritage and keep up with the rapidly modernizing world
•Variety of cultures interact to adapt to the traditional and yet modern Singaporean mindset
• Produced the aforementioned complex and varied culture
Singapore’s unique culture is not a direct product of our population’s actions. Indigenous culture has played a significantly smaller role in shaping our way of life. The predominantly migrant population has generated our unique culture, more so than any other cultural force in Singapore
• Largely attributed to its location
•Situated along the world’s most vital trading routes, since colonial times …commercial hub of activities
•Cultural forces that have since shaped and moulded our culture originate from these external agents who were
drawn to Singapore due to commercial interests. This stream of commercial activity has been the driving force of Singapore’s cultural evolution
•Although our culture based on the premise of a dozen other cultures, is this not typical of the rapidly globalizing society?
•Can no longer remain immune to external cultural forces … move along to a homogenous culture dominated by Western traditions and norms … comforting to see that Singapore has managed to hold on staunchly to her traditional roots
Conclusion: The fact that our distinct culture is not entirely our own and the embracement of this fact, has in fact created a laudable culture which differentiates itself from others in the world’s cultural landscape
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22
6:48 AM
Wednesday, April 9
9:26 PM
‘Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.’ Do you agree?
According to the International Mass Retail Association, there would be at least five adverts on beauty products and treatments in any average newspapers. This relentless flux of promotions is indeed a clear indication of the undue attention given to cosmetic goods and services. As economics theories postulate: ‘only when there is demand, would there be supply.’ Thus, such marketing techniques suggest that the spotlight on beauty products and treatments are simply answers to what the masses want. Whilst one could attribute these advertisements as money-making ploys by cosmetic industries, one should, however, not miss the fact that most people are willingly paying their hard-earned money for these treatments.
Besides the economic aspect associated with cosmetic products, the ‘feel-good factor’ does come into play too. Models and artistes, with their pencil-thin figures and porcelain-like skin, evoke a sense of inadequacy in the person by the television. To think about it, the person in front of the cinema screen would hardly be spared from the bout of feeling body-conscious too. This inferiority complex is intrinsic; most people cannot help being jealous of and awed by the surreal looks of these thespians. One study of a sample of Stanford graduates and undergraduates found that sixty-eight percent of students felt worse about their own appearances after reading women's magazines. Another statistics by Media Scope 5 found that individuals who were shown pictures of thin models had lower self-evaluations than those who had seen average-sized and plus-sized models. And hence, as a result of media influence, people long to have the ‘tall, tanned and muscular’ looks or the ‘shapely hourglass figure’. In simpler terms, they are vain about their looks. The more looks-conscious old and aged would try to rediscover lost youth. These aims would quickly be achieved by cosmetic procedures and products.
Excessive emphasis on beauty products and treatments could also be easily attributed to the need for a more presentable self. In this competitive society, it is necessary to leave a good first impression. Naturally, if all other qualifications are comparable, an employer would hire a well-heeled man than a scruffy-looking one. Deals between companies would be easier to settle if both sides look somber and serious, dignified and decent. Discrimination against obese people in the workforce is rampant. Personnel Today, a UK newsletter, found out that sixty-three percent of the employers are biased against overweight workers. Thus, to improve one’s chance of gaining employment, one might resort to speedy and easy – though not inexpensive – methods of beautifying oneself.
From a purely rational perspective, undergoing the knife is silly and stupid. Nowadays, people frequently talk of having their own identities; everything must be personalized, from clothes and fashion wears to laptops and handphones. Yet, they are actually paying good money to give away the faces that are theirs and theirs alone. They eventually end up with faces belonging to others – perhaps a dash of Angelina Jolie, a whiff of Paris Hilton and a speck of Britney Spears? It is almost ludicrous to think of a cavalcade of starlets-look-alikes parading Orchard Road. And yet, judging from how parents are not only condoning, but in fact, pushing their children to beauty treatments and cosmetic surgeries, this image does not seem quite so impossible anymore. A recent poll by The Straits Times found out this: an alarming twenty percent of parents are actually paying for their daughters’ breast implants as birthday’s presents.
Shocking, isn’t it?
In my opinion, the disproportionate attention given to beauty products and procedures ought to be more fairly distributed. ‘Software’ – proper manners, moral values, common decency and decorum – ought to be accorded equal, if not more, focus than merely external looks. The concept of ‘aging gracefully’ must also be well publicized; there is really no need for a fifty-five year old lady to try every wrinkles-removing cream on the shelves or to go through a punishing series of face lifts. Instead, the aged ought to participate in healthier exercises that continually stimulate their minds, rather than futilely chasing after lost youth. But, as things stand, the spotlight on cosmetic creams and treatments would only become brighter, not dimmer.
Friday, April 4
8:25 PM
Minorities always suffer. Is this necessarily true in today’s world?
Governments and authorities do institute policies which favour the majority simply because it is more convenient to do so. However, if the minority are able to harness their community spirit and work around the system, they are the ones who stand to benefit. In Malaysia, the Chinese make up a relatively large racial minority, constituting 15% of the population. Yet, the Malaysian government has insisted that the school curriculum be taught in Bahasa Melayu, including subjects such as Science and Mathematics. The Chinese are deprived of the opportunity to learn their native tongue, and have to grapple with a foreign language. Their community leaders recognize the value of preserving the Chinese language among future generations, and hence, set up Chinese community schools which have produced trilingual students proficient in English, Chinese and Bahasa Melayu. As a result, the Chinese have an upper hand in language skills. Now that the Malaysian government is back-pedaling on its language policy and introducing subjects taught in English, Chinese students have an advantage and are able to outshine Malay students. As such, minorities are not necessarily constrained by rigid, unfriendly policies as they prove themselves to be resourceful enough to transcend such restrictions to turn the tables on the majority.
Governments will implement policies that protect the minority, because it is the majority who will re-elect the government in democratic societies. This short-sighted concept would lead to a well-fed, complacent majority, and allow the hungry dissatisfied minority to exploit the situation and succeed. The former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir, implemented the ‘bumiputra’ or ‘princes of the land’ policy during his tenure. This policy gave Malays priority when entering universities, starting businesses, owning land and a whole host of other processes. His aim was to give the native ‘princes of the land’ a head start in life, and ensure they would have a comfortable livelihood. Naturally, the implementation of this policy led to the disgruntlement of many Chinese. Meanwhile, the Malays were content and satisfied that their government would provide for them, and settled back to enjoy their blissful lives. The discrimination spurred the Chinese to work even harder than before, and gave them a strong motive to succeed. They grabbed whatever remnant opportunities the complacent Malays had passed on, and made the best of them. In present day Malaysia, it is common knowledge that the richest and most successful people are the Chinese. Dr. Mahathir himself has expressed regret at the implementation of his myopic policy, and before stepping down in 2003, slammed the Malays for their lack of hunger and desire to succeed. Therefore, for minorities, the suffering, prejudice and discrimination they face can be a form of motivation to improve their lot in society.
Although governments and societies tend to favour the majority, most want to be seen as tolerant and accepting of diversity. Nobody likes to be accused of discrimination. Minority populations could exploit this potential source of embarrassment, and manipulate government policy and societal perception to be more considerate and pliable toward them. In France, a Muslim schoolgirl was vehement in her fight to be able to wear her Muslim headscarf to school. She saw it as an expression and celebration of her faith. Muslims are a religious minority in predominantly Catholic France. Her story attracted international attention, and placed France in the glare of the media spotlight. It was revealed that while the Muslim girl was not allowed to wear her headscarf to school, practitioners of other faiths were not permitted to accessorise themselves with such open displays of their faith either. However, France was desperate to maintain an esteemed profile in the eyes of the world. Neither the French government nor the French people wanted to be seen as intolerant and elitist, and the French courts finally relented and allowed the girl to wear her headscarf to school. Therefore, minority groups can leverage on the media-consciousness of most governments to secure recognition of their rights.
Minority populations can find safety in numbers by banding together to establish communities with strong bonds among members. This will lead to the forging of community spirit, and create a heart-warming enclave that gives support and strength to its members. Homosexuals are a sexual minority in the human race. They have long been discriminated against by proponents of ‘family-first’ movements, Bible-toting Christians, and anybody and everybody who finds their behaviour unnatural. However, in San Francisco, America, homosexuals have established their very own community, to create an environment where all its members can feel comfortable in, and engage in their activities without fear of hate crimes and discrimination. They organize Mardi Gras parties, and celebrate their diversity, providing protection and support for all its members.
Unfortunately, minorities still remain an easy target for violence and discrimination. It is easy for the majority to band together and blame the minority for a myriad of perceived crimes. This sad story has repeated itself many times in history, from the farms of the American Southwest to the ghettoes and slums of Nazi Germany. Most recently, it has emerged in Singapore, when junior Minister Balaji Saladisavan blamed homosexual man for the AIDS scourge. It is sad that such discrimination and intolerance still exist, but it is likely that as society matures as a whole and accepts heterogeneity as a mark of a progressive community, minorities will not be prejudiced against and hated, but rather welcomed and celebrated.
Minorities do have a historic legacy of discrimination, and in some instances it continues to this very day. Yet, they must use their own resourcefulness, diligence and quick wit to be able to turn their situation into an advantage. The oppression and discrimination showered on them should only serve to motivate and spur them on to succeed.
8:23 PM
It is definitely more advantageous to be a diverse society than a homogenous one. Discuss.
It is the first century, and globalization is, or rather has been for a few years now, all the rage. Cultures are being dissipated all over the world, encouraged by the advancements in technology that would have left our ancestors absolutely lost in amazement. People are travelling worldwide thanks to the ease and affordability of transportation, going to places previously unexplored and settling down in countries they would never have dreamt of. It is in this context then, that I would assert that a diverse society, being a product of the above-mentioned trends would be more advantageous than a homogeneous one. This so-called advantage might be understood in terms of the benefits, socially, economically and politically, that it confers upon the society itself, allowing it to eventually better weather the forces of globalization today and make itself continually poised to tackle the future of uncertainty.
The diverse society might firstly be interpreted as one which, through welcoming the inflow of foreigners from all over the world, has become a place in which both the native citizens of the country and the people hailing from countries abroad work and live together on common land. In such a case, the diverse society might be said to be more advantageous than one which has remained close to outsiders in that it is able to benefit from the different set of skills that these very foreigners bring with them. A clear example of this would be Singapore, which, through incentives from the government, finds itself to be a very attractive place to foreigners. People come not only to impart their specialized skills, such as research in the biomedical industry, but also to add weight to our work force and help take on jobs that most Singaporeans might spurn. Examples are Bangladeshi workers in the construction industry and the Chinese waiting on tables at hawker centres. In this instance, a diverse society, consisting of people who bring with them their wealth of knowledge as well as people willing to undertake otherwise unpopular tasks, would be more economically vibrant and viable than a homogeneous one.
In addition, a diverse society might be seen to be one in which minority groups are accepted and treated with respect, facing little or no discrimination and being allowed to live their lives as freely as the “majority”. In such a society, homosexuals, the disabled, and even the poor, who might not count strictly as the minority but would nevertheless often be marginalized, would be able to find their wants and needs being recognized and even met. Such a society would also find itself being the melting pot of people with varying religious beliefs, such as Buddhism, Christianity or Islam. In this case, a diverse society would be more advantageous than a homogeneous one, in that this accommodation of people of different beliefs, cultures and lifestyles, would allow for the growth of a tolerant and open populace, one that is mature enough to accept differences and live and unselfishly, in harmony with possibly radically different people.
Politically, a diverse society might be interpreted as one where alternative political views are allowed to be expressed, where people of conflicting political beliefs are allowed and even encouraged to engage with each other, where the word of the government is not simply tacitly accepted but instead challenged and argued against. In the United States for example, political parties abound and the variety of political beliefs and values can be seen in the recent presidential elections in which candidates such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain all appealed to different crowds due to the differences in their political assertions. A diverse society, in which there is constant dialogue and engagement with various political views, is thus more advantageous than a homogeneous one in which only one view is espoused and alternatives are not entertained; in such a society, the incumbent is always being questioned, forced to always be on his feet.
Yet, in some instances, diverse societies might be seen to be in fact less advantageous than homogeneous ones. One instance when this might be true would be where the very diversity of the society, in terms of cultures and beliefs, leads instead to the tearing of the social fabric holding society together, resulting in social problems and discrimination. In Indonesia, for example, the presence of different cultures of even the natives themselves has led to unhappiness for example on the part of the Acehnese, who, despite government efforts to increase their wealth and living conditions, constantly see themselves as being separate from the rest of Indonesia and, in fact, even seek to be a separate state. In Singapore too, the very welcoming of foreigners has led to much unhappiness among the locals who view these outsiders as competitors for jobs as well as university places. These thus show that to some extent, a diverse society in terms of people with different cultures and lifestyles might not be more advantageous than a homogeneous one.
Moreover, a diverse society in which alternative political views are encouraged and tolerated might experience political instability, with the government in power unable to garner enough support and respect of the people to be able to be effective in policy-making. This would lead to the inability of the society to progress, as alternative views and opposition voices constantly object to the government and prevent the improvement of people’s lives. However, despite these instances in which a diverse society might be less advantageous than a homogeneous one, I would still maintain that in general, the variety and openness accorded to a diverse society is more beneficial to the society itself, than homogeneity would be. This is so as the above mentioned disadvantages of a diverse society are not the norm, and in the light of today’s globalised and fast-changing world, the diverse society would undoubtedly be better able to position itself to accommodate these changes and to suitable adapt itself to the future.
8:21 PM
It is definitely more advantageous to be a diverse society than a homogenous one. Discuss.
One obvious advantage of a diverse society is quite simply that of an increased variety in cultural traits and traditions. With the presence of a complex multitude of differing cultural groups, each offering their own unique brand of cultural practices and identities, it is almost impossible for one to be able to resist the chance to experience the intoxicating, dynamic blend of these vastly different cultures. This is one phenomenon that governments of diverse societies have observed, which they have translated into every capitalist’s dream – the tourist dollar. By marketing their countries or states as a destination bursting with cultural variety and brimming with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, they are able to establish themselves at the forefront of cultural diversity, and lure the ever-willing tourists who are hungry for a taste of authentic cultural richness.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has definitely made the most out of the nation’s melting pot of different cultures and races, launching a campaign very aptly titled “Uniquely Singapore”. The campaigns banks heavily on the colourful cultural scene that Singapore enjoys, with posters depicting children of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian heritages sharing a bowl of ‘ice kachang’, a Singaporean ice treat, with huge smiles and satisfied faces. STB’s strategy to market Singapore as the Southeast Asian country with the distinctive edge of having a harmonious society has worked wonders. The Straits Times, a Singaporean newspaper, has recently reported that tourism rates in Singapore have increased, with a large percentage of tourists hailing from China and Japan, both of which are largely homogeneous societies without any significant cultural diversity. It is thus fair to conclude that the presence of cultural variety presents countries with the huge potential of amassing economic benefits when handled accurately.
It is also important not to neglect the social benefits that a diverse society is able to cultivate. While racial and cultural tensions are expected and almost a given in areas where distinctly different groups of people coexist, careful management of these situations can not only alleviate such notions of dissatisfaction between groups, but can also lead the people into becoming more tolerant and forgiving towards the habits and practices of an individual from another cultural background. With enough education and exposure, people gain a deeper understanding of belief systems and traditions other than their own and it is likely that people will also become more open towards differences. The result is a harmonious and friendly environment for all to live in.
Singapore has been fortunate enough to be able to maintain this peaceful and tolerant state following the devastating racial riots in 1964. Having experienced for themselves the sheer horror and bloodshed that racial animosity is able to inflict, Singaporeans have since adopted a much more open stance towards their fellow citizens of different backgrounds. The government has also done its part to stimulate healthy interaction between members of different cultural groups, for example allocating a designated quota of different racial groups that are allowed to occupy a block of Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, Singapore’s most common mode of housing. With constant interaction and deeper insights into the different cultures, Singapore has truly created a culturally acceptive atmosphere that will most certainly continue to permeate even the latest of generations.
These advantages are undoubtedly the results of the painstaking efforts of the government and other political parties that have ensured that culturalvariety does not degenerate into cultural revulsion. Indeed, the presence of cultural diversity and the resulting need to manage the associated benefits and problems are tricky issues that make the government stronger and more capable of tackling any future diversions that may head their way. As much as globalization brings about a homogenizing effect that blends the world into a landscape of uninspiring cultural similarity, minority groups will almost always be present, and it is of utmost importance that these groups are not marginalized and unrepresented in the political front. In fact, the presence of a strong, or fair political showing in the Parliament by members of the minorities are usually indications of a healthy political scene that takes into consideration the welfare of all different kinds of citizens, and is not merely concerned with meeting the needs of the majority.
The presidential campaign of the United States (US) candidate, Obama, is considered by many to be revolutionary, a change that may completely transform the face of the US, and even global politics. Being an African-American, he is their representative and spokesperson. Should he be elected as President of the United States, it is almost expected that this group will be given its fair share of the spotlight in political debates, and that its welfare will be treated with much more respect than before. Closer to home, the Singaporean political scene already has established members of different backgrounds and races, representing the four major groups in Singapore. It is a system that has helped Singapore achieve economic and social prosperity following its independence in 1965, and is a prime example of how governments can be strengthened by cultural diversity.
Despite the many advantages that a diverse society can bring to the table, some naysayers continue to believe that a homogeneous society is the answer to the elimination of social and cultural tension. Yet, in their naïve belief that creating a community of people with the same background and the same belief system is key to harmony and the solution to problems arising from diversity, they forget that what needs to take place first if the elimination of the minority: Hitler ‘cleansed’ the world of Jews in the WWII and Rwanda is entangled in the bitter civil war between two of the biggest tribes, each vowing to exterminate the other. The loss of human lives calls into question the perceived ‘benefits’ of homogenization, and the uninformed belief that a homogeneous society has more to offer than that of a diverse one. With careful planning and management, I believe that having a culturally diverse society will give countries a much-needed edge in the increasingly globalised future.
8:19 PM
Is it true that Singapore will be an increasingly difficult place for the have-nots?
When we refer to the have-nots, we are talking about the poor and the lowly skilled and uneducated. They are the ones who lack the wealth, skills or education to keep up with the country’s rapid economic development. Because such impressive economic growth often entails a rise in the cost of living, the poor find it harder to survive when they cannot match a rise in wealth with the rising cost in living. The rise in the cost of living is a result of a chain effect when a country experiences more economic activity. What usually takes place is a rise in profits of a particular firm or a company, corresponding with the rise in income of the employees, which ultimately increases consumption of goods and services by those who have enjoyed a pay rise. However, more often than not, these benefits are unevenly distributed and are only enjoyed by the rich and the higher-middle class. Hence, the inflation, which is caused by increased consumption, will raise the cost of living while the poor see no change to their income levels to cope with this inflation. Just this year, Singapore has seen an all-high inflation rate of 7%. Most of the goods that have seen a price spike are necessary commodities like food and energy that the poor cannot do without. This inflation rate increase was due to a rise in oil prices as global demand for oil increase while global supply decreased. Since Singapore imports most of its resources, the country is very susceptible to external shocks such as that of the oil price increase.
It does not help that Singapore has a lack of strong trade unions to push for increased wages for the poor. The lack of strong trade unions works in favour of foreign direct investment into the country. Moreover, steps taken by the government to redistribute wealth have been questionable. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has always been seen as a form of regressive tax, which is more detrimental to the poor than the rich as it takes up a higher percentage of the poor’s income. Yet, in recent years, the government has actually raised GST from 5% to 7%. Although they claim to have given tax rebates to everyone, including larger amounts for the poor, will this really benefit the poor in the long run? Some have argued that the government should raise progressive taxes (to aid the poor) such as income tax and corporate tax to reduce income inequality. However, how high can these taxes go before the incentive to work diminishes? In addition, the economy is continuously growing. Yet, the government cannot tax the rich and high middle-income groups indefinitely.
The other group of people classified under the have-nots are usually poor. Thus, the uneducated and lowly skilled can be said to be a subset of the poor. The reason why the lowly skilled and uneducated will find it harder to live in Singapore is simple. It is because of Singapore’s shift from the manufacturing industry to a service-oriented industry. As other developing countries start to tap on their comparative advantage of abundance, cheap labour, Singapore has been smart to shift the economic focus onto service- oriented industries like biomedical industries and tourism. Even though the manufacturing of semiconductors for exports still exists, industries producing other manufactured products such as car parts have seen unemployment. Given the fact that they are lowly skilled and uneducated, these people will find it hard to find new jobs in the service industry. In many situations, most are left unemployed for prolonged periods of time while those fortunate enough to find a new job may find themselves with a lower income. This lowering or even loss of income makes the circumstances for the have-nots worse, especially in the light of the aforementioned increasing inflation rate.
Then again, things are not all that bleak for the have-nots in Singapore. Over the years, the government has pumped more of its expenditure on education and the retraining of the lowly skilled and uneducated population. With increasing foreign workers providing competition for lower end jobs, the lowly skilled and uneducated are now pushed to improve themselves, to increase their efficiency and productivity and ultimately better their standard of living. Since the elderly have proved to be more resistant to the idea of retraining, it is the younger generation that the government should be focused on. Aside from providing retraining resources, our education system has also been improved to equip people with the skills and know-how to find decent paying jobs in the future. Polytechnics, which focus on developing the specific skills of the students, have seen a greater student population in the last five years, proving that there have been adequate resources provided to increase the carrying capacity of such educational facilities.
The government has even taken steps to raise the retirement age by creating incentives for firms that hire the old. As such, the burden of an ageingpopulation in Singapore will not fall so heavily on the younger generation, specifically those classified as the have-nots, and this will subsequently make it easier for them to survive in our society. Lastly, Singapore has always maintained a relatively low unemployment rate of 2% to 3%. Though some of those employed may have very low pay, such a situation is still much more optimistic than one with extremely high rates of inflation.
In conclusion, though Singapore has become and will increasingly become a difficult place for the have-nots, there have been several promising steps taken by the government to ease the situation for them. As a result, I am optimistic that Singapore’s economic growth and ever-changing industry will start to benefit and not cripple us in the future.
8:17 PM
Young people are suffering both mentally and morally from a constant diet of mindless images and meaningless sounds.
Britney is not alone. Hollywood’s action films with their hackneyed plotlines that usually involve a sexy hero or heroine saving the world from evil by using a variety of cutting-edge gadgets and an assortment of pseudo- kung-fu moves, meeting the man or woman of his or her dreams, and then living happily ever after, do little to dispel the stereotype. Television networks are equally guilty of the mental and moral corruption of young people by, for example, glorifying the notoriously and unabashedly insipid duo. Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie, on their show ‘The Simple Life’, and condoning shallow perceptions of beauty in plastic surgery reality television show ‘The Swan’. Clearly, a generation weaned solely on such meaningless forms of entertainment must find it difficult to find solid moral or intellectual footing.
Thankfully, however, this stereotype is just that – stereotypical. While it is easy for us to classify modern popular culture as shallow and mindless in its entirety, there are several substantial elements of it that go deeper than the glitzy display of sounds and images produced by Britney and the like. In fact, looking closer at television programmes or music that might seem frivolous at first glance, one often finds that they reflect many major issues and problems that the young in society are faced with today. For example, hit television series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, despite its outlandish title and fantastic plotlines, most of which involve Buffy using her super powers to kill the vampires and various ugly monsters that haunt her hometown, has a large and dedicated following, primarily because of the way Buffy’s relationships with her friends and family are portrayed. Furthermore, important teenage issues like popularity, social stratification, insecurity and self-esteem are explored as we follow Buffy through high school, and youths can often relate to and find solace or even advice in her struggles. One might even argue that the physical dramatization of the fight between good and evil on the show could help its young viewers to realize that evil is real, and teach them that their moral choices do affect their ability to defeat the evils in their own lives.
Even rap, the music genre most derided by ‘true’ musicians because of its gung-ho beat and inelegant lyrics, brings several crucial social issues to light, and can often be much more than the jumble of profanities that it is widely perceived to be. French Muslim rap group Alonso, for instance, has songs that express the disenfranchisement, isolation, and indigence faced by many that belong to that community, and has even helped to raise many French youths’ awareness about this sensitive social situation. As such, it would be judgmental to classify rap music as simply meaningless.
Moreover, in the last few years, we have seen a wave of films and television programmes based on ‘classic’ stories and ideas. The popularization of widely acclaimed novels, such as Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ series in the form of the Peter Jackson films, for example, shows that much lauded tales from decades past are not entirely lost on the young, and that, despite the fact that they have been dressed up in modern soundtracks and special effects, the old, epic themes of valour and brotherhood are still present and respected in the entertainment industries of today. Besides stories, ancient philosophy has also been brought out in modern guise, with the famous ‘Matrix’ trilogy being an example of how ancient Hindu philosophy was woven into a popular action film. Such repackaging of long- valued ideas and traditions in modern theatre must surely hint that today’s supposedly superficial images and sounds could hold quite the same amount of wisdom and insight as older forms of entertainment did.
In addition, we must also question whether or not pop culture itself is all that popular. The 21st century has brought with it such a diverse array of thinking, culture and belief that deviation from the popular is, ironically, becoming increasingly mainstream. ‘Indie’ music and films, so named for their supposedly more individualistic flavour, as opposed to the generic formulae of Hollywood and the Big Five record companies, are becoming widespread, catering to ever-widening niche markets of those who want a more varied diet. Ethnic artists, like Bjork and Clannad, previously shunned by the young as unexciting, have made great headway in sharing their cultures with the Western world, providing youths with uplifting and refreshing musical styles and perspectives. Foreign and arthouse films are increasingly being recognized at trendy film awards festivals, reflecting the shift in the taste of the young generation away from the candy floss of Hollywood and towards the rich, flavourful insights of French, Polish and African filmmakers. The spread of such films and music, which has undoubtedly been aided by the rise of the Internet and massive worldwide file-sharing networks that give technology-savvy teens greater access to such less commonly broadcast media. The open acceptance of such films and music is evidence that not all youths are caught up in the fleshy, flashy thrall of frivolous or ‘bubblegum’ pop. In fact, an increasing number are learning to appreciate and savour more creative, unorthodox, and certainly more mentally and emotionally stimulating forms of entertainment and expression.
Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that the majority of young people today are probably still suffering from the mental and moral obesity that can be blamed on a constant diet of the media equivalent of MacDonald’s. However, with a little discernment and discretion, it is easy to sift the good from the bad in popular culture, or even to sample other less mainstream forms of entertainment. Thus, whether the youth of today are suffering from meaningless media or enjoying the full spectrum of culture and entertainment that our wonderfully diverse society has to offer depends largely on what they themselves make of that choice.
6:48 PM
“Parents are to be blamed for delinquent children of youths.” Discuss.
Delinquency can be defined as the wilful committing of violent or non- violent crimes. As such, it follows that a delinquent child commits crimes in the full knowledge that he is perpetrating an act which cannot be morally sanctioned, thus demonstrating an inadequate grounding in moral principles. The onus lies on a child’s parents to ensure that he is socialised to adopt values cherished and widely accepted in the society in which he is born, because the parents, having made the decision to bring a life into the world, have a responsibility both to it and to its society to ensure that it is groomed to be a functional social unit which constructively rather than destructively affects its community. While genes and inborn characteristics do have a bearing on a child’s mental and emotional developments, environmental factors substantially shape the child as well. Therefore, parents are an immense influence on the child, who is brought up under their care and has a considerable amount of contact with them. Thus, when a delinquent child or youth disrupts societal order with his criminal acts, the direct blame lies on his parents for having failed their fundamental duty to raise a functional social unit.
Yet delinquency often stems from a child’s or youth’s own inadequacies, which can be as crucial a factor as their parents’ failure in delivering on their responsibilities. Emotional insecurities may derail a child from his normal course of development. So may pressures from his contemporaries, his appetites and his circumstances thrust his young mind into confusion and uncertainty and, given that he has not fully matured, put him in a position with which he is ill-equipped to cope. As a result, he may resort to crime to alleviate the pressures burdening him. Because the plethora of external influences a child is exposed to cannot possibility be comprehensively monitored by his parents, and because his innate insecurities and immaturity are part of the natural process of his emotional development that cannot be removed by any act on the part of his parent, these factors that can lead to delinquency are not caused by parental irresponsibility. Thus, the parents are not fully culpable for the development of a delinquent child.
At the same time, the root cause of the so-labelled “irresponsibility” of parents merits closer examination. Should this irresponsibility stem from a fundamental lack of sense of duty on the parents’ part, he should no doubt be held fully culpable for the subsequent wayward turn his child takes. However, parents are often forced into “irresponsibility” by characteristics of the society whose impact they cannot resist. For example, delinquency seen in a child could be blamed on parental negligence, but the root cause of his negligence could be time-consuming career commitments, which both parents have to place priority on order to ensure the financial stability of the family unit. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that more and more women are becoming viable economic units who partake equally in a family’s “breadwinning business”. The varied demands of the modern, globalised world compete with children for the attention, effort and time of their parents. Parents become forced into a situation in which, in order to fulfil another fundamental responsibility of theirs – to safeguard the financial security and hence overall stability of their families – they sacrifice time that could be spent on better grooming their children. In this manner, the opportunity cost of familial stability can be the sound moral tutelage of a couple’s children.
It is thus difficult to ascribe blame wholly to one party or another for delinquent children’s inappropriate behaviour. While the phenomenon is partially brought about due to irresponsibility on the part of their parents, external factors, coupled with their immaturity, are also partly the causes of this aberrant behaviour in children. Parental neglect may not entirely represent a failure on the parent’s part, but may be the product of a series of carefully weighed decisions made by parents to ensure the stability of his family, decisions he has been forced to make due to society’s demands of him. As the issues descend into shades of grey upon careful consideration, parents cannot be fully blamed for delinquent children or youth.
Wednesday, April 2
6:26 PM
In an increasingly globalised world, can people in your country claim to be global citizens?
With the increasing connectivity, Singaporeans are exposed to many media platforms that transmit information about global issues, such as television, radio, the Internet, newspapers and magazines. This has allowed many here to be more globally aware, and to keep in touch with current affairs around the world which may or may not affect us. Nonetheless, this phenomenon has since removed us from the close-mindedness that many societies face, especially in developing countries. The Democrats’ nomination campaigns for their potential presidential candidates, for example, have been closely followed by many Singaporeans, due in part to wide coverage in news media. This has resulted in Singaporeans even being able to be part of this electoral process, endorsing candidates of their own whether it being the frontrunners Obama or Clinton, and experiencing a part of the political process that many young Singaporeans have never experienced before. The outpouring of compassion as seen by the many generous private donations to aid disaster victims of the Sichuan earthquake or Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar is also testament to the nation’s civic- mindedness in the global arena. Such is the extent of globalisation that has allowed our people to be aware of various global events, and even partake of this experiences that these provide.
On a lighter note, many in Singapore have also been part of a different global cultural experience. With connectivity, knowledge of consumer culture has also descended upon our shores, seen by the many savvy consumers who are very in touch with fashion trends and imported waves. So strong is this fascination that many world-renowned retail outlets have set up flagship stores here, as seen in the clothing label Gap having set up one here as well as luxury goods retailer Louis Vuitton. While these may seem superficial and possibly scoffed at by detractors who will argue that this has nothing to do with globalisation, it has to be noted that many anthropologists and sociologists deem consumer culture as perhaps one of the largest determinants of the extent of globalisation, given that the desire to possess and own something is very human in nature. Hence, surprisingly, it is our voracious shopping culture, which especially takes a shine to our imported goods, that has increased our “global quotient”, and perhaps may qualify us to be at least semblances of a global citizen.
One also begins to realise how cosmopolitan and global we really are as a country. Besides consumer culture that has been assumed into our very own, our local community carries many international flavours too. Many expatriates have increasingly flocked to our shores naming safety, cleanliness, stability and the largely global culture here as the main draws, persuading many multi-national corporations to set up regional headquarters here. This may be seen by the burgeoning educational institutions here such as the Tanglin Trust and the Australian International School, that have begun to hunt for local opportunities, and the Global Indian International School campuses. Even local schools have become quasi-international schools, such as MacPherson Primary School which boasts many nationalities studying there, as more expatriates bring their families over. It is perhaps these growing communities of foreigners in Singapore that have contributed to the global mind-set that we possess today, as we begin to shake off our colonial past and become more accepting of other cultures, and even religions. Perhaps, government policy like that of the promotion of facial and religious harmony and the gracious acceptance of foreign talent into our shores has helped us to become people with cosmopolitan mind-sets.
Yet, one also begins to question the authenticity of our supposed global-mindedness, and whether this qualifies us to be fully-fledged global citizens. Even as we embrace opportunities to go for overseas study stints to engage in international experiences, these may be misinterpreted by others to be a fixation with a global education to boost one’s career opportunities. Therefore, anger over foreign talent “stealing jobs” has also been an issue, though it has subsided considerably over the last year. Nonetheless, it is sign of unhappiness at the phenomenon that is labelled inevitable: globalisation. Is Singapore truly global-minded, when we have been labelled “ugly” Singaporeans due to our lack of social graces when travelling abroad? And are we truly embracing global culture, when we celebrate music icons from all over the world, and yet many of us are full of disdain for the future that is attached to the entertainment, like deviant sexual orientation? While one cannot fully embrace all of these and transform into an entity that fully lives and breathes global culture and forget one’s own local identity, Singapore still has some way to go before it may be labelled a country of global citizens. We have succeeded on many fronts in trying to re-orientate our citizens as global citizens, with the many initiatives to inject international flavours such as the upcoming Formula One night race this September and the successful bid for the Youth Olympic Games 2010, to create a more vibrant nightlife and revive the spirit of sport within the community and especially of youth, respectively. Nonetheless, there are many traits that will, for a long time, define us as Singaporeans, such as the “kiasu” mentality of the fear of losing and the general pragmatism of the local population and of global citizens.
Hence, while we may not be able to claim the full mantle of values and traits a global citizen embodies, we cam say that we have at least imbibed a little of the global cultural experience to at least survive in this increasingly globalised world. That said, it is definite that while being a part of global citizens is essentially positive, to be a global citizen and lose touch with one’s local or indigenous cultural identity is an immense loss. It would be a pure shame for one to be able to identify so well with global culture and yet not belong to a certain community. There is no true global community, for the record, as each individual has his or her own cultural baggage that will indirectly influence whatever global identity he or she assumes. As such, while people in my country may not be true global citizens who assume an entirely global identity, we can at least say that we have taken part in what is labelled the global cultural experience, and that, I believe, is all we will ever need.
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