Are you proud to be Singaporean?
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Hi fellow forumers,
There is a recent article in the Straits Times that interviewed young
Singaporeans if they are proud of their heritage.
Though I find this to be another piece of media nationalist manipulation, however, it has got me thinking.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I am sure that many of you are too. That's why we serve NS(though complusory), unite when Malaysia slanders us, accepted Newater so readily.....That's why we post our comments on issues that goes on around Singapore, on many matters that at once infuriates and disgust or unite and bond us. We post comments in the hope that there are more avenues to express our ideas, take active participation in policy making and be assured that our government remains fair and transparent.
My point being; what more can be done to further this nationalistic sentiment and walk toward a more progressive society?
What makes you proud? -
[color=olive]I agree with u[/color]Originally posted by bertoluci:Hi fellow forumers,
There is a recent article in the Straits Times that interviewed young
Singaporeans if they are proud of their heritage.
Though I find this to be another piece of media nationalist manipulation, however, it has got me thinking.
I am proud to be a Singaporean, and I am sure that many of you are too. That's why we serve NS(though complusory), unite when Malaysia slanders us, accepted Newater so readily.....That's why we post our comments on issues that goes on around Singapore, on many matters that at once infuriates and disgust or unite and bond us. We post comments in the hope that there are more avenues to express our ideas, take active participation in policy making and be assured that our government remains fair and transparent.
My point being; what more can be done to further this nationalistic sentiment and walk toward a more progressive society?
What makes you proud?
so we
get mahatir to to keep whacking us? -
i accepted new water only becoz i had no choice
i doubt that the govt would ever let us buy water from M'sia
mahathir was a dickhead but what abt our own people?
i've met more arrogrant sporeans than humble ones in my life
i used to be proud when i was younger but now after seeing things from others eyes , i dun really know anymore
i think right now i'm proud of singapore, but sporean is something else -
i dun like singapore. but i'm stuck here.
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So what is so bad about newater that you have to look at it from such a negative perspective... that you only accepted it b'cos you didn't have a choice. Shouldn't you take pride in the fact that s'pore has the technology and the capabilities to make Newater a reality??Originally posted by oldbreadstinks:i accepted new water only becoz i had no choice
else -
Hmm.Originally posted by damz83:So what is so bad about newater that you have to look at it from such a negative perspective... that you only accepted it b'cos you didn't have a choice. Shouldn't you take pride in the fact that s'pore has the technology and the capabilities to make Newater a reality??
I think Newater's an amazing thing. If made less costly to produce, it could jolly well save everyone and everything's lives in time to come
It's made from waste water, but the normal water that we drink and use was also waste water once. -
i dun understand wat u meant by tt.Originally posted by oldbreadstinks:i doubt that the govt would ever let us buy water from M'sia -
not bad lah
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the water we're currently drinking already has so many chemicals in itOriginally posted by damz83:So what is so bad about newater that you have to look at it from such a negative perspective... that you only accepted it b'cos you didn't have a choice. Shouldn't you take pride in the fact that s'pore has the technology and the capabilities to make Newater a reality??
i dun even know what they are going to add in the new water
to make my piss drinkablei dun understand wat u meant by tt.
it means they dun like each other and we can drink each other's piss after the contracts expire -
well. it is the opinion of pm goh tt we shud continue to buy water frm msia even if we are able to supply enuff for our own consumption. the interdependence is more impt in relation building and sustaining.Originally posted by oldbreadstinks:it means they dun like each other and we can drink each other's piss after the contracts expire
if there comes a time when we need to ration water due to various reasons, i think u will be glad singapore has the technology to purify water to such an extent, the courage to take up this technology and sell it to its people, and the people who understands the need to drink such water rather than resist it totally.
i wont be surprised if one dae, most of the world would resort to desalination and waste water recycling. the supply of fresh water around the world is already short. -
what you said is extremely valid. it is a fallacy to believe that if Singapore were to stop buying water from Malaysia that we would be able to, perhaps, stop bickering.Originally posted by wuming78:well. it is the opinion of pm goh tt we shud continue to buy water frm msia even if we are able to supply enuff for our own consumption. the interdependence is more impt in relation building and sustaining.
if there comes a time when we need to ration water due to various reasons, i think u will be glad singapore has the technology to purify water to such an extent, the courage to take up this technology and sell it to its people, and the people who understands the need to drink such water rather than resist it totally.
i wont be surprised if one dae, most of the world would resort to desalination and waste water recycling. the supply of fresh water around the world is already short.
Newater is just like the SAF, it acts as a deterrent and serves the message to Malaysia that though we have our own supplies we would be extremely reluctant, but not hesitate, to use it. -
that is just lame, look you have a choice, much like everything else.Originally posted by dumbdumb!:i dun like singapore. but i'm stuck here.
if you want it hard enough you will get to live in your foreign paradise.
then again it does not matter that you don't like Singapore because Singapore do not like you too. -
B, I'd question how constructive that sentiment is - it goes back to the "quitters" issue. When that speech came out, the people I know who had left Singapore were pissing themselves laughing - it only served to reinforce their belief that leaving Singapore was the right thing to do. The unfortunate bottom line is that the "quitters and stayers" framework was an extremely childish way of viewing the situation - imagine a government saying "fine - I don't want to play with you either!".Originally posted by bertoluci:then again it does not matter that you don't like Singapore because Singapore do not like you too.
Before we answer the question "Are you proud to be Singaporean", we first need to define exactly what "a Singaporean" is. Some may see it as being resourceful and hardworking, while others may focus upon the kiasu side of things. Obviously, the answer would come out differently in each of these cases.
After ten years overseas, I don't know if your question could be answered with a simple "yes" or "no".
There are certainly advantages to being Singaporean. As fraught as it is with flaws, the education system has served me well. Then again, coming from SJI, where we influenced by Irish and Australian brothers, I suspect that my education was more cosmopolitan than that in government schools. National service is a concept that I certainly support - being in countries without national service, it becomes apparent that Singaporeans are more resilient than people in other countries. Without a social welfare system (at least until recently), Singaporeans are more independent.
That said, Singaporeans do have their shortcomings. The average Singaporean could certainly stand to be more socially and politically aware. Singaporeans also tend to be excessively conservative, and in being unwilling to explore and experiment, they do not make the most of their potantial. The "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality typical of the kiasu Singaporean has also done a lot of harm - by using other people as a benchmark, Singaporeans tend to be somewhat misdirected in their personal development. -
i don't mind being S'porean, not proud. there's no flag behind me. i stand on the side of humanity, justice, and freedom.
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dun be too sure abt thatOriginally posted by bertoluci:then again it does not matter that you don't like Singapore because Singapore do not like you too.
but sometimes i think abt staying behind and i get the feeling i'm the one who lost out
not the "quitters" -
okok.. i did some 5 seconds reflection...
its alright i guess. the gov is doing a good job keeping us alive.. wat goes on behind closed doors i dunno la...
its the pressure the gov put on ppl tt pisses me off la..
puts kids in a meaningless mindless stress inducing pursuit of paper.
then students go commit suicide or smth.. -
Socially - I am proud of the peace in the community, and for the discipline of ALL SINGAPOREANS in accepting the COMMON SENSE appeal for respecting the MUTUAL RIGHTS of each other to exist and develop TOGETHER in this small island.
I am certainly proud to be identified as a Singaporean.
Culturally - I am proud of the achievements in the local Art Scene, and the many simple efforts at the grass root levels of the Community, through INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVES to bring Singapore to a higher level of Cultural Activities.
I am certainly proud to be identified as a Singaporean.
Educationally - I am proud of the quality of education that Singapore has been able to achieve through the early INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS by altruistic Singaporean philanthropists, and for the earnest efforts from CONCERNED Singaporean Parents across all ethnic lines for their children to achieve high education standards, and for the sacrifices made by parents, children, and teachers.
I am certainly proud to be identified as a Singaporean.
Militarily - I am proud to have contributed my best days of my youth for the sake of National Service, and have provided energy and intellect to ensure safety and correct levels of discipline to push those under my charge to perform at a high level of morale and efficient readiness; all of which have contributed my part to the recognition of the high standards of the SAF.
I am certainly proud to be identified as a Singaporean.
Legally - I am proud of the 'quality of the efforts' made for a super efficient Justice System that dispense justice expeditiously; but it will be questionable if justice is practised fairly, when the Singapore Law looked at the Accused as being GUILTY until HE PROVE HIMSELF INNOCENT; when the Justice System is operated as a Commercial Entity charging an Hourly Rate for the rental of the Court Room, the services of the Justice Personnel - and making the Justice only available to the RICH; when the Justice System is held in tight reins by the Government leaving the Justices with little leeway to interprete laws that are poor legislated by the Government; and when one standard of justice applies to the Ruling Party, and another applies to all other Singaporeans.
I am not so proud to be identified as a Singaporean.
Politically - I am horrified at the manner in which POLITICS is 'played' in Singapore, and need I described it further.
I am ashamed to be identified as a Singaporean in a supposedly First World Singapore led by supposedly Leaders with First World Standards but who practises Third World Politics with the MENTALITY of Politicians from the Third World.
I am ashamed to be identified as a Singaporean when my fellow Singaporeans will laughed at anyone for being foolish to stand up for Singaporean's POLITICAL RIGHTS only to be slapped down by the Government, and to be sentenced to jail.
I am ashamed to be identified as a Singaporean when One Singaporean can goad another Singaporean to take a POLITICAL STAND while himself preferring to watch from the sidelines, with a deep set fear of giving any substance beyond mere verbal moral support. -
i think the gov did not really put the pressure. its more like the ppl put pressure on themselves. o cos how we spurred and grew so quickly also contributed to it.Originally posted by dumbdumb!:okok.. i did some 5 seconds reflection...
its alright i guess. the gov is doing a good job keeping us alive.. wat goes on behind closed doors i dunno la...
its the pressure the gov put on ppl tt pisses me off la..
puts kids in a meaningless mindless stress inducing pursuit of paper.
then students go commit suicide or smth.. -
MAJULAH SINGAPURA -
Does this flag belong to the common Singaporeans ?
No Singaporean is allowed to display the Singapore Flag unless specifically allowed by the Government through its weekly gazzette.
The Singapore Law does not allow any Singaporean to display the flag on its premises unless on specific occassions allowed by the Law.
The flag belongs to the Singapore Government.
Unlike other countries that allow their Citizens to proudly raise the Flag of their Country each morning, and lower it each evening, this opportunity is not allowed to common Singaporeans to express our pride in the country within our private properties.
In some establishments - Government and Civilian - the Singapore Flag remains flying all day and all night, and treated like some simple advertisement material.
Visit Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and you will see the disrespect given to the Singapore Flag that remain fluttering at night.
Drive around Singapore to see the Flag fluttering at the flag poles all day and night - at the properties of industries and commercial buildings.
Why are the Citizens allowe to display its pride in the Flag, only during the 15 days before and after National Day ?
Is the Flag not suppose to be the property and pride of ALL SINGAPOREANS ? -
wat about Changi Airport??Originally posted by Atobe:Does this flag belong to the common Singaporeans ?
No Singaporean is allowed to display the Singapore Flag unless specifically allowed by the Government through its weekly gazzette.
The Singapore Law does not allow any Singaporean to display the flag on its premises unless on specific occassions allowed by the Law.
The flag belongs to the Singapore Government.
Unlike other countries who allow their Citizens to proudly raised the Flag of their Country each morning, and lower it each evening, this opportunity is not allowed to common Singaporeans to express our pride in the country.
In some establishments - Government and Civilian - the Singapore Flag remains flying all day and all night, and treated like some simple advertisement material.
Visit Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and you will see the disrespect given to the Singapore Flag.
Drive around Singapore to see the Flag fluttering at the flag poles all day and night - at the properties of industries and commercial buildings.
Why are the Citizens allowe to display its pride in the Flag, only during the 15 days before and after National Day ?
Is the Flag not suppose to be the property and pride of ALL SINGAPOREANS ?
WEll...the law has been amended lately that we are allowed to use th Flag unless prohibited by the Government. -
u seem to be contradicting urself. u lament the fact tt we canot display the flag freely. at the same time, u complain tt the flag is displayed at various installations around singapore all day and night.Originally posted by Atobe:Does this flag belong to the common Singaporeans ?
No Singaporean is allowed to display the Singapore Flag unless specifically allowed by the Government through its weekly gazzette.
The Singapore Law does not allow any Singaporean to display the flag on its premises unless on specific occassions allowed by the Law.
The flag belongs to the Singapore Government.
Unlike other countries that allow their Citizens to proudly raise the Flag of their Country each morning, and lower it each evening, this opportunity is not allowed to common Singaporeans to express our pride in the country within our private properties.
In some establishments - Government and Civilian - the Singapore Flag remains flying all day and all night, and treated like some simple advertisement material.
Visit Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and you will see the disrespect given to the Singapore Flag that remain fluttering at night.
Drive around Singapore to see the Flag fluttering at the flag poles all day and night - at the properties of industries and commercial buildings.
Why are the Citizens allowe to display its pride in the Flag, only during the 15 days before and after National Day ?
Is the Flag not suppose to be the property and pride of ALL SINGAPOREANS ?
even around national day when we display our flags at our houses, do we keep them in the evening? -
Read the part that distinguish the display of the flag by Singapore Citizens within its PRIVATE Property, which is quite different from GOVERNMENT and CIVILIAN Commercial and Industrial Properties.Originally posted by wuming78:u seem to be contradicting urself. u lament the fact tt we canot display the flag freely. at the same time, u complain tt the flag is displayed at various installations around singapore all day and night.
even around national day when we display our flags at our houses, do we keep them in the evening?
Exactly, when the flags are displayed at our house, it is used as a tool to instill pride during that slot of days around National Day.
Those living at HDB flats will hang out the flag like an advertisement material.
No one lower the flag at dusk.
Is there respect inculcated in the handling of the Flag ? -
so u are saying tt all displayed flags shud be kept in the evening, regardless of where they are displayed?Originally posted by Atobe:Read the part that distinguish the display of the flag by Singapore Citizens within its PRIVATE Property, which is quite different from GOVERNMENT and CIVILIAN Commercial and Industrial Properties.
Exactly, when the flags are displayed at our house, it is used as a tool to instill pride during that slot of days around National Day.
Those living at HDB flats will hang out the flag like an advertisement material.
No one lower the flag at dusk.
Is there respect inculcated in the handling of the Flag ? -
Have you not been through National Service to notice the Flag Raising at dawn, and the lowering of the Flag at dusk ?Originally posted by wuming78:so u are saying tt all displayed flags shud be kept in the evening, regardless of where they are displayed?
This is a practise of respect given to a State Flag, to prevent damage and harm to the Flag, and has been practised by all nations and its citizens.