S'pore flag & pledge - a makeover???
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Over the past 2 days, I was thinking about our beloved S'pore flag and pledge. I was in particular thinking about their relevance in this day and age, since both are possibly outdated at almost 50 years old.
I was blogging that perhaps it's time for both to have an extreme-makeover, to better reflect our contemporary realities.
Any ideas how the hypothetical new flag should look like, or the hypothetical new pledge should read? My ideas are in my blog below, if you wish to have a look. But I'm more interested in your ideas... -
the national anthem got change a bit
not in terms of lyrics but the music did go thru some modifications.......
dun think flag and pledge can suka suka change one
and change for wat???? -
change sing in English or Singlish!!!!!!!!!Originally posted by FireIce:the national anthem got change a bit
not in terms of lyrics but the music did go thru some modifications.......
dun think flag and pledge can suka suka change one
and change for wat???? -
Originally posted by blueheeler:
America's flag didn't change for 400 over years so why change our flag?
Over the past 2 days, I was thinking about our beloved [b]S'pore flag and pledge. I was in particular thinking about their relevance in this day and age, since both are possibly outdated at almost 50 years old.
I was blogging that perhaps it's time for both to have an extreme-makeover, to better reflect our contemporary realities.
Any ideas how the hypothetical new flag should look like, or the hypothetical new pledge should read? My ideas are in my blog below, if you wish to have a look. But I'm more interested in your ideas...[/b] -
o ok you want to change the design of
the flag ar
CAn , you pass me the design
Later , i will be meeting MR Lee for high tea
then i will pass it to him whether he like your
idea a not...
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Hi Fireice,
Haha, of course National flag and pledge cannot anyhow change lah...
I'm talking about 'symbolism'. If the flag and pledge are 'sacred' symbols of Singapore, then we need to rethink how relevant these symbols are today. These symbols were created 50 years ago, and today, do the incorporated ideals then still reflect who we are as S'poreans in this modern age?
I'm interested in getting views on how we reflect on 'who' we are as S'porean, based on the ideals enshrined in the flag and pledge.
Deep stuff hor? -
Which Lee?Originally posted by noahnoah:o ok you want to change the design of
the flag ar
CAn , you pass me the design
Later , i will be meeting MR Lee for high tea
then i will pass it to him whether he like your
idea a not...
Oldest one , old one, young one or junior one?
LKY father, LKY, LHL, or 2Lt Lee -
the symbols and meanings are chosen bcos they can last forever (almost)
these kinds things dun change with time bcos they are not meant to reflect oni a certain era or a period of time...
they are general things tt are applicable even after generations -
Why waste time, the old one good enough laio haha
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Originally posted by blueheeler:
Scared of your flag and pledge? Spelling error?
Hi Fireice,
Haha, of course National flag and pledge cannot anyhow change lah...
I'm talking about '[b]symbolism'. If the flag and pledge are 'scared' symbols of Singapore, then we need to rethink how relevant these symbols are today. These symbols were created 50 years ago, and today, do the incorporated ideals then still reflect who we are as S'poreans in this modern age?
I'm interested in getting views on how we reflect on 'who' we are as S'porean, based on the ideals enshrined in the flag and pledge.
Deep stuff hor?[/b] -
I cut&paste this about the pledge from my blog "
Singaporeans know it by heart. How can we not? From ages 7 to 16, we said this every Monday-Friday in school. We repeated this so often that we just concentrated on the 'sounds', as not many of us actually THOUGHT about what it means.
So, here is the pledge. Please read it slowly, allowing the meaning of each word to sink in. Then as you finish, allow the meaning of the entire pledge to sink in...
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
On hindsight, the pledge reads well; a little too well if you asked me. While the key words are simple enough to be understood, I find that this ease of comprehension lulls us into agreeing with the ideals inherent in the pledge; it lulls us into complacency. We get complacent because it appears that S'pore is currently 'living out' the pledge; as if everything written already exists here in sunny S'pore.
In S'pore, do we really subscribe to the notion of "regardless of race, language or religion"? Can a Malay or Indian become prime minister or defence minister? Can a non-English speaking S'porean become an MP? And what about peace-loving Jehovah's Witness serving jailtime in S'pore as they refuse to carry arms during compulsory army-training? Maybe "regardless of race, language or religion" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
How about "to build a democratic society"? Yes, time and again the govt emphasise we are a democracy: we hold regular elections where (almost) everybody can contest and/or vote. Does the buck stop here? How many democracies in world have been ruled by the same ruling party for the past 40 years...uninterrupted?? And how about the 'independent' Elections Commission in S'pore; one that reports to the prime minister's office? Maybe "to build a democratic society" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
What then "based on justice and equality"? Surely with the govt using the term 'meritocracy' ad nasuem, there must be some truth in it, right? S'pore's brand of justice is swift and efficient, I agree. But what about justice for 'overseers' whose oversight resulted in run-ins with the law/establishment? The continuing NKF saga appears to have not put the Ministries overseeing it into the spotlight? But why not, since these ministries gave NKF the 'permit' - and thus tacit 'oversight' - to operate? Where is the 'justice' for the incompetent head-honchos of the Info-Devpt Authority who overpaid Singtel S$300,000,000 (yes, 300 million)? And what about 'equality', especially with all this talk about the tangible elite/commoner divide in S'pore? Maybe "based on justice and equality" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
And finally, "so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation". "Happiness"? Is the 70 year old who has to work 12-hr-days cleaning our foodcourt rubbish 'happy'? If the exec works 60hr weeks just so to pay off his Jaguar and landed property, while neglecting his family, "happy"? We have "progressed" in many tangible areas, but what about civic-mindedness, or political consciousness, or environmental awareness? Has our conscience "progressed"??
But I do agree 100% that we have achieved "prosperity". No questions about that.
So, there you have it....I've edited our new pledge; one that truly reflects what S'pore is today:
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
so as to achieve prosperity for our nation. -
wow very well sayOriginally posted by blueheeler:I cut&paste this about the pledge from my blog "
Singaporeans know it by heart. How can we not? From ages 7 to 16, we said this every Monday-Friday in school. We repeated this so often that we just concentrated on the 'sounds', as not many of us actually THOUGHT about what it means.
So, here is the pledge. Please read it slowly, allowing the meaning of each word to sink in. Then as you finish, allow the meaning of the entire pledge to sink in...
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
On hindsight, the pledge reads well; a little too well if you asked me. While the key words are simple enough to be understood, I find that this ease of comprehension lulls us into agreeing with the ideals inherent in the pledge; it lulls us into complacency. We get complacent because it appears that S'pore is currently 'living out' the pledge; as if everything written already exists here in sunny S'pore.
In S'pore, do we really subscribed to the notion of "regardless of race, language or religion"? Can a Malay or Indian become prime minister or defence minister? Can a non-English speaking S'porean become an MP? And what about peace-loving Jehovah's Witness serving jailtime in S'pore as they refuse to carry arms during compulsory army-training? Maybe "regardless of race, language or religion" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
How about "to build a democratic society"? Yes, time and again the govt emphasise we are a democracy: we hold regular elections where (almost) everybody can contest and/or vote. Does the buck stop here? How many democracies in world have been ruled by the same ruling party for the past 40 years...uninterrupted?? And how about the 'independent' Elections Commission in S'pore; one that reports to the prime minister's office? Maybe "to build a democratic society" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
What then "based on justice and equality"? Surely with the govt using the term 'meritocracy' ad nasuem, there must be some truth in it, right? S'pore's brand of justice is swift and efficient, I agree. But what about justice for 'overseers' whose oversight resulted in run-ins with the law/establishment? The continuing NKF saga appears to have not put the Ministries overseeing it into the spotlight? But why not, since these ministries gave NKF the 'permit' - and thus tacit 'oversight' - to operate? Where is the 'justice' for the incompetent head-honchos of the Info-Devpt Authority who overpaid Singtel S$300,000,000 (yes, 300 million)? And what about 'equality', especially with all this talk about the tangible elite/commoner divide in S'pore? Maybe "based on justice and equality" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
And finally, "so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation". "Happiness"? Is the 70 year old who has to work 12-hr-days cleaning our foodcourt rubbish happy? If the exec work works 60hr weeks just so to pay off his Jaguar and landed property, while neglecting his family, "happy"? We have "progressed" in many tangible areas, but what about civic-mindedness, or political consciousness, or environmental awareness? Have our conscience "progressed"??
But I do agree 100% that we have achieved "prosperity". No questions about that.
So, there you have it....I've edited our new pledge; one that truly reflects what S'pore is today:
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
so as to achieve prosperity for our nation.
keke
i think we will nominate the guy as the next candidate
for the next election sia
wonder he joining which one , PAP ar .......... -
I agree policies are formulated based on economics.Originally posted by blueheeler:I cut&paste this about the pledge from my blog "
Singaporeans know it by heart. How can we not? From ages 7 to 16, we said this every Monday-Friday in school. We repeated this so often that we just concentrated on the 'sounds', as not many of us actually THOUGHT about what it means.
So, here is the pledge. Please read it slowly, allowing the meaning of each word to sink in. Then as you finish, allow the meaning of the entire pledge to sink in...
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
On hindsight, the pledge reads well; a little too well if you asked me. While the key words are simple enough to be understood, I find that this ease of comprehension lulls us into agreeing with the ideals inherent in the pledge; it lulls us into complacency. We get complacent because it appears that S'pore is currently 'living out' the pledge; as if everything written already exists here in sunny S'pore.
In S'pore, do we really subscribed to the notion of "regardless of race, language or religion"? Can a Malay or Indian become prime minister or defence minister? Can a non-English speaking S'porean become an MP? And what about peace-loving Jehovah's Witness serving jailtime in S'pore as they refuse to carry arms during compulsory army-training? Maybe "regardless of race, language or religion" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
How about "to build a democratic society"? Yes, time and again the govt emphasise we are a democracy: we hold regular elections where (almost) everybody can contest and/or vote. Does the buck stop here? How many democracies in world have been ruled by the same ruling party for the past 40 years...uninterrupted?? And how about the 'independent' Elections Commission in S'pore; one that reports to the prime minister's office? Maybe "to build a democratic society" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
What then "based on justice and equality"? Surely with the govt using the term 'meritocracy' ad nasuem, there must be some truth in it, right? S'pore's brand of justice is swift and efficient, I agree. But what about justice for 'overseers' whose oversight resulted in run-ins with the law/establishment? The continuing NKF saga appears to have not put the Ministries overseeing it into the spotlight? But why not, since these ministries gave NKF the 'permit' - and thus tacit 'oversight' - to operate? Where is the 'justice' for the incompetent head-honchos of the Info-Devpt Authority who overpaid Singtel S$300,000,000 (yes, 300 million)? And what about 'equality', especially with all this talk about the tangible elite/commoner divide in S'pore? Maybe "based on justice and equality" should be removed if we keep mouthing the words but not put it 100% into practice.
And finally, "so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation". "Happiness"? Is the 70 year old who has to work 12-hr-days cleaning our foodcourt rubbish happy? If the exec work works 60hr weeks just so to pay off his Jaguar and landed property, while neglecting his family, "happy"? We have "progressed" in many tangible areas, but what about civic-mindedness, or political consciousness, or environmental awareness? Have our conscience "progressed"??
But I do agree 100% that we have achieved "prosperity". No questions about that.
So, there you have it....I've edited our new pledge; one that truly reflects what S'pore is today:
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
so as to achieve prosperity for our nation. -
America's flag did change. They added more stars over the years. One star for each state.Originally posted by ICanOnlyHope:America's flag didn't change for 400 over years so why change our flag? -
Ok thanks for the info but this isn't much change fundamentally just stars added.Originally posted by JLennon:America's flag did change. They added more stars over the years. One star for each state. -
Thats true.... you need a revolution for ppl to accept a fundamental change to the nation's colours.Originally posted by ICanOnlyHope:Ok thanks for the info but this isn't much change fundamentally just stars added. -
Our Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
so as to achieve prosperity for our nation.
We did not practice that?
when eggs price up due to bird flu in Malaysia & Indonesia.
Malaysia & Indonesia Local eggs price down, we suffer PRICE UP? -
Woah you are treading on dangerous grounds. Careful.
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Maybe the government will engage a consultant for the makeover, and after $400K, the consultant will recommend that the flag and pledge remain unchanged, just like renaming of Marina Bay to Marina Bay.
Let's not waste time on symbolism that the public don't care about. -
Hello? This is the national flag we're talking here, not some avatar you use in sgforums.
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Don't know, don't care.
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I also have a suggestion for the post-makeover S'pore flag. But since I can't paste the photos here, go to my blog if you want to have a peek.
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If it aint broke, why fix it?
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althought this is not the design of a flag
but it the most solid sign i like
Look so impressive with the power of that eagle fiercesome look
[/img] -
That eagle looks ready to be bbqed over a slow flame to me.