I realized something sad but surprisingly motivating today. While I was studying overseas, the only thing I missed about Singapore were my family, friends and the perks of living in a (dare I say) supremely safe place. Isn’t it a shame? Apart from safety, the other two things don’t really have much to do with Singapore. While I can’t say that that is how all Singaporeans feel, I think I can safely say that something is lacking in our little island state.
As to what that might be, I’m not entirely sure. In fact, how can anyone be sure of what it is? We are one of the youngest countries in this world. And when we’re a young country, we don’t really have an identity or a unique culture because we are still figuring it out. It’s just like when we were teenagers. We used the process of trial and error to discover who we are. And I think it is no different for Singapore. We as a nation, are still figuring it out.
The only problem is that when we were teenagers, we had people telling us what we should do and how we should act. Not knowing any better, we follow. Because why wouldn’t we? The people who have the ability to influence us are supposedly wiser and care about our well being. And that is what I feel we as Singaporeans did. We listened to big brother because they knew what was best. And during the early days, they did. In fact, they were pretty spot on.
But times have changed. And now we are stuck in a vacuum of unhappiness. We no longer feel like Singaporeans in Singapore, we no longer feel like this is a place we can call home and we no longer feel like this is where we belong.
But you see, we can’t blame anyone for the past and what it has led to. No one has perfect foresight. We can only hold OURSELVES accountable for letting THEM carry on doing what they do even if it hurts us. It is on us now. We have to be the change we want to see.
If you choose to be a fatalist, you will suffer. However, it wouldn’t be as much as your children will. If you think Singaporeans are unhappy now, imagine how our children will feel if nothing changes? And that is something worth considering. If you feel something is wrong, debate, discuss, compromise if you have to and make a change.
Don’t just sit there and accept it as it is.
Don’t just complain about it.
And even worse, don’t create animosity and resentment. It is certainly too late for that and it won’t solve anything. As someone once told me, a community means what you can do for others not what others can do for you.
It is time we make a change and make it quick.
I am a Singaporean by birth. And while the idea of leaving to another (“better”) country is incredibly irresistible, I shouldn’t have to. WE shouldn’t have to. We need to work together to find a way for everyone who lives on our island to not only live harmoniously but to live happily. Let me emphasize it again. HAPPILY.
So let’s make sure we remind ourselves everyday that Singapore is the Republic of Singapore and not Singapore Private Limited.
Nicholas Patrick
TRS Contributor