Ok, this is rare that I will be writing such a entry, as I don’t like to write about political stuff. I believe that it is a very sensitive and touchy topic. However, this particular incident happened recently that kind of perturbed me.
On that particular day, I was having lunch with my friends in a restaurant in town, and happened to be seated beside a table with a lady and her kid. When the service crew(who looked like he was in his 30s) helped to clear away their plates, I happened to overheard the lady telling her kid that he needs to study hard in future, in order to get a good job and good pay, so that he won’t end up like the service crew.
Well, it’s not the first time I have heard parents telling their kids about all these stuff. It’s kind of depressing, and if the service crew heard it, I believe it will hurt him a lot too. Is this the way parents should teach their kids? I believe that one can be successful in ANY trade, as long as they put their heart and efforts into the job. We shouldn’t judge a person by their occupation or salary. More Singaporeans are educated nowadays, but they seem to have forgotten basic courtesy and respect for each other. Are we improving or regressing as a society?
That was not the end of it. The lady was continuing her conversation with her kid as they were walking out of the restaurant, and I continued to eavesdrop (she was talking pretty loud that it was hard for me not to listen).
Lady: “So.. What do you plan to be in future?”
Boy: “I think I want to be a veterinarian in future, mum. I want to save the lives of cute animals.”
Lady: “What?? A veterinarian doesn’t earn much in Singapore! Let me tell you. Grow up to be a politician.”
………………..
I felt DISGUSTED. A mother trampling on the young mind and dreams of her own child, and trying to impose on her kid her own dreams and expectations for the kid.
Does this mean that in today’s society, doctors, lawyers and engineers aren’t the most respected and desirable occupations anymore for our future generation? I believe that the thinking of this mother, and some others are caused by the enormous paycheck of our politicians. Is this the correct and healthy mindset for our kids?
Just a thought.
Concerned Singaporean
*The writer blogs at http://pinkofskin.com/