HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
SINGAPORE!
It’s been a long time since I blogged about National Day. I felt the urge to blog about NDP 09 because it is the best I’ve ever seen and it has reaffirmed my commitment to the country.
Many of my friends know that I yearn to live elsewhere, maybe California, but I’m in fact very proud to be a Singaporean. I used to be, still am, and I’m pretty certain that I will be in many years to come. Nonetheless, does my desire to live elsewhere mean I do not cherish my roots here?
Get it right – I love to be a Singapore citizen but that doesn’t mean I have to live in Singapore as a testament of my loyalty. What then does it mean to be a Singaporean?
Queuing up/ signing up for the damn-hard-to-get NDP tickets? Saying the pledge just because we’re told to do so at 8.22pm on 9th Aug 2009? Or are we Singaporeans just by the very fact that we are born and bred here?
Yes, many Singaporeans have a list of things to lament about holding the PINK IC – CPF, ERP, HDB and MRT – but deep down, we still love Singapore…. right?
NDP 09’s committee invited famous bogger, Mr Brown, to blog about the parade behind-the-scenes. Despite his famously satirical commentaries on government policies and local issues, his contribution to Singapore is undisputed. He bridges the link between the government and the masses, in particular, those whose eyes are affixed onto the websphere all day long, otherwise known as the “online generation,” as well as the overseas Singaporeans. If not, why would Mr Brown be worthy enough to be part of the contingent for Singapore Day in London this year?
Consider this: If no one complains, would Singaporean youths know what’s going on (good or bad) in Singapore if we do not read the daily newspapers religiously?
No, online social media is the channel through which most youth learn about current affairs. If not for social media, would you have known about the ANA’s advert about Singapore:
Can’t understand? Offended by it, perhaps?
Watch this for the English subtitles:
Or…
Laugh at the Russians for twisting the legend of the Merlion?
“MERLION name was picked for a reason. It was inspired by the Asia-Pacific region – the origin of products which were a starting point in the company’s distribution business. The idea was to link the new name and ancient chronicles of inhabitants of the Indian Ocean’s islands. These chronicles mention a mythical character “half-fish, half-lion”, or Merlion – the guardian angel of Singapore.
One of the legends tells that ages ago a giant beast lived in the area, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The beast was guarding the ancient Singapore. When Merlion saw an enemy, its eyes would lit up with red fire and burn the foe to ashes. Never ever has Merlion missed the danger. And one day, when the country was menaced by a terrible storm, the majestic creature came out of the sea and saved humans from inevitable peril, and the country – from inevitable destruction. People of Singapore still worship Merlion. To commemorate their savior, they have built the 37 meters high stone sculpture of the lion-fish.
All legends chant Merlion as a brave and reliable defender of the country and its people. We chose the name of Singapore’s legendary guardian MERLION as the symbol of power, reliability and unfailing duty.”
If you had laughed at these, you know you’re a Singaporean.
Some of us may complain about everything under the sun for our own benefit or… simply because it is in our culture to do so. Just complain. At least there’s a chance that things would improve, some would say. Some of us may be apathetic because we feel that we may not be able to change anything… but when asked for our opinion, we do have something to say about it. The truth is, we may not be well-rooted here in Singapore by the traditional yardsticks but we are expressing our love for Singapore and giving back to the society in a different way, be it intentional or not.
As I’ve mentioned, NDP 09 is the most successful thus far. This year’s theme “Reaching out, reaching up” was extremely well done. It ventured out into the heartlands, shopping centres, and even online through its website, all forms of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and through mouth – or rather words – of famous bloggers, Mr Brown and Cruz Teng. There were kids giving out some cards in the city to wish Singaporeans “Happy National Day” in advance. I do not recall so much hype leading up to the NDP in the past. I applaud the committee for that. They know what they’re doing and how to do it right.
Also, for once, NDP was not dominated by those abstract mass displays which many Singaporeans can’t identify with… except for its aesthetics. This year’s line up was radically different. There were skits and significantly more song performances by local talents (other than the lip-synching combined school choir, but of course almost everyone else lip-synchs during NDP because they can’t afford to screw up). While Electrico’s “What do you see” isn’t as catchy and memorable as previous NDP songs, it’s definitely comparable to popular songs written by any US/UK band. That’s how they managed to connect with the youth of today. Catchy and folk-like NDP songs aren’t their thing, really.
Though I must say I prefer those folkish songs, especially Kit Chan’s “Home”=p
And of course, there was the “Pledge Moment” at 8.22pm. I heard the chime from home. I guess it came from Downtown East. But I didn’t recite the pledge. I just didn’t think that would make me less of a Singaporean. I’ve heard it being recited by my students in school but how many of them really know what they’ve committed themselves to? (And what’s the use of reciting it over and over again huh?) Do you think the Primary One kids know what a “democratic society” means? Come on, the origin of democracy (from the Greeks) is only taught in the Primary 5 English syllabus. That aside, I must say it’s a good movement. At least it offers youths who are matured enough to know what the pledge means the opportunity to reflect on what we had offered and what we have to offer to Singapore.
“Mean what you say,” the stage display read.
And no, you don’t have to craft a plan of how you can contribute to Singapore. You will probably do it naturally in one way or another. What the pledge moment aims to achieve is not so much as to remind you of what you SHOULD DO, but what you SHOULD NOT DO.
“regardless of race, language or religion”
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