Proudly Singaporean?
I've been thinking about patriotism and what makes me a Singaporean lately. Guess that's cos I read and heard various people talking about how they would move to another country for better quality of life and more freedom, and how they wouldn't die for Singapore. But would they die for an adopted country? Or would they just move on again should troubles strike them in their adopted land?
I admit I've thought about and even tried to move permanently to another country when I was younger. But when push came to shove, I returned home to Singapore. Why? Well, my mother needed me, and I realised that "home" is where I belonged, and that home is where my family, friends and loved ones were. Of course, I still think occasionally about moving away, especially when the weather gets hot or I get irritated by stupid Singaporeans...but there are stupid and irritating people everywhere in the world!
I am proud to be Singaporean and of my PINK IC. Yeah, guess it's a bit embarrassing when I see that in black and white,and I'm sure some people will think I'm mad! I've received a good basic education for the first 12 years of my academic life, I'm able to walk the roads safely even at 3 in the morning, and I am free to travel the world with my little red biometric passport. If I was a Malaysian (those poor souls!), I wouldn't be able to go to Israel just because my government didn't recognise it and would be frowned at if I wore a short-sleeved tee outside of my home. In many countries, I would be grateful just to have 3 meals a day, while in others, I would be glad just to live to the end of each day.
That's why I always wonder what the heck people are complaining about when they talk about having no freedom in Singapore! Like what sort of freedom do they want? Freedom to own a gun?? Freedom to vote in a crappy politician who is smooth and suave (just think "Bill Clinton") but can't deliver on his/her promises and would have sex with anything in a skirt?? Freedom to throw tomatoes at your MP when he can't give you a lift on every floor? Grow up folks! Be grateful for what you have. I know I am....that don't mean I don't complain every now and then (I'm a Singaporean after all!), but I thank God that I have a safe haven in which I can dream dreams and envision a better future.
My mum and me always joke about how we're always happy to be back to our "Home Sweet Home" after each overseas trip. Corny, but the sight of the straight rows of trees and flowery bushes lining the straight, pothole-free ECP would soothe my tired spirits, and I'd look forward to opening the door to my home. Bliss indeed.
To all those who would give up their Singaporean ID for another country's in a flash....let me just say that there is no perfect country or perfect government in this world. And this country is not all that bad, just open your eyes and your heart to it, and you'll see what I mean.
I admit I've thought about and even tried to move permanently to another country when I was younger. But when push came to shove, I returned home to Singapore. Why? Well, my mother needed me, and I realised that "home" is where I belonged, and that home is where my family, friends and loved ones were. Of course, I still think occasionally about moving away, especially when the weather gets hot or I get irritated by stupid Singaporeans...but there are stupid and irritating people everywhere in the world!
I am proud to be Singaporean and of my PINK IC. Yeah, guess it's a bit embarrassing when I see that in black and white,and I'm sure some people will think I'm mad! I've received a good basic education for the first 12 years of my academic life, I'm able to walk the roads safely even at 3 in the morning, and I am free to travel the world with my little red biometric passport. If I was a Malaysian (those poor souls!), I wouldn't be able to go to Israel just because my government didn't recognise it and would be frowned at if I wore a short-sleeved tee outside of my home. In many countries, I would be grateful just to have 3 meals a day, while in others, I would be glad just to live to the end of each day.
That's why I always wonder what the heck people are complaining about when they talk about having no freedom in Singapore! Like what sort of freedom do they want? Freedom to own a gun?? Freedom to vote in a crappy politician who is smooth and suave (just think "Bill Clinton") but can't deliver on his/her promises and would have sex with anything in a skirt?? Freedom to throw tomatoes at your MP when he can't give you a lift on every floor? Grow up folks! Be grateful for what you have. I know I am....that don't mean I don't complain every now and then (I'm a Singaporean after all!), but I thank God that I have a safe haven in which I can dream dreams and envision a better future.
My mum and me always joke about how we're always happy to be back to our "Home Sweet Home" after each overseas trip. Corny, but the sight of the straight rows of trees and flowery bushes lining the straight, pothole-free ECP would soothe my tired spirits, and I'd look forward to opening the door to my home. Bliss indeed.
To all those who would give up their Singaporean ID for another country's in a flash....let me just say that there is no perfect country or perfect government in this world. And this country is not all that bad, just open your eyes and your heart to it, and you'll see what I mean.
Labels: Singapore
posted by Heather @ 3:53 PM
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