09/08/2019
Wishing all a very Happy National Day!
In recent weeks we have all been hearing so much about racism, brownface and whatnot. I don't know about you but I myself just switched off. Today I'll share a bit about my reality, my Singapore. Growing up as kids in St. Stephens Primary & St Patrick's Secondary schools we all played together happily - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Eurasian, anyone - all friends. Yes we teased each other openly - Mat, Chinaman, Ah Neh, Gragok/ Chap Cheng, Bhai- but that did not affect our friendships or our mutual respect for each other. Now 45 years on, we are still friends :)
NS was another great experience that I personally believe goes a long way in building the bonds and mindset that overcome divisions ( something our Singapore ladies miss out on, and might actually benefit from) . If your section is digging a foxhole, you don't care if your buddies are yellow black brown , whether they worship Allah Buddha Ganesha Jesus or even if they're bladdy green with feathery antennae growing out of their heads. You judge the guy next to you on whether he has the heart and soul, the spirit , to keep going & to carry his weight, to do his part.
So here we are. There's just 3 million of us Singaporeans, and all we have is this lovely little island we call home. We are family. Lets remember that always.We can always have more empathy for each other as family, look out for each other's best interest, be kinder , a bit less harsh and judgemental and yes, joke and laugh over race and religion without rushing to take offence. Lets be accepting of all in our family - rich & poor, elites & ordinary Singaporeans like me, all skin colours ( including green and grey), religious & free thinkers, all sexual orientations including LGBTQ etc.
Singapore is not perfect. Its our work in progress. But we still have much to be glad for & many blessings.
I know I'm being long winded.
But I am proud to call Singapore my Singapore and to be a Singaporean:)
Happy National Day !