An Opinion on National Identity....
Here's an interesting opinion piece, from TODAY Sat 16 Aug.
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LITTLE THINGS FOR THE LITTLE ONES
-----------------------------------
Deputy Editorial Director
chitrarajaram@mediacorp.com.sg
A RECENT local survey revealed that a third of Singaporeans are willing to
switch citizenship or take up permanent residency elsewhere if the
opportunity arose. Add to that the fact that almost30 per cent do not feel
a sense of belonging to Singapore.
Should we be worried about the figures? Are they reflective of a general
loss or lack of emotional attachment among Singaporeans for their own
country? Is Singapore being perceived more and more as a place where they
can make money — only to move on when other greener pastures beckon.
Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest so.
Many Singaporeans tend to have this view of foreigners who take up
permanent residency here: "They are here for their business — the kids
eventually go to America to study while these foreigners return to their
own countries."
Well, those are the foreigners. What about Singaporeans who are born here, go through the system and still get lured away. It is one thing to spend many years away studying. But to go away to study and never come back is a tragic loss for Singapore.
How does one remain rooted to his or her country? Loyalty to country, to
people or to an object is a very complex emotion and till today not easily
fathomed by scientists and sociologists.
Basically, one is looking for an attachment, a sense of identification
with and feelings towards a person, place or thing. How does one create
that emotionalattachment among Singaporeans?
According to sociologists, certain factors contribute to such emotions.
The nationality of who we are and what we are takes root very early — even
before birth. The cultural expectations and understanding of the
parentsgrowing up in a particular country form a lasting impression on
children from a very young age.
Studies in America have shown that children form emotional attachments to their country even before they can intellectually understand concepts.
A study in Tennessee showed that 25 per cent of first-graders chose the
American flag as best. And by the time these children moved up to a higher
grade, almost 100 per cent felt the same way about the flag. A similar
study in suburban New York of kindergarten kids found that the childen put the Stars and Stripes first.
So, what can Singapore do? For a start, a review of what is being taught
at kindergarten to primary school ought to be done. Not the English, Maths
and Science syllabi, there is already too much emphasis on these.
How much Singapore history is being taught? I fear almost nought.
Baby boomers like me remember when we learnt history and geography in
primary school. That has since been scrapped.
Singapore's rich history and heritage is something that should be exposed
to kids from a very young age. It need not be for examination purposes but
for young Singaporeans to get a sense of what this little country is all
about.
Yes, there are moral education and civics/social studies education classes
but they are not quite the same. And Singapore's history should not be
confined to primary school and above. The feelings of "my Singapore" must
be instilled when the children are still in kindergarten. It doesn't have
to be too complicated.
Instead of singing national songs around National Day, why not have them
all year round for the little ones. Here I mean fun national songs —like
Australia's Waltzing Matilda. The infectious ditty is not only Australia's
unofficial anthem but also loved by many around the world — who could
forget about the kookaburra who sits on the old gum tree?
At least, these songs will then have meaning for them as they would have
grown up with them.
How many of our four- to six-year-olds know anything about Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the Merlion or even understand the Singapore Flag.
Little things like the National Flag, the Constitution, what do they
symbolise and mean?
There is so much Singapore has achieved and so much to be proud of. Merely reciting the pledge mechanically every day is not the way to go.
As Simone Keller said in his latest book, The Limits of Loyalty: "In
significant measure, our flourishing as persons is made possible by the
existence of stable polities and rich cultural traditions, a fact that may
justify citizens in having a patriotic attachment to the country of their
birth."
But this message has to be articulated and instilled very early with a
sense of pride, otherwise, it will be a futile exercise.
While sceptics might find this a tad simplistic — to hope that this one
intervention will solve the problem — it is worth giving it a shot. Some
may even argue that America is a much older country compared with ours,
with a grander heritage and history. But we will never know, will we?
After all, research has shown that rootedness, loyalty and emotional
attachment to one's country all begin at a very young age and become only
stronger as children grow into adults — which explains why people are
willing to die, conquer Everest for their country or even do crazy things.
Perhaps, someday, there will be some crazy Singaporeans among us.
---------------------------------------------------------------
LITTLE THINGS FOR THE LITTLE ONES
-----------------------------------
Deputy Editorial Director
chitrarajaram@mediacorp.com.sg
A RECENT local survey revealed that a third of Singaporeans are willing to
switch citizenship or take up permanent residency elsewhere if the
opportunity arose. Add to that the fact that almost30 per cent do not feel
a sense of belonging to Singapore.
Should we be worried about the figures? Are they reflective of a general
loss or lack of emotional attachment among Singaporeans for their own
country? Is Singapore being perceived more and more as a place where they
can make money — only to move on when other greener pastures beckon.
Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest so.
Many Singaporeans tend to have this view of foreigners who take up
permanent residency here: "They are here for their business — the kids
eventually go to America to study while these foreigners return to their
own countries."
Well, those are the foreigners. What about Singaporeans who are born here, go through the system and still get lured away. It is one thing to spend many years away studying. But to go away to study and never come back is a tragic loss for Singapore.
How does one remain rooted to his or her country? Loyalty to country, to
people or to an object is a very complex emotion and till today not easily
fathomed by scientists and sociologists.
Basically, one is looking for an attachment, a sense of identification
with and feelings towards a person, place or thing. How does one create
that emotionalattachment among Singaporeans?
According to sociologists, certain factors contribute to such emotions.
The nationality of who we are and what we are takes root very early — even
before birth. The cultural expectations and understanding of the
parentsgrowing up in a particular country form a lasting impression on
children from a very young age.
Studies in America have shown that children form emotional attachments to their country even before they can intellectually understand concepts.
A study in Tennessee showed that 25 per cent of first-graders chose the
American flag as best. And by the time these children moved up to a higher
grade, almost 100 per cent felt the same way about the flag. A similar
study in suburban New York of kindergarten kids found that the childen put the Stars and Stripes first.
So, what can Singapore do? For a start, a review of what is being taught
at kindergarten to primary school ought to be done. Not the English, Maths
and Science syllabi, there is already too much emphasis on these.
How much Singapore history is being taught? I fear almost nought.
Baby boomers like me remember when we learnt history and geography in
primary school. That has since been scrapped.
Singapore's rich history and heritage is something that should be exposed
to kids from a very young age. It need not be for examination purposes but
for young Singaporeans to get a sense of what this little country is all
about.
Yes, there are moral education and civics/social studies education classes
but they are not quite the same. And Singapore's history should not be
confined to primary school and above. The feelings of "my Singapore" must
be instilled when the children are still in kindergarten. It doesn't have
to be too complicated.
Instead of singing national songs around National Day, why not have them
all year round for the little ones. Here I mean fun national songs —like
Australia's Waltzing Matilda. The infectious ditty is not only Australia's
unofficial anthem but also loved by many around the world — who could
forget about the kookaburra who sits on the old gum tree?
At least, these songs will then have meaning for them as they would have
grown up with them.
How many of our four- to six-year-olds know anything about Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, the Merlion or even understand the Singapore Flag.
Little things like the National Flag, the Constitution, what do they
symbolise and mean?
There is so much Singapore has achieved and so much to be proud of. Merely reciting the pledge mechanically every day is not the way to go.
As Simone Keller said in his latest book, The Limits of Loyalty: "In
significant measure, our flourishing as persons is made possible by the
existence of stable polities and rich cultural traditions, a fact that may
justify citizens in having a patriotic attachment to the country of their
birth."
But this message has to be articulated and instilled very early with a
sense of pride, otherwise, it will be a futile exercise.
While sceptics might find this a tad simplistic — to hope that this one
intervention will solve the problem — it is worth giving it a shot. Some
may even argue that America is a much older country compared with ours,
with a grander heritage and history. But we will never know, will we?
After all, research has shown that rootedness, loyalty and emotional
attachment to one's country all begin at a very young age and become only
stronger as children grow into adults — which explains why people are
willing to die, conquer Everest for their country or even do crazy things.
Perhaps, someday, there will be some crazy Singaporeans among us.
Comments
We really don't need more propaganda infused in our education system.