I came across a Caucasian man recently. He was here for the first time in Singapore and he was surprised that Singapore is a country by itself. He thought we were a part of China!!!…How atrocious!!…Blegh!!…And it is even more saddening that a lot of them actually think the same!!…
But then again, how much do Singaporeans of today actually know about Singapore? The older generation – they seem more interested in US politics or developments across the Causeway. The youngsters – they know happenings with Taiwan celebrities, Hollywood hotshots and Japanese or Korean hunks. But ask them to name at least one of member of Parliament of their area, can they?
It is really sad don’t you think? But we have great government bodies that still tries to maintain Singapore’s culture namely the National Heritage Board. Recently, they launched Mission Darkstar - an online game creation competition. The games created will be all about our quaint but mighty Singapore’s history and culture. We hope that by using the game platform, we can reach out to youngsters and hopefully adults alike and share with them some interesting things about Singapore’s history and culture.
We’re called square root 25 and we are taking part in Mission Darkstar. Keep a lookout for us…
Comments anyone?
7 Responses
squareroot 25 i suppose you!
Posted on April 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I think those caucasians fail their world history. Churchill called the fall of Singapore the worst disaster and largest capitulation. It is like not knowing Dunkirk or worse, thinking Dunkirk is somewhere in Turkey .. lol
Have you guys met anyone who stopped reading the papers in 1963 .. and think Singapore is part of Malaysia?
Posted on April 24th, 2009 at 12:41 am
There are many Caucasians that lead insular lives so thinking that SG is part of China – well it just shows how disconnected they are.
I don’t entirely agree that Singaporeans are out of touch with what is going on here. Certainly there is much room for improvement but the statement is much too sweeping.
What’s probably closer to the truth is not knowledge per se but active interest. They know enough of Singapore’s history and heritage (all taught in school or thru grandmother stories) but they don’t feel a connection with their every day lives. I guess we just have too many distractions
Posted on April 24th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
yes! I do have penpals who are surprised of me knowing English, and asked “So Singapore is at which part of China?”
To me, not that I’m not proud of myself being a Chinese, but…. I’m not from China!
Posted on April 30th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
ignorance is not a racial but an individual issue – often related to education. You know how many Singaporeans ask me whether I’m from west or east Germany? Its one Germany since 20 years. And yes, Hitler’s time is over since a little. Knowing world history it
Posted on May 27th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hi Nanie,
This is a sweeping statement which needs correction:
“But then again, how much do Singaporeans of today actually know about Singapore? The older generation – they seem more interested in US politics or developments across the Causeway”.
Pls check out http://www.blogtoexpress.blogspot.com
and the “Blogs of The Same Feather” blogroll linked sites to find out what the older generation bloggers are doing to preserve the memories of Singapore for posterity.
Would appreciation your kind clarification about the “older generation”. Please help to bind, not undermine, the perceived generation gap.
Thank you.
Posted on August 15th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
To Mr James Seah..
I apologise if my words are in any way misunderstood….The things I typed above are perceived due to the research I did while developing my project and I do admit there are some out there who are proud Singaporeans…be it older or younger…but most of whom I met are more interested with external affairs…I am of the younger generation…and the context of the older generation in my opinion and that I came across during my research are those born in the 60s…that is why i have come to that conclusion…perhaps I should have rephrased my sentences and words…If in any way I have offended you or caused any discomfort I apologise and I have read the blog and it feels good that there are people out there who can educate us youngsters just how wonderful Singapore is….Thanks for your comment!…
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
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