Reposted from
Redwire Times Singapore
Let’s face it, for some time
already there’s been a rising wave of xenophobia creeping into
Singaporean society. The fury sparked by the Filipino National Day
celebrations outside Ngee Ann City just happens to be the latest in
a series of unfortunate incidents, all of which have painted a very
negative picture of Singaporeans on the international stage.
Let’s take a look at the most
notable ones in recent times to start:
(a) the HDB curry incident, in
which many Singaporeans called for the eviction of the China
nationals involved for raising their concerns about the smell of
curry.
(b) the Anton Casey incident, where
many Singaporeans called for “Bo Gar See” to be sacked and
exiled.
(c) and the unwitting Filipinos,
whom many Singaporeans stormed internet in protest against their
celebration of their faraway homeland. Some even called for them to
be deported.
The common thread linking these
incidents? The urge to remove foreigners from our soil, based on a
spark, hardly even a flame. Now, what exactly is prompting this?
Perhaps these three factors, all of which are born and bred by the
ruling party.
SCARCITY -
Cost of living is rising, and many
Singaporeans find it difficult to keep up. Already, locals are
tightening their belts, to the point where they don’t to have
children (probably one of the greatest joys in life). This scarcity
breeds selfishness, even against fellow Singaporeans, much less
foreigners. The government has caused this scarcity through unsound
policies, which have brought on inflated housing prices, inflated
car prices, inflated medical fees, and much more (certainly not an
inflated argument -Ed). The worst part? The government doesn’t know
how to fix these problems!
SEGREGATION -
Elitism. Pure and simple. From
young, the Singapore government carves our local population through
the education system, under the guise of meritocracy. Our status in
life appears to be sealed right from that time, and we build our
own in-groups and networks based on that status. These groups tend
to be sealed off from the rest, what more foreigners from whom we
are distanced.
SOLIDARITY -
Not in a group, but true solidarity
– isolation. Singaporeans don’t have a support network to fall back
on should we fall on hard times. The bureaucratic process prevents
many from seeking welfare grants (which leads the government to
further believe that these grants aren’t important). The lack of
pensions for the elderly means many continue to work at a time when
they should be enjoying the fruits of their labour. This absence of
compassion for Singaporeans is precisely what promotes anxiety,
anger and inevitably a “me against the world” mindset.
The Singapore government has bred
this rising discontent amongst Singaporeans through its half-baked
policies over the years. And it is only making life worse with each
step forward. Singaporeans must shoulder part of the blame for
their actions. Or rather inaction in ensuring a sound government is
in power to lead. The body follows the head.