Ticking Time Bomb?

Cystaire SG

Singapore is a small city state, with many idiosyncracies.

One unique feature is the resentment towards the elite. In many countries, the term "elite" has a positive connotation, which simply means excellence. In Singapore this term is extended to also mean "inner circle" and has a generally negative connotation.

Of course, people across many cultures tend to root for the underdog and prefer not to be seen as too supportive of any authority structure. The situation in Singapore is not different in kind, but different in degree.

I have talked to a foreign colleague who is quite surprised at how quickly and how intensely young people are polarized in this us-vs-them elite struggle. Students of elite schools are universally despised by all other students, especially if they have rich and/or powerful backgrounds.

Current poll results demonstrate that the people of Singapore as a whole do not disprove of the current power structure. The unpredictability of the younger, more rebellious voters have not yet materialized.

My question is: are these people who are very against the elite merely a very vocal minority, or symptomatic of a very silent majority?

maurizio13 SG

I think the displeasure stems from the difference between meritocracy and cronyism.

Darkness_hacker99 SG

Sadly to say, it’s symptomatic of a very silent majority.

ShutterBug SG

Let me verify and affirm your query on; "are these people who are very against the elite merely a very vocal minority, or symptomatic of a very silent majority?"

It is the latter - the very silent majority, which is growing like a cancerous tumour.

The new and young generation is all about FREEDOM to pursue the life they want. If they can't get it here, most will fly the coop for the freedom and life they seek. Those who can't fly, will stay on grungingly and stockpile like dangerous and very flamable materials.

Our gov should wake up, otherwise, an avalanch can really happen with just a very small catalyst of an issue.

winterwhite SG

Yes, it is the common grudge among the silent majority. Few dare to speak up out of fear most of the time. The others have been too brain-washed to be able to think rationally while others are just absolutely apathetic.

Most of the brightest minds have left or are contemplating leaving. For example, one of my NUS friends with 1st class honours and a CFA is no longer staying in Singapore. A few friends/acquaintances with PhDs or are pursuing one now also want to leave here as soon as their bond is over. One of their sore points is that FT is favoured over local citizens, even if the local ones have better results or credentials. Singaporeans start off with pathetic pay while FT come here on much more attractive terms with housing allowance.

The deep-rooted sense of injustice will fester as Singaporeans are increasingly being treated like 2nd-class citizens while FT are fawned upon, ranging from prostitutes to cashiers.

I just went to a restaurant for dinner and the sulky cashier from China had the rank of an assistant manager ! There were a few other local waitresses with better service and attitude but hell, they were unranked! Dont understand why a cashier who is an asst manager has to be some sullen-faced monolingual person when locals are much better than her!

Mad Mad

ShutterBug SG

This is the result of our gov SUCKING UP to the leader of China, for a share of their economic pie!!!!

eyebuzz SG

Not a ticking time bomb, but a nation of peanuts, u can't beat them, join them, we already got a head start, we are in it... meritocracy, never give up!!! Laughing

The Importance of Being Elite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtavgfcZrvs&eurl=

Members have its priviledges.

Cystaire SG

Let's discuss this. Smile

I think the ferocity of the response to "elite uncaring face" incident is indicative of a flammable populace. Foreigners are surprised that Singaporeans made such a big deal out of some ramblings of a teenager. Their impression is that Singaporeans are unforgiving and picky.

In fact there was a Filipino blogger who sided with Wee Shu Min and thought that she was smart for her age. Why would we be so disgusted by someone who was able to think about stuff greater than shopping and fashion, she said.

This elite resentment is indeed fairly unique to Singapore.

asdfzhao SG

it doesn't matter how others see us.
its how we see ourselves.

although the third party sees things wihtout bias, but they usually only see one side of the picture and their thougths are roughly affected by thier surroundings and environment. so, third party's views may be taken into account, but not extremely seriously. it is us after all who decides who takes up the role of the PM.

just my thoughts...

Hogzilla SG

The triple Wee saga is just a catalyst. If Snr Wee didn't put his feet in, it will only be a storm in a teacup, with the teacup's name called "cyberspace". Since Snr Wee wants his 15mins of fame, then he should have it.

I'm not surprised at the foreigners' surprise, because they only see Singapore through the bird-eye view. If they had lived in Singapore as an average Joe, they might see things differently. Afterall, if this incident didn't occur, we might see a Miss Wee Shu Min running in an election, as an MP in near future. I'm sure that no one wants a person who thinks that others should "get out of my elite uncaring face" to solve their problems, when they run into one that they can't solve.

WSM was smart for her age, but she "was" smart. The "elite uncaring face" entry shows that she is actually not that smart, after all.

charlize SG

"Get out of my elite uncaring face"

Most quoteworthy statement of the year. Laughing

Hogzilla SG

I think I need to retract my word about catalyst.

This incident is rather like an unveiling ceremony. Most of the time, the us vs. them issue was hidden well and a lot of us lived with it, treated it like nothing had happened. But the triple Wee saga surfaced this problem to everyone and bring it closer to all.

We were just making a response to this question. Like what MP Maliki had said, we should solve our own problems.

Isis SG

"Elite" in army refers to the Scholars, Master, Phd and first class degree. They are not judged based on real merits and efforts. What crap and What meritocracy the country is trying to promote ? Being intellectual smart does not mean u can lead and strategise nor have moral integrity for people to respect and look up to.
What is the logic for using paper certs to gauge one ability in the army?

These unfairness do exist.

"Elite" are deemed as smart and bright future. This is not true. Most of the successful entrepreneurs do not have high education background.

Ms wee is smart alright but she is bad in Public relation and common sense. I cant believe her daddy whom is a MP possess no common sense.

if the elite learn how to fawned to the less elite group which is the majority, maybe the situation could be better. However, most of the elite i know are rather snobbish but then im sterotyping here again.

Anyway u r no elite to me when u r snobbish one.

eyebuzz SG

ST Forum Page, Dec 18, 2006
That bursary letter should not discourage students

I AM writing regarding the yearly Edusave Merit Bursary the Ministry of Education (MOE) gives out to the top 25 per cent of the student population.

For two years, my daughter has done well enough to receive the letter on the bursary.

She was very excited last year as it was her first year in school. The letter should have given her a confidence boost.

However, in the letter, she was told that in order to apply for the bursary, her family income must not exceed $4,000. She was visibly upset. Why send her the letter when the award could not be given? I am not writing to apply for the bursary. I can well afford her education.

But I just wonder if this is the right way to motivate young inquiring minds.

For two years, I have written to MOE and all I want is for her to be given a certificate for a job well done. Period. She can choose to frame it and be reminded of her efforts.

When the letter came this year, she was not so excited as she knew what to expect.

I believe MOE can be more creative or less rigid by ensuring students get what they deserve, not just in monetary terms but in encouragement as well.

Chan Chwee Leng (Mdm)

How is it that's so easy for one to be so upset about? Embarassed

Hogzilla SG

If we are talking about adults, ya, I agree, it's nothing to be disapoointed about. But we are talking about kids, dude.

Kids get disappointed, sometimes, over tiny whiny things. I can understand the child for feeling disappointed.

eyebuzz SG

Point taken. Wink

Darkness_hacker99 SG

I think parent should frame up the letter as a cert lor.