National Day is around the corner, and everyone is getting ready for it. From planning events and activities to just looking forward to the long weekend, it is something that everyone just cannot wait for. For most it is a time of patriotism, and for others a time for catching up on rest. Either ways, it is a public holiday, and who does not love public holidays?
On the other hand, does the upcoming National Day events really promote patriotism and love for our country?
Recently, a speaker set was installed in my school canteen compound. During break time on one occasion, they played out a few patriotic local songs, like Home by Kit Chan. And then all of a sudden the National Anthem started playing. Despite the massive noise pollution contributed by 400 students in one single canteen compound, various responses were evident. Some of which went "boo", some of which went "yay" and some of whom who even mocked the situation by standing up in attention. Ashamed am I to say that I am one of them.
What can we learn from this? Is it not the season to be patriotic and to be proud of your country? Is it not a sin to be satirical about the issue?
No disrespect to my home country, but I have always indulged in the fascination I hold over countries overseas. Living in Singapore for so long can be rather dull as you see the same sights every other day. Humans being a species of variety, we are constantly on the lookout to try something new, or to find something different to think about; monotony is despised.
My school has been harping on the idea of situational awareness, and how we should appropriately respond to any situation based on the general perception of the formality of the occasion. So does situational awareness have a part to play in the heart of the matter?
The answer is yes, it does. National Day is a time when Singaporeans come together in celebration of the success of our country's shot at independence. It is a time to display our pride and power. It is a call for patriotism. It is a time where we gather as one people and bathe in the fruits of the labour that our forefathers have so tirelessly toiled upon to uplift us to our position of prosperity and wealth. In view of that, we theoretically should not adopt a spirit of scorn and dishonour
So this Saturday, let us put aside all our hatred and disdain, as we adopt the spirit of patriotism and love for our country, as one people, one nation, and one Singapore.
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