Politics that divide us

In the past 3 to 4 weeks, I saw what it meant to be "involved" in politics and to understand, as a non-voter, a youth and most importantly, a citizen what people meant when they say that the General Elections are not a "game of cards" (As the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew put it). Initially, I was shy and rather reluctant in sharing my personal views on matters despite having strong views. After one encounter with one of the posts shared by one of my friends on Facebook, I decided to weigh in on the matter. From there, I continued to comment and then moved on to sharing links of blogs consisting of certain political views I shared or disagreed with and proceeded to add my commentary. Last but not least, I shared my long essays on Facebook (which I do apologise for if you did not like such long posts).

Yet, I had a few observations which I had to share and put up on my blog. 

First, as I begin to share more and more on Facebook, I became more and more passionate about by beliefs. However, as passion grew, so did irrationality. I begin to only look out for posts that seemed to argue for the side of PAP (being a firm supporter, though not blindly supporting, I hope). Posts from that of The Online Citizen were often ignored and I would try my best not to post anything against the PAP (though I did post a few eventually). I had my bias, it clouded my judgement when I look back now. I could have chosen political discourse (whilst taking my political stand) and yet, I chose political bias. I observed people I knew through Facebook, post rather irrational and rather anecdotal experiences that seemed extremely bias, often in the hopes of swinging votes to the their side (though to no avail). I also saw passion which became uncontrolled and irrational. I saw that in my posts. I realised that for many (not all), when it comes to politics, much of it is choosing one camp/ school of thought or the other. There was no middle ground, for many people. And I looked back on all that had happened this year; The Passing of our Founding Father, SG50 Celebrations and then the elections and I wondered, "How could we be so united, so joyous and yet, so divided and unhappy all in one year?" This didn't make sense. We came together as one during the Passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew but when it came down to the elections and the 2 weeks of campaigning and rallies, Singapore became rather vicious especially on Social Media (not excluding myself from this classification). The question that rang most in my mind was this: Why is Politics so divisive? We can't say that Politics is like that so we should just accept it. It didn't make sense.

Second, I kept seeing this common theme popping up in manifestos and news reports all over social media and mainstream media. This theme was about the involvement of the youth in politics. In the Workers' Party manifesto, I clearly remembered that they recommended that the voting age be changed to 18 to allow greater political engagement of the youth from a young age. I am not here to tackle the suggestion (though I do have my personal opinions on this) but I believe that this theme was not a justified issue. There was simply no evidence that youths were not "politically engaged". It just seemed like a simple over-generalisation that, because youths don't seem to be posting much about it or seem to be talking about it much, so, they aren't interested. I think this is similar to the same name-calling of our generation of youths as the "strawberry generation"; soft on the inside, weak and unable to handle pressure. I know youths who are interested in the issues of politics but do not seek to talk about them, in fear that their views may seem over-simplified, or form arguments that are not at the level of more mature thinking. I think, encouraging them to take part in this discourse is more important than saying things like what was written by, surprisingly, a 16 year old student in the Straits' Time Forum "Youths interest essential in future"

Last but not least, I saw the nastiness of some politicians and netizens with their comments and statements that they made which were inappropriate or had no value-addedness; even after results were out. During the first telecast of the discussions between representatives of each party, Lawrence Wong came out and (intentionally or unintentionally) attacked Chee Soon Juan, regarding his past and this created a stir. Sim Ann did the same thing in her rally speech and it didn't add any form of value to the discussion during that time which was about the different party's policies (absolutely irrelevant in their case). I discussed this with my dad and he shrugged it off with the statement, "This is Politics." But my reply was a simple one, "No, this is the Western view of Politics that we have chosen to subscribe to." Another instance was a statement mentioned my K Shanmugan when asked about why PAP did so well in this election and he said "The Singapore public, they are very discerning. You can't hoodwink them. You can't leave a lot of questions unanswered on the table and go to rallies and say, I have answered all the questions" I don't know whether he meant it in the way people understand his statement but I felt that he was implying that the Opposition (particularly the Workers' Party) had deceived voters. It was a strong word and perhaps, not suitable to many especially since it came across as arrogant. 

All these observations showed me a few things. We, as a nation, have shown to come together and have recently, shown to be more loving and kind. We can do it and it is not something totally out of reach. And yet, we selectively choose when we want to be nice and kind which is something we should try to move away from. How, then, should we take part in political discourse 5 years from now? The answer is simple. Treat others with respect both on and offline, understand their point of view (as I have had the pleasure of understanding from my Facebook Friends) and take every opinion with a pinch of salt. The solution isn't to selectively read because we will read sources that are bias. Instead, we should read EVERYTHING understanding that the person who wrote it, is bias. 

In the Prinsep Street Facebook Group, I was extremely inspired by the message of Reverend Darryl which reminded me of the responsibility that we had as citizens as well as Christians to vote in leaders who we believed would be able to best "bring[s] about a society that promotes peace, stability, godly values and righteousness." I will leave you with the last part of his message for us below and hope that this will remind us that we stay united as one people regardless of our political views

"Regardless of the outcome of this General Election, Paul reminds us in Romans 13:1 that, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Further in verse 7, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” This is a remarkable exhortation, for Paul was calling first-century Christians to submit to the Roman rule – which was effectively totalitarian and oppressive – and to respect and honor those who ruled over them." 

People who develop others

As the General Election approaches next Friday, social media is filled with posts from the different political parties. But, today is an important day for a particular group of people, perhaps more important than those who are campaigning. It is Teachers' Day. Teachers' Day is the celebration of the efforts of the people who have not only taught us the very content that we will eventually forget but also the life lessons that we will never forget.

Since Primary School, I have always been that one annoying, naughty, mischievous and probably one of the most difficult students (probably still am) and I was never an easy kid to handle. I will remember the days, I almost got stripped of my Prefectorial Position in Primary 6 because I bullied one of my classmates (on hindsight, I now understand the gravities of my action. Sorry Christopher and Ms Samsinar) and that was one experience I will never forget because it was instances like these which brought me to a new low every single time such an event occured. But these "lows" didn't stop. It got worse and worse. In Secondary School, I was asked whether I would like to step down from Council because I had been disobedient and rude to one of my teachers (it seems like I have a thing for being stripped from  Council). In Secondary 2, I was called out by my form teacher (Mrs Oh) almost every lesson for being disruptive and Mrs Oh would find either one of my BB Teachers to complain about my behaviour and how I was not willing to change my ways. But these bad experiences were what resonated with me and will continue to stay with me for the rest of my life. In my Presidents' Award Interview, one of the panellist asked me why I wanted to become an educator in the future and my simple answer was, I wanted to change lives just as my life was changed by my teachers. I had described my poor attitude back in Secondary School and showed nothing but disrespect to my teachers. 

Yet, they didn't need to continue to change me because at that point in time, I was beyond hope. But it was the patience that they possessed which struck me. They had no reason to care. It was outside their pay cheque to change my life, it was beyond their duty. And yet, they did.

Teachers go beyond the classroom. Sometimes, they change your lives totally.

Everyday, I feel a calling into education, not because they were nice to me or because they taught well but because, they were strict and ensured that I cultivated a set of values. Often, we, as youths are disgruntled by everything under the sun. Teachers who "don't teach very well", teachers who "don't care" or teachers who just "don't seem sincere". I have said such things before. But I realised that on hindsight, when I look back, every teacher has had made an impact on my life, some more than others.

Teachers don't build our castles for us, they provide the materials, the guidance and encouragement to do so. They let us decide how we want to build our lives but never unnecessarily interfere in the process. Let Teachers' Day not just be a day where we give thanks but let us take every opportunity to look back and see who helped us to build ourselves when we were not able to do it on our own and I am truly thankful to God for delivering all of my teachers!

To all teachers/ educators out there, the work never gets easier, dealing with students and now, parents. But press on! For the work is indeed meaningful, with perhaps little return for you but know that the returns will only be seen 10, maybe 20 years down the road. May God keep you and Bless You