Why this title? Singapore is my home and the lion is a very important symbol to us. However, lions are everywhere. What makes the difference is our nationality. The Sing actually signifies this nationality and this Singing Lion is a unique entity that refers to us as a country and as Singaporeans. This was supposed to be my blog address until I was dissuaded to drop the idea.
Anyway, this entry was created because the discussion on Denise's blog got a bit long. I am too long winded for a comments box too. The question was "So why some Singaporeans tend to think highly of other foreign cultures? Do we really thing our culture is plain boring?Are we too busy studying and working for money? Or are we too pragmatic to think that sports is a waste of time?"
It might be too long if I answered all the questions so I refer to the last one, namely, "Or are we too pragmatic to think that sports is a waste of time?" Not everyone would think that sports are a waste of time. However, pragmatism is surely something on the minds of most Singaporean. My friend once remarked that Singaporeans only want instant success. Again not every Singapore is like that but this remark has its basis. Look at our blooming tuition industry. Poor grades? Pay some money and send them to tuition. Parents are surely looking to instantly boost the grades and tried using money to "buy" better grades. In the sports scene, many sports players are "imported" from overseas. I do not know the inner workings but instead of persisting on purely local players and training them, foreign talent is imported. This time we are importing instant success.
Sports is actually a very important source of pride and nationalism. In an era with no wars, the sports areana is possibly where the most national pride is at stake. I think I better stop here because this might get quite long. Maybe another time. For now, let's hope we can Sing like a Lion.
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Hey,
ReplyDeleteGlad that you blogged about this issue. Nice title by the way,"Sing like a lion". :)
You are one of the first few people I knew whom truly feels passionate about Singapore.And that is something to be applauded for.
You brought up one interesting point that is " this time we are importing instant success." This reflects our Singapore
government's mentality.The government not only important foreign talent in the sports sector but also,in the medicine and dentistry profession.
I have one last question for you though.What could Singapore do to improve the sports scene here?
I don't know how it could have been improved. To be fair to them, it is really difficult. However, I would prefer to have more emphasis on training up local youths. It would give aspiring local sports personnels more hope as well. Personally, I feel most proud when I see a local lad running his heart out for the country. It is something no foreigner can be asked to do. The feeling is just different.
ReplyDeleteHey all,
ReplyDeleteLets just say that we are indeed a very pragmatic society. Ask every parent around of our age and they will tell you doing sports will not get you anywhere in Singapore.
The true reason i believe is that athletes are severly underpaid. If the country decides to pay $8000 a month per sportman you will definitely see more people running their lungs out for our country.
Career in sports is a very short one. If you do not earn millions of dollars in endorsements and advertisement how are you going to support yourself in the future.
Dreams of being an athlete are constantly murdered by the way things work in Singapore. As for those imported success there is really nothing to be proud of.
Hey Soon Yee and See Chai,
ReplyDeleteWoah..."murdered"! What a strong word! haha. I guess it is not that bad. Singapore has just begun to take sports seriously.Give Singapore some time.We are still young and our population is small.