A student asked me this question. Are Singaporean youths apathetic? I quietly thought about it for a few moment, and nodded, albeit with much sadness.
In today’s Singapore, many youths are still concerned with scoring good grades,fighting to stay first in the rat race and materialism or competing with each other on having the latest fashion or electronic gadgets. However, approach any of them about politics or current affairs and you would be easily brushed off with a “aiyah don’t be stupid” or “how does that concern me?”. That is apathy at its best and is definitely Singaporean. I cannot speak for the world as I do not consider myself well travelled enough, but judging from the strong online presence of youths involved in the upcoming US’s elections and the huge student activist movements that occurs frequently in Europe, I think it is safe to say that youths in USA and Europe are far from apathetic unlike Singaporean youths.
Let me accept that this seems to be changing: small gradual change that started from a very small base. However, this could be very much due to pragmatism. Singaporean youths could possibly be more interested in current affairs today because 1)General Paper/O levels English requires it. 2)issues that affect them directly for eg different bus fares for poly students vs JC and secondary school students. I am heartened, albeit with a tinge of regret, to see that youths care only about issues that affect them or their grades but not out of genuine interest in making this world a better place, or to fight for rights that are being denied in this city-state although these rights might not affect them directly yet. However, for those who are genuinely concerned and seek to make a difference,it is never too late. Better late than never, right?
We need to get youths to be genuinely interested in current issues and rights, not interested out of their own selfish needs and turn their backs once the issues do not concern them. Such sustained interest is required if we want our country to move forward and compete in a rapidly globalizing world. If our youths only care about themselves and remain apathetic, such mentality will most likely carry over to their adult lives, when they remain more caught up in the rat race and become more dissociated than before to current affairs, especially politics and social issues. What this will result is a country that has a distinct lack of heart, a country which citizens are bounded to by monetary gain, and a country which its own citizens will abandon once it cannot provide the monetary benefits that they only seek.
The number of Singaporeans emigrating is already alarmingly high. In a globalising world, this is something we must accept graciously, instead of branding them as “leavers” like MM Lee Kuan Yew which does nothing useful but confirm these people’s beliefs that leaving is the best, and worst of all further alienate people who are considering leaving. Accepting graciously does not mean doing nothing. In fact, by being gracious and extending the hand of friendship to these ex-Singaporeans, Singapore has much to gain and nothing to lose. These people will be reminded of their roots and know that whenever they wish to return, there is always Singapore who will welcome them back. By remaining engaged with these people, we are offering them the opportunity to work with us from abroad and contribute to Singapore in their own ways. Lest this becomes an article on emigration(another time), let me switch back to the problem of apathy that afflicts Singaporean youths today.
I think that to properly engage youths, it has to be a top-down approach with a gentler touch that focuses not on results but on the process. Students need to have more dialogue sessions with school authorities and government leaders. Such sessions should never be politically motivated, although this is easier said than done, given PAP’s past records. A critical mass has to be reached. Once the critical mass of students who are genuinely passionate and interested about different issues is established, such enthusiasm and support can spread throughout the student population. Schools need to put less emphasis on rote learning. Social studies aka propoganda teaching should be replaced by classes that are not bounded by any government-dictated curriculum, but on current issues. Free-er rein should be given to the teachers to discuss and explore any issues that he/she might feel would interest the students and keep them engaged and motivated. There is no need for any tests for this subject. School authorities must also play their part and loosen up and encourage greater expression of views and student participation in issues that concern them directly. They should not be brought up thinking that the school/state will settle any problem for them, and its none of their business. The list of suggestions is not exhaustive and I am sure there are many more.
Apathy in youths today can be more dangerous in the future than we envisage. Materialism has already taken root in Singapore’s society. Do we want a country in the future where the citizens only care about money and emigrate once they can’t find any? Being apathetic leads to a sense of disengagement from society, and its a fact that disengagement from one’s own society would eventually lead to the loss of roots and subsequently the lack of national identity. This is something we do not want, and this is something that needs to be acted on quickly.
