Thursday, August 6, 2009 - 5:49 AM
Courtesy and Kiasu, A Singaporean Problem
Courtesy. I recall that years ago Singapore had a lion mascot promoting courteous behaviour among our people on buses and trains. It's purpose? To encouraged us to let the commutors inside the MRT and buses alight first before we entered. Nowadays, we see stickers featuring local celebrities being stuck within the buses and MRT carridges. It's purpose? To encouraged us to let the commutors inside the MRT and buses alight first before we entered. Different approaches. Same Idea. Does it work? The answer is obvious-No.Why is it so hard to change the Singaporean mindset? Perhaps it's because of the deep values that has been ingrained into us ever since we have been born. It can be traced back to our forefathers. Our ancient ancestors. The first settlers of Singapore. The coolies. From what I've heard, they brought "kiasu", the Singaporean trait.
"Kiasu" can be good and bad. On the good side, it makes us competitive and we are pressured to scale greater heights to crush our rivals. On the bad side, like I said, I do not know where to begin. "Kiasu" leads to many problems in our society. It is also a large attributing factor of the lack of courtesy among us. Just think about. Isn't it because we Singaporeans are afraid of losing out to others and hence we are not willing to give others a chance first? Of course it is. In fact, this kind of attitude has already existed in our natures and is only amplified by our "Kiasu" community.
Which leads back courtesy. I think that no matter what kind of promotional cmapaign are held in Singapore, "Kiasu" and our lack of courtesy can never be resolved. There is only so much the government can do. They may be be able to convince one or two citizens but to change an entire population is merely wistful thinking. The campaigns can become more youth-oriented as the young population is mainly the aim of the government's cmapigns but besides making us smirk at adults making a fool of themselves, I don't think the youth of today would catch the point. We are much too self-centred and unmotivated to change our old habits.
In conclusion, I feel that even though the government is trying very hard to change the people's attitudes, it would be a very difficult task as it would practically trying to eradicate a part of Singaporean history.
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