Government tell us what to do

From a small town to a cosmopolitan city on an island bustling with economic and social activity, Singapore has ensured our place in the modern world as we have an economic status better than other developed nations and a multitude of races.

To further improve, the ‘Keep Singapore Clean” campaign had also told us to make Singapore clean and to rid indiscriminate littering and poor environmental conditions, so that with the cleanliness, we could boost our economy and make Singapore a better place.

Also, through the National day rally speech and the ‘Good speak good English’ campaign, Former Prime ministers had also tell us to speak good English as this could improve our connection and communication with the world. Thus, it will also improve our economic status as English gives us a big advantage over our competitors.

However, in this time of stability and prosperity, we have become apathetic. The government has taken good care of us, and sometimes over-protective, there is no need for us to be concerned and worried about almost anything in this country. With the good life the government had given us, Singaporeans are more dependent and are reluctant to take risks. Being in our comfort zone, this allows us to turn a blind eye to the political scene and we just have to focus on what we are supposed to do, such as studies and work.

Hence, we might even forget about our social graces, and this explains the hostility. Singapore government then realised that the locals’ behaviour and values are as important as the economy, and finally they play a big part in shaping us and telling us what to do. This spiral effect of over-protecting us and inculcating values in us is now imperative to ensure that Singapore’s economy, standard of living and hospitability is in the acceptable range to be a prosperous yet courteous country.

As the government trying to inculcate values in us so as to make this place a more courteous one, they tell us what to do and how to behave by the campaigns and speeches done by Ministers.

Firstly, we had the “Kindness, Bring it on” campaign to improve on our social graciousness. Since we are dependent on the government, we follow what the government tell us how to behave i.e. to display kindness.

Therefore with the government tell us what to do and how to behave, we are more cautious with our actions and behaviours. As we speak Singlish today, many people will naturally correct us to speak good English. Also, we are more aware not to litter or spit so that we can maintain our clean environment, all these show that the governments have successfully shape us into what they want us to be.