11/19/2006

myth 94

'Singaporeans don't complain' The word 'complain' must be wiped out from the Singaporean vocabulary. It is not only irrelevant, but to some can be hazardous. Singaporeans are afraid to complain about policies or the govt. But if it is something else, they will rise spontaneously like the Geylang roar. A good example is the NKF issue. Complain is a taboo word. It is politically unwise and risky. What Singaporeans should do when they are caught in a bind is to jump. But that is bad now after the last case. A copy cat jumper did not reap any financial reward subsequently. What Singaporeans should do, the politically correct way, is to seek help, or write in a feedback. But even the term feedback is not too appropriate. The new terminology is reach. Feedback, reach, complain, what's the dif? Anyway, Singaporeans who are not happy, please reach back, or reach will reach you. Feedback is out of fashion and complain is a definitely no no.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

In Singapore, to complain about the system would suggest that the person is a trouble maker. All these talk about an "open society" and "an inclusive society" are all bullshit. Redbean, how long did it take you to have your article printed in the forum page of the MSM? I am all in favour of others voicing their points of view, whether I agree with them or not is totally irrelevent. The MIW of Singapore are not too "open" to accept views that are contrary to theirs. Is this what we can look forward to for the next 50 years?? First world country my arse!!!

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

i still remember a prominent local journalist criticising internet as unprofessional. haha.

it is time that the people be allowed to express their views openly as long as they are logical. sure there will be a lot of criticism or complains. but these are necessary to keep the system in top shape. complain is just like pain mechanism in our body system. when things are not right, our body aches or pains to tell us to do something about it.

imagine if we cannot feel pain, we can burn or cut ourselves to death.