vinyarb

So, during the opening ceremony, some people noticed that our flag-bearer, China born Singapore purchased paddler Li Jiawei, while hoisting the Singapore flag, looked a little less than enthusiastic waving our flag, and at some points, the tip of the flag even touched the ground.

Being fervent patriots, these people of course poured their rage online. They criticised her for not respecting our national flag by dragging it, and implied that she was not proud to be a singaporean, especially in the face of her former nation.

Now, I’m also sure these patriots, once they receive their notification for reservist (SAF100A), will kaopei kaobu about their impending reservist stint, and find all sorts of excuses NOT to participate, be it office lack of resources, or medically unfit, or his pet dog’s having a baby, and will not be able to cope without his moral support.

These VERY SAME patriots will also be the ones to grumble about ERPs, COEs and rising public transport fares. THEN go on about how they would rather migrate elsewhere to live their lives.

My Question: Do they reallllly feel rage? Are they reaalllly so upset about their national flag touching the ground a couple of times?

If they really do, shouldn’t they serve their NS, and reservist with passion, and take it seriously, in the event our country faces an attack from a foreign nation?

Which is more important? Making sure we can defend our country, family and friends; or burning someone at the stake for accidentally letting our flag touch the ground a few times?

Are these people missing the forest for the trees?

I think there really is a very serious issue here. On a macro level, I think there’s a certain myopic vision affecting all of us, in a very serious way. We seem to be so affected by seemingly trivial matters, but brush aside the more important and impactful issues that affects our lives in a bigger way.

Let’s look at this situation (this was also covered in the book “The Black Swan”, which i’m currently reading)

The year is 1942. A little boy, while playing near a well, accidentally fell over, and was trapped inside. As it was deep and narrow (but luckily dry), he was stuck inside the well for a long period of time. Rescuers and passersby tried to help by lowering food for him. But he was afraid, and kept crying.

Soon, the entire nation was gripped by news of the little boy. All of them kept a tight virgil, and looked out for news updates regarding his situation. People everywhere were talking about him, and how sad it is for him.

His picture lit up newspapers and magazines.

Meanwhile, the Japanese have just conquered Burma. Hundreds of thousands have perished in World War II. Bombs were exploding everywhere, and yet, the fate of the boy will still rank high among the interests of the people.

Stalin once said: One death is a tragedy; a million is a statistic.

Are we not missing the forest for the trees?

Its a fucking flag, people.

Do we not have more pressing issues to think about?

If you’re really patriotic… this will be the least of your worries, no?

Unbelievable.

Here’s the video if you want to see for yourself:

The author hates reservist, and will find any way possible not to get called up, but he doesn’t pretend to be a patriot.