Generations

Sometime back, when I was about to leave University, I saw a debate between two generations of people in a university program. What they are debating, was about the mission of the program. Being part of the pioneer batch of the program, I joined because the original mission would provide me the training towards where I wanted to be, that is to become an academic. My juniors interpreted it differently. Strangely, that kind of conflict comes in cycles. When I started to mentor my students in NUS, the same thing happens with the conflict between different generations. Whenever I am approached to be an arbitrator for such matters, my answer would be, "Each generation has their own set of values and attitudes. Sometimes, it is better to let them naturally evolve rather than trying to dictate their course, even sometimes it is wrong." Even saying that, I am also caught in the dilemma when my students could move into the wrong course of action. Yet, in the end, I decided to let them to make the mistake because if they did not experience a fall, how are they going to be made stronger. So, can the same be said about our young Singaporeans today?

Idealism Lost?

George Bernard Shaw once said that "Youth is wasted on the young." When we are young, we are imbued with passion and desires to achieve things when we want to. We often believe that we can beat the older generation because we don't share their perspective or views. While I know that I run into such arguments with younger people, the same happens for me when I am dealing with people who are older than me. Interestingly, when I start talking to my peers who are as old as I do, I realize that I am still very much like the  younger generation, defiant with idealism but tainted with form of pragmatism and perhaps as I hate it, a bit of cynicism. I remember whenever I asked my mentor for advice, he often asks me what my most preferred course of action would be, and not offered anything that he might prefer. I asked him why he did not offer the advice that he would feel suitable for me, and he would say, "I was once your age."

It is never fruitful to compare the present and past generation because the circumstances and the issues are different. The dogmas of the past are not sufficient for the stormy present. The present generation of young Singaporeans live a different life from the older generation. While we acknowledge that they have been through a turbulent time where the survival of our country is at stake, they have to realize that this time is gone. Are the problems faced really different? Many loathe the lack of creativity and innovation in Singaporean culture, but if the whole country is constantly in a mentality that is under siege, what more can we expect? If battling against communism threats are just the same as fighting against the emerging economic superpowers in Asia, why are the young today have decided to leave this country and seek a better future out there?

An older generation (back in the days of where internet was just beginning) are still speaking up with their own platforms, for example, Eleanor Wong, Cherian George, Siew Kum Hong, Mr Wang (I know him through another forum), Yawning Bread, Colin Goh, Woo Yen Yen and Mr Brown. They have been in the public forum and internet for the last ten years and are still contributing in their own way, be it as a blogger, a university lecturer, a NMP or even entertaining us with their articles, plays and even speeches. We should be heartened that they have not given up and are still challenging boundaries laid down by the establishment. 

It is in the nature of things that people come and go. I see the departure of young and talented bloggers (Gayle, Kitana and Ben) as somewhat unfortunate but perhaps, indicative of a different generation today. They are no longer bound by the social constraints which our parents or sometimes people of my generation feel beholden to. That constraint with the impatience of seeing slow changes in our society will gradually erode the fabric of our unity as time moves along. Yet, I do wish them well, if it is in their happiness to do so.

Song of the moment: "These Dreams" by Heart

Comments

[mr miyagi]

They should go. I see things differently. The net is so big.

On one scale you have kids like Ben and Galye and on the other ppl who are married like myself and pushing into their mid 30's.

We never ever read their stuff any way. Why should we? They is so much material out there which caters to the mature market. Just look at Yawning bread, Mr Wang, brothers press and some of the aggregator sites. They ppl really do their research most of the time lah

Stay or go it makes no difference

[Charissa]

I am sad to see them leave. I think I am more optimistic. Well, we will never know. They might come back stronger than ever! =) Sometimes a break from all these fresco helps one to think more clearly.

[kwokheng]

While we acknowledge that they have been through a turbulent time where the survival of our country is at stake, they have to realize that this time is gone.

Yes: Some people just have a 'white armband view of history'.

The logic of 'armband' is the same.

And white, is just most apt.

[Joseph]

Simple is the reason of your heart indeed. One of your better posts. A very insightful post that reminds us of what we need to remember.