Where we grow up undoubtedly plays a part in shaping the person we become. Local culture and the people we are surrounded by, impacts the type of individual we grow into. This could either be an extremely good or bad thing – depending on how you choose to look at it.
We’re sure by now you’ve either heard of or chanced upon the video by Stephanie Koh (widely known as Steph Micayle) – a 21-year-old Singaporean girl who posted a video on Youtube about how she is ‘not proud to be a Singaporean).
The video has since garnered over 800, 000 views and created a stir amongst the online community. Comments range from strong support to outright disgust and irritation.
Discussing the good and bad of Singapore
Some of the points she highlights during her video, such as the fact that the minimum wage system could greatly improve the lives of many are arguable and do in fact, make sense.
However, her constant comparison to countries that she claims she is more familiar with – Australia for example, begs the question how long has she been in these other countries to have truly experienced both the good and the bad?
Koh continues to rant and rave about the numerous undesirable traits of Singapore and goes so far as to say, that the only good thing about the place is our geographical location that makes it so safe.
Which we can’t help but feel is a little unfair.
Sure, we could use a little creativity and freedom of speech – but that doesn't mean that the only good thing about our country is it’s geographical location.
Of life lessons and upbringing
You can’t help but wonder how she grew to dislike the very country she was born in with such a passion? Did it have something to do with her parents, the people she mixed with or something that happened to her in some point of her life?
If it really was her upbringing, what can you do to ensure that your child learns to appreciate and respect his or her roots?
Bringing up well-rounded kids in Singapore
If you’re worried about your child growing up with the lack of a creative streak, you could try sending them to a school that promotes the importance of a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA). CCAs also play a part in improving your child’s final ‘O’ level score – by actively partaking in their CCA your child can eventually have points taken off their ‘O’ level score.
Many schools these days recognise and emphasise the importance of well-rounded learning. Unlike what Koh says, Singapore is not solely about academic successes – though there is heavy weightage put on it.
Encourage your child to express themselves creatively – either through drawing, craft or music. Often, a healthy environment outside of the classroom helps balance out stress placed on being book smart in a country like ours. Remind your children that all that matters about what they end up doing in life, is that they are happy. Children need to be taught that life is more than the qualifications they hold and more than their bankbooks.
All in all, Koh made some good points but she failed to note the overflowing good of our country. Our elderly may chide and grumble, but we have a feeling it’s just out of concern – their equivalent to ‘is your laptop ok?’
Plus, her high and mighty attitude added to the off-putting nature of the topic. No one likes to see a young person who has forgotten their roots – teach your kids this.