I read, with distain on the reports of looting, violence, and rape, cops turned terrorists, in the aftermath of the disaster in New Orleans. The reason is obvious. Of cuz, one might say it is easy to cross our arms and criticise when we are sitting comfortable here in Singapore. And that is exactly the question which I pondered for a while, "What if it had happened to us?".
How would Singaporeans have reacted to such catastrophic crisis in our own backyard? I can only make some guesses, based on my observations our peacetime behaviour. Of cuz we have proven to be very generous and benevolent when it comes to helping our global neighbours and donating to the needy of the society (as well as to the organizers of the idols & superstars shows as well). But I think it will be quite a different matter when we become the victims. Will the kind hearts stay with us? Will the Kiasu nature of us, which we are proud of for delivering us to stand on par with the top-notch economies globally, become a double edge sword, which will transform us into savage beasts and monsters in times of crisis?
Let me being my deduction from my favourite place for observation, the train. While I was reading about the great catastrophe, I saw a mother letting her daughter lie across two seats. The little girl, about four to five, was not really sleeping, just lying on her mother's lap. This would be a perfect lovely scene, just that they were in an increasingly crowded carriage, with other little children and old folks looking for a seat as well. It did not bother the mother abit. Just as I was about to alight at City Hall, I heard another parent giving her son an important advice at the door. An important lesson for the boy as she nudged him against the door," 快点，等一下不可以下车！"(better be quick, otherwise we may not be able to alight the train). Looks like it is every man for his own, or at least for his children.
My deduction is probably flawed. Perhaps these are just small isolated incidents, not enough volume to represent the majority of our citizens. In the face of crisis we will we be able to rise to the occasion. I have faith, that we will.
How would Singaporeans have reacted to such catastrophic crisis in our own backyard? I can only make some guesses, based on my observations our peacetime behaviour. Of cuz we have proven to be very generous and benevolent when it comes to helping our global neighbours and donating to the needy of the society (as well as to the organizers of the idols & superstars shows as well). But I think it will be quite a different matter when we become the victims. Will the kind hearts stay with us? Will the Kiasu nature of us, which we are proud of for delivering us to stand on par with the top-notch economies globally, become a double edge sword, which will transform us into savage beasts and monsters in times of crisis?
Let me being my deduction from my favourite place for observation, the train. While I was reading about the great catastrophe, I saw a mother letting her daughter lie across two seats. The little girl, about four to five, was not really sleeping, just lying on her mother's lap. This would be a perfect lovely scene, just that they were in an increasingly crowded carriage, with other little children and old folks looking for a seat as well. It did not bother the mother abit. Just as I was about to alight at City Hall, I heard another parent giving her son an important advice at the door. An important lesson for the boy as she nudged him against the door," 快点，等一下不可以下车！"(better be quick, otherwise we may not be able to alight the train). Looks like it is every man for his own, or at least for his children.
My deduction is probably flawed. Perhaps these are just small isolated incidents, not enough volume to represent the majority of our citizens. In the face of crisis we will we be able to rise to the occasion. I have faith, that we will.
Comments
Thus it's by our instincts that we run when we are(or think we are) in danger.
I'm reminded of the stampede in Iraq bomb scare...
Hence I think its an "Each man for his own" case if something catastrophic were to happen. Only a few rare persons would be saving others.
Its right to save your own skin but why harm others?