Personally, I had travelled overseas for work in January and February, and to Tioman for PADI open water diving course in March. This was before the escalation of COVID-19 cases in Singapore, which prompted the government to shut the borders and impose an internal movement control order. Many (who are in safe jobs) welcomed the change as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and even pick up new skills. I was one of them. Working from home is refreshing, and being able to sustain it for a prolonged period of time shatters the myth that it would lower productivity. Meetings are held over Skype, Zoom, Webex, and more online platforms which I had not heard of.
Naturally, people are spending more time on social media. And a flood of information or "resources" and commentaries on current affairs/social issues ensues.
Naturally, people are spending more time on social media. And a flood of information or "resources" and commentaries on current affairs/social issues ensues.
First, COVID-19 and its implications.
At home, people expressed surprise at closing our borders to even Malaysia, our closest (by proximity, not by relationship) neighbour. But everything seemed ok, till the third wave (of a spike in cases) struck within the foreign workers' dormitories. Some people questioned if the government implemented adequate measures to support and protect these workers who build our homes and infrastructure. Some, who are xenophobic, took this chance to blame the spread of virus on the workers for their poor hygiene and lifestyles. On the ground, funds were raised to provide more nutritious meals and buy sim cards etc. for this community. At the national level, Jo Teo drew flak for saying that not a single migrant worker has ever demanded an apology from the government, when asked if the government would issue one for the "dismal conditions" in the dorms. People questioned if the 4G leadership has the capability to lead the country through this crisis.
Second, Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
A video on the killing of George Floyd (a US policeman kneeling on his neck till he choked and suffocated) went viral in end May. Protests in Minnesota broke out and quickly spread to other parts of the country, and even abroad where there are significant Black populations. There's a lot of talk about racism and the law enforcement system which perpetuates it. At home, people begin again to reflect on our own treatment of the minorities. This is not new. The preetipls incident (rap satire by an Indian Singaporean and her brother against the brownface advertisement) still leaves a bad taste in the youths' mouths. People start to consider the broader question of activism. How do you differentiate between activism and virtue signalling? Why do some appear to care more about the BLM movement than our own country's situation? There are many compelling and competing narratives surrounding this issue:
"Staying silent is being complicit"
"It's not enough to be a non-racist. You have to be an anti-racist."
"It is not our right to dictate the method of protest by the oppressed."
"The politicians and media are using the "divide and conquer" strategy to pit the Blacks against the Whites. We must not fall into this trick, and stay united in fighting for the cause."
I had unfortunately lost a friend over a disagreement we had on an aspect of this issue. It prompted me to think more about the cancel culture, and how to have difficult but necessary conversations for our personal growth.
Third, Pride.
Pinkdot, a large-scale event meant to celebrate equality in love, had to be held virtually instead of at Hong Lim Park this year because of the COVID-19 measures. Naturally, during the Pride month, people would reflect more on the LGBTQ situation in Singapore - Section 377A which takes forever to be repealed, other discriminatory policies etc.
Fourth, GE2020.
Gutter politics were in the headlines of the news every other day. Of course, race had to be catapulted to the forefront again.
Now as the dust has settled, with PAP winning 83 out of 93 seats but commanding less than 60% popular vote, there is a brief respite.
Waiting for the next gust of wind to blow.
Now as the dust has settled, with PAP winning 83 out of 93 seats but commanding less than 60% popular vote, there is a brief respite.
Waiting for the next gust of wind to blow.
