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[h=2]Another FT trying to lecture Singaporeans[/h]
July 29th, 2012 |
Author: Contributions
Dr David Fedo is the Executive Director and Visiting Scholar for the Singapore branch of Wheelock College’s Center for International Education, Leadership, and Innovation.
After all the furor and anger expressed by netizens over the “commodity trader’s” posting on TRE (see Counter-counter-rebuttal to foreign commodity trader), I am surprised that the Straits Times find it fit to publish an article similar in subject by another FT.
In the article “Singapore gets more things right than other countries, EVEN IF ITS CITIZENS DISAGREE“, published in ST on 28 July 2012 – the whole article is a torrent of praises for the virtues and attractions OF Singapore. I have no quarrel with that. What I object is the phrase “Even if its citizens disagree”.
The article is written by one David Fedo, a visiting scholar of the Wheelock College (Boston, U.S.A.) [Link]. The volume of praises he has for Singapore is unbelievable. One would think Singapore is the proverbial “Utopia” on planet Earth.
He waxes lyrical on everything superficial and material in Singapore. He trumpets the economic and commercial successes. He proclaims that “the arts in Singapore has blossomed”. He talks of poetry and the arts, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the museums. But he seems to be unable to hold back a dig on Singaporeans. He has to say, “Yet, I wonder if many Singaporeans appreciate the remarkable blossoming of the arts….”
No place on earth is that idealistic! Of course he sprinkles platitudes like “not perfect but better” and “there is no perfect place”, otherwise his plaudits would be considered ridiculous!
If I have to squeeze into a crowded train or bus everyday and “eating out” means “dining” at the neighbourhood hawker centre, I probably haven’t heard of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra or the Experimental Theater Production, let alone appreciate them!
Mr. David Fedo, you are what we call an “elite” in Singapore. You have not experienced the life of an ordinary Singaporean. All the “virtues” and “successes” you mentioned are enjoyed by elites.
If you aspire to be a writer (which I guess you do – otherwise why publish you opinion of Singapore?) you should know that a good writer must write a balanced article. In other words, you must not write only about the good. You must also write about the bad. Otherwise you may be accused of getting some reward for uttering only the good stuff.
Why don’t you write about our ISA, our Public Order Act, the 40% foreigners in Singapore, our astronomical prices for public housing and cars. And don’t forget our crowded trains and buses. Oh I forget, you don’t have to buy a house or a car or take a bus to work. They are probably provided by your Wheelock-Boston/Ngee Ann Polytechnic college.
Have you even bothered to find out the costs of houses and cars here in Singapore? If you do, then compare them with those prevailing in your country.
I have no objections if you praise Singapore to the sky. But don’t say we “don’t appreciate” or “downplay” Singapore’s achievements.
Just enjoy your stay here, shower praises on Singapore by all means, BUT DO NOT CRITICIZE ITS CITIZENS. Its not polite, since you are a guest here.
.
KTK
.
Editor’s note: More info on Dr Fedo and collaboration between Ngee Ann Poly and Wheelock College can be found here – [Link].
After all the furor and anger expressed by netizens over the “commodity trader’s” posting on TRE (see Counter-counter-rebuttal to foreign commodity trader), I am surprised that the Straits Times find it fit to publish an article similar in subject by another FT.
In the article “Singapore gets more things right than other countries, EVEN IF ITS CITIZENS DISAGREE“, published in ST on 28 July 2012 – the whole article is a torrent of praises for the virtues and attractions OF Singapore. I have no quarrel with that. What I object is the phrase “Even if its citizens disagree”.
The article is written by one David Fedo, a visiting scholar of the Wheelock College (Boston, U.S.A.) [Link]. The volume of praises he has for Singapore is unbelievable. One would think Singapore is the proverbial “Utopia” on planet Earth.
He waxes lyrical on everything superficial and material in Singapore. He trumpets the economic and commercial successes. He proclaims that “the arts in Singapore has blossomed”. He talks of poetry and the arts, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the museums. But he seems to be unable to hold back a dig on Singaporeans. He has to say, “Yet, I wonder if many Singaporeans appreciate the remarkable blossoming of the arts….”
No place on earth is that idealistic! Of course he sprinkles platitudes like “not perfect but better” and “there is no perfect place”, otherwise his plaudits would be considered ridiculous!
If I have to squeeze into a crowded train or bus everyday and “eating out” means “dining” at the neighbourhood hawker centre, I probably haven’t heard of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra or the Experimental Theater Production, let alone appreciate them!
Mr. David Fedo, you are what we call an “elite” in Singapore. You have not experienced the life of an ordinary Singaporean. All the “virtues” and “successes” you mentioned are enjoyed by elites.
If you aspire to be a writer (which I guess you do – otherwise why publish you opinion of Singapore?) you should know that a good writer must write a balanced article. In other words, you must not write only about the good. You must also write about the bad. Otherwise you may be accused of getting some reward for uttering only the good stuff.
Why don’t you write about our ISA, our Public Order Act, the 40% foreigners in Singapore, our astronomical prices for public housing and cars. And don’t forget our crowded trains and buses. Oh I forget, you don’t have to buy a house or a car or take a bus to work. They are probably provided by your Wheelock-Boston/Ngee Ann Polytechnic college.
Have you even bothered to find out the costs of houses and cars here in Singapore? If you do, then compare them with those prevailing in your country.
I have no objections if you praise Singapore to the sky. But don’t say we “don’t appreciate” or “downplay” Singapore’s achievements.
Just enjoy your stay here, shower praises on Singapore by all means, BUT DO NOT CRITICIZE ITS CITIZENS. Its not polite, since you are a guest here.
.
KTK
.
Editor’s note: More info on Dr Fedo and collaboration between Ngee Ann Poly and Wheelock College can be found here – [Link].
