Recently, I have been reading a book titled "Patriots" (The Men Who Started The American Revolution) by A.J LANGGUTH. This book contains a detailed follow up from the birth of the American Revolution to its independence from its colonial master, England. Today, the modern Americans are proud to say they are from the United States. A country which withstood numerous hardships and wars to become of its greatness (well, in their context) today. It was not the first time USA like the others used their glorious past to drum up overwhemling patriotism. The Americans had their revolution in North America. For Europe, France had their French revolution and not forgetting Napoleon famous exploits across the European Continent to back up with. In Asia, China has their 5000 years of history with the feats of the CCP. And closer home, the Indonesians had their blood stained fight for independence against the Dutch.
It seems that stanch patriotism was mainly borned because much blood was shed. And it was equally disturbing in an unorthodox way to see Singapore being relatively peaceful for the past few decades since independence. With the exception of the Indonesian Confrontation which was more of a "tickle on the backside". "Only when there was great sacrifice will people hold dear to what they have." This sentence stood solid till today. But Singapore had not exprienced any disastrous wars or turmoils. One might agrued that the Japanese Invasion of Singapore was one such example. However, I would like to point out that it was in the name of the British army that the locals fought. Most of the time on the pages of textbook, the local fighting force was overshadowed by the European forces who fought. All was fought under the banner of Imperialism instead of independence.
Up till now, our country remains uncertain in the face of a major test such as (war and disasters) . With a new breed of Singaporeans who had not experienced bombs dropping on our doorsteps, everytime seems taken for granted. Sports bags, Swensens and Sentosa [3 S(s)] played a huge part in the lives of young Singaporeans today. The only thing besides enjoyment will be the prison style of a education system which restricted our thoughts and taught us self-centreness.
Despite the government's numerous attempts to foster patriotism by emphasing on our unique status as a melting pot of various racial cultures. It succeeded only to a modest extent. Everyone is deeply aware of their differences and how little they wanted to give for the young nation. With Singapore caught in the modern globalisation, it is increasing more difficult to make people feel staying at "home". All this was provened when 4 out of 10 people interviewed stated they will not stay and fight should war come to Singapore. The ratio rosed when the prospect of a military victory seems dim.
So what leaves us should really war came knocking on our doors? It is a grim picture to look at. Those with better education and financial prospect, easily 1/2 the population will go out of country. The elites of the society, almost all of them will be first to fly. Why? Singapore is only an island of 682.7 sq km and there is nowhere one can run should war came. Unlike America during the revolutionary war where people could shift from Boston to Virgina, the only solution for escape is via overseas. That is provided if one has the money to buy properties abroad. Australia is one such destination. The remaining half will be those who mainly belonged to the lower end of the society because they have no where to run. Everything they possessed are here. Their 3 to 4 room HDB flats and their pinkish card. Just like the South Carolina farmers who took up arms to protect their hills, they will do the same. And I am one of them.
Howver on a side note, the true of outcome should a war come is blur. What I am highlighting here represents my sentiments along with many others I knew. Like all great questions in history such as the Irish question. This could probably be dubbed as the "Singaporean Question". Singapore as a young nation may be going through its "Identity Crisis" just yet. And I fervently prayed that stanch patriotism would not have to be born through bloodshed like the older nations (if avoidable). Or ended up like Venice in 1799.
But one thing remains certain for me and some of my friends that we will stand and fight. Just give me a rifle and I will put on my adidas shoes to do the rest of the job.