SG 50: Nationhood and Identity

Identity:

- who someone is : the name of a person

- the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/identity

Admittedly, it is a dense word that conjures alternative meanings and multiple associations.

A walk to Junction 8 would draw you close to an astonishing range of paraphernalia on sale from the ubiquitous plastic chairs you see all over Singapore to behavioral quirks which have been codified and commodified into tangible markers we can all feel an affinity for.

The intangible made tangible and this sustains us.

Attached are 2 excellent articles that 'AQs'  on this perennial search for identity, a term that haunts most people , adolescents & adults alike, from cradle to grave- a sure sign of self-actualization for some and a budding sense of pride for any fledging nation or even one that is under threat.

How do you talk about something that is so existential and abstract in form and yet utterly essential to our sense of purpose and sense of belonging?






https://sg.news.yahoo.com/common-s%E2%80%99pore-identity-has-yet-to-develop--former-president-nathan.html




http://singaporemagazine.sif.org.sg/singapore-identity-musings-upon-a-theme

http://mothership.sg/2015/08/ambassador-bilaharis-random-musings-after-being-part-of-ndp-2015/

https://www.guernicamag.com/daily/amanda-lee-koe-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-singapores-independence/


http://sudhirtv.com/2012/08/23/the-end-of-identity/

Let's carry on the conversations in class...

The Case of Single Parents and Social Recession in Singapore?

It is our wish that the mastery of AQ skills will translate into real social action...to confront weak and unsound arguments and give a voice to the marginalized and voiceless around us. Social inequality emerges from the inability to find common ground amid the different lifestyles and experiences we see around us. This can sometimes result from our lack of contact with real concerns on the ground. Policies inspired or sustained by economic rationality can reduce human struggles, perceived social problems and ordinary people into numbers when it ought to be values that best shape and determine our humanity and character as a nation.

http://www.todayonline.com/voices/unequal-benefits-single-unwed-mums-matter-deterrence

In contrast, Lien's writings remind us of the deficiencies we have as a developed society and what we can do to progress further as a nation, with conscience and heart and led perhaps by 'enlightened self-interest' as what Mr Ho said yesterday.

http://www.feecha.com/single/6037626033274880

Much to ponder about- the society we want, as we remember our humble roots and celebrate our Golden Jubilee.