A Matter of Class
Straits times/ 09 APril 06/ life

Is it just me, or do you feel that Singaporeans are becoming more '' class'' conscious?

Speaking about meritocracy in Singapore and not being affected by class systems, where advancements is based simply on one's abilities, I believe lies a contradiction. As stated in the article, technically, a son of a fisherman would have the same chances as the son of a doctor in becoming prime minister, so long if he comprises the talent and intelligence. Conversely, being the son of a doctor would not guarentee him success. Apparently, does meritocracy truely exist. If one were to make comparison to the freedom of the fisherman's son and the doctor's son in making an entry to the similar field of educaton and job. Yes, I would certainly agree with it. However, if one were to speak about the fair competition in achievements, I would defy to this statement. For, it is always true that the doctor's son would be born with more privileges at hand. Example, the extra tution classes, the extra time earned by not having to help support his family and a more comfortable life, ecentra. Absolutely, the son of the fisherman would have to place in more efforts before reaching for the similar achievements. So, is meritocracy being dealt with at depth?

Eventhough Singapore may be a democratic country,still, people themselves have brought in their own class systems. Whether it is in the comparison of the brand of schools, education, jobs, houses, ecentra. Most Singaporeans today, would still make a judgement of a high achiever based on these factors, thus, classing them. Therefore, everyone receives different judgemental comments and treatment. In my opinion, competition is important. However, one should never judge a book by its cover, it does not mean that a high achiver would be a wise person, or a thief would forever be one rotten person. Instead, we should accept people based on the innered characters and their attitudes. Afterall, everyone are of the same species(human), whereby we share the same features and senses.