NOT THE END OF THE Home, BUT WE NEED TO REACH OUT
Obviously, this is not the end of the family unit, although there will always be a small section of society wringing its hands bemoaning the loss of” traditional” values.
I am then old enough to understand that values, principles, and even what constitutes “family” can and do alter- sometimes for the better, maybe never.
However, what is crucial is how Singapore as a whole needs to continue to expand beyond our conventional social networks, both online and offline, to engage in interactions that motivate and acknowledge different viewpoints.
Too often we are encouraged to” cut out toxic people” in our lives, which to me, feels more like the easy way out of discussing your feelings. No secure with a relationship? Unalive, as the youths prefer to say. However, taking a knee-jerk reaction can lead to more polarizing viewpoints and cultural isolation.
Events like Chinese New Year or Christmas, nevertheless, push us to socialise in lines we are not used to- relatives, friends, and maybe those we don’t see eye to eye with.
Social media usually goads us into wanting instant issue and/or resolution, as if everything had been settled in 280 characters, 30 seconds of video, or a witty comment on Reddit.
I think we can do more and perform greater. We don’t have to show unity with every sentiment or significance we encounter, and neither should, but we should at least try to understand where people are coming from.
And if it all fails, at least there will be bak kwa at the meetings?
Terence Heng is University of Liverpool Reader in Sociology.