How National Service & Birthplace Shape Our View Of National Identity | Being Singaporean - Part 2/2

Key Concepts

• National Identity: The sense of belonging and shared identity among citizens of a nation.
• National Service (NS): Compulsory military service for male citizens in Singapore, seen as a significant factor in national identity.
• Rugged Society Campaign: A historical government initiative in the 1960s and 70s aimed at fostering unity and resilience among young Singaporeans through shared activities.
• Socioeconomic Status (SES): An individual's or family's economic and social position in relation to others, identified as a factor that can conflict with national identity.
• Race: An individual's or group's ethnic background, also identified as a factor that can conflict with national identity.
• Country of Birth: The nation where an individual is born, identified as the top factor conflicting with national identity in a survey.
• Permanent Residents (PRs): Individuals granted the right to live and work in Singapore indefinitely but are not citizens.
• New Citizens: Individuals who have obtained Singaporean citizenship, often after renouncing their previous citizenship.
• Singlish: A colloquial form of English spoken in Singapore, characterized by unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, often used as a bonding element.
• Multiculturalism: The presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
• Social Cohesion: The degree to which members of a society are united by a shared sense of belonging and commitment to the society.
• Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT): A fitness test required for Singaporean men during their reserveist duties.

Factors Conflicting with National Identity

The video explores various factors that respondents in a nationwide survey identified as conflicting with Singapore's national identity.

• Country of Birth (37.1%): This emerged as the top factor. The sentiment suggests that being born in Singapore is a fundamental aspect of national identity, and those not born there may be perceived as having a different connection.
• Not Serving National Service (34.7%): This was the second highest factor. The survey indicated that not undergoing NS conflicts with national identity, with a higher percentage of males (approximately 40%) feeling this way compared to females (close to 30%).
• Race (32.3%): While ranked third, the transcript notes that individuals may not want to be identified by their race, yet Singaporeans tend to segregate themselves along racial lines.
• Socioeconomic Status (32.2%): SES was identified as the fourth biggest issue, with the argument that it creates different experiences for people, leading to divergent identities.

The Role and Impact of National Service (NS)

National Service is presented as a cornerstone of Singaporean identity, particularly for males.

• Historical Context: Shaun Sia, an officer in the Singapore Navy, highlights the "Rugged Society Campaign" of the 1960s and 70s. This campaign aimed to unite a young population (50% under 19 in 1965) through shared activities in rugged conditions, including uniform groups, National Day Parades, and ultimately, National Service for defense. The founding generation of leaders felt it was imperative to forge a national identity, and the campaign provided direction and a shared purpose.
• Compulsory NS: In 1967, NS became compulsory for every male citizen to ensure Singapore's defense as a small state. It was a visible expression of the rugged society campaign.
• Levelling the Playing Field: The NS experience is described as a foundation for being Singaporean because it brings together individuals from diverse socioeconomic statuses, races, languages, and religions. The Basic Military Training (BMT) phase is seen as a "trauma bond" that levels the ground, where everyone is treated the same, regardless of background. This shared suffering and experience create a strong bond.
• Intergenerational Connection: NS fosters connections across generations, with older individuals sharing their army experiences with younger ones, creating common ground.
• Reserveist Duty: After full-time NS, men become operationally ready national servicemen (reservists) and are required to undergo reserveist duty, including the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). The transcript features a segment where the host and others attempt an IPPT after many years.
• Formative Experience: The two years of NS are considered formative and integral to the Singaporean male experience. The subsequent 10 years of reserveist duty further solidify these bonds.
• Perception of New Citizens: While NS is mandatory for male citizens and PRs, males who obtain citizenship as mature adults are exempt. This leads to a perception that those who haven't served NS might be "less Singaporean." New citizens often express understanding of this perception but highlight their voluntary renunciation of previous citizenship and their commitment to Singapore as a significant sacrifice.
• Female Perspective: While not serving NS, women in Singapore often witness the impact of NS on the men in their lives, and the idea of defending the nation resonates with them.

Country of Birth and Immigration

The video delves into the complexities of immigration and its impact on national identity.

• Top Conflicting Factor: "Country of birth" was identified as the primary factor conflicting with national identity. This raises questions about inclusivity and diversity in reality.
• Immigrant Nation: Singapore has historically been a nation of immigrants, with people seeking a better place to settle. The transcript features individuals whose families immigrated to Singapore decades ago, highlighting their integration and sense of belonging.
• Fear of Foreigners: The transcript notes that concerns about an influx of foreigners are not new, with government policies tightening immigration in the late 2000s.
• Demographic Shift: The number of citizen births is declining, while the number of new citizens is significant. For every 10 Singaporeans born locally, eight foreigners become new citizens. This demographic shift contributes to anxieties about national identity.
• Assimilation Challenges: As more kinsmen arrive, new migrants may tend to gather within their own circles, potentially hindering assimilation. While older citizens have a strong identity, new migrants require time to integrate.
• Opposition Concerns: Opposition parties have raised concerns about immigration, arguing that the influx of foreigners is diluting the Singaporean identity in businesses and jobs, and that Singaporeans are being "aged out" of the job market.
• Government Stance: The government views immigration as essential for Singapore's survival, given its lack of natural resources.
• Survey Findings on PRs, Foreigners, and New Citizens:
  • A significant percentage of respondents felt that PRs and foreigners weakened Singapore's national identity (represented by red bars in a visual). This is attributed to a perceived lack of familiarity with Singapore's history, traditions, and societal norms, and the absence of shared rites of passage like local schooling or NS.
  • An even larger percentage felt that new citizens weakened national identity. This is linked to the longer commitment of new citizens (as Singapore does not allow dual citizenship) and concerns about their long-term integration and commitment during difficult times.
  • Regarding national values and social cohesion, 36.4% felt new citizens weakened national values, and 36% felt they weakened social cohesion. This is attributed to potential differences in national values and the intuitive adoption of Singapore's multiculturalism, which emphasizes respect for all cultural groups.
• Sense of Belonging: The changes brought about by immigration can lead some to question their own sense of belonging and whether Singapore is becoming unfamiliar, potentially leading to feelings of displacement.
• Ideal Scenario: The ideal scenario is for national identity, values, and social cohesion to positively augment the sense of belonging for both local-born Singaporeans and newcomers.

What it Means to Be Singaporean: Shared Elements and Social Experiment

The video explores shared elements that define Singaporean identity through survey responses and a social experiment.

• Survey Responses: When asked about features of Singapore's national identity, common responses included food, Singlish, government, and even "Malaysian" (likely a historical reference or a playful observation).
• Social Experiment: A social experiment involves participants stepping forward if they agree with a statement. Key statements and their outcomes:
  • "I am born in Singapore": Many stepped forward, highlighting the significance of birth country.
  • "I have completed national service": A notable number stepped forward, reinforcing NS's role.
  • "I am of the majority race": This statement likely divided the group, reflecting racial diversity.
  • "I like to complain": Many stepped forward, with the observation that this "complainy behavior" is seen as a form of honest review and a service to the world.
  • "I understand Singlish perfectly": A large number stepped forward, demonstrating the unifying power of Singlish. Phrases like "la" and "alamak" (when uncertain) were mentioned.
  • "I have queued for 30 minutes for my favorite hawker food": Many stepped forward, indicating the cultural importance of hawker food.
  • "I feel a sense of kinship when I see or hear Singaporeans overseas": A strong consensus, highlighting the shared experience of being from a small nation.
  • "I believe in the importance of multiculturalism. I believe Singapore's diversity is our strength": This statement resonated with many, including a naturalized citizen from India who emphasized tolerance and mixing of ideas.
  • "I believe I have a future in Singapore": A positive outlook for many.
  • "I am proud to be a Singaporean": The final statement elicited a strong positive response, with participants expressing pride in Singapore's development.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The video concludes that being Singaporean is a dynamic and evolving concept, characterized by a constant negotiation between various identities. Despite differences in birth country, race, and background, shared memories, experiences, and values allow Singaporeans to connect. The act of complaining is reframed as a critical self-improvement mechanism, Singlish serves as a unique bonding language, and queuing for hawker food is a cultural touchstone. The sense of kinship felt overseas and the belief in multiculturalism as a strength further underscore shared identity. Ultimately, the video suggests that while challenges exist in integrating newcomers and navigating anxieties around national identity, the collective journey of opening up and coming together is what defines being Singaporean. The pride in Singapore's development and the willingness to embrace diversity are key elements that allow individuals, both born and naturalized, to feel a sense of belonging.