Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Post-review: The Soldier

Q.1 Annually, we need young men in Singapore to do national service. Why do you think that national service is compulsory in Singapore and why is this important? In the poem, the speaker expresses his love for his country, England. Do you have the same spirit of patriotism towards Singapore? Why? Do you find this same spirit of patriotism in Singapore Why?

National service is required because Singapore is a small country and we do not have a large enough of pool of young men that are willing to serve the country. If national service was voluntary, the army would be severely understaffed and incapable of putting up a serious defense. I admit do not currently have the same spirit of patriotism for Singapore. I do love and cherish this beautiful “garden-city” because this is the place I grew up in and I have many fond memories. However, at this point in time, I’m not exactly very eager to leave my family and friends (permanently) for Singapore. There is no good reason to do so. Although I’m no flag-waving nationalist, one day there will come a time when this “Singapore heaven” is threatened and maybe I’ll feel the patriotism of Rupert Brooke.

2 comments:

Jack Tan said...

I agree completely that only when there is a sense of danger and threat, people will learn to appreciate the beautiful country they are living in. But on the other hand, only when there are situations of threat, one's patriotism towards one's country can be tested. Whether one will escape in fear or stand up with courage depends on one's patriotism towards his country.
I sincerely hope you do try to develop patriotic feelings for your country, and try not to be centred at the thought that being patriotic means giving up your life for your country.
Jack Tan 2O307

Gtan said...

There is a good point that you have raised in this post. People usually take things for granted, only to realise its true value a step too late.

However, like Jack said, Patriotism is a subject that can be view in many perspectives. Patriotism can be expressed in various ways like sharing knowledge, or helping Singapore to gain fame. Patriotism doesn't mean fighting in a war and dying. If that was the case, then we would have gone to war to protect Singapore a long time to go :D