Reflective Journal 3: We have discussed and debated on the Chinese and American perceptions of self. Reflect on the impact of these beliefs in your life.
China and America are of ever-increasing importance in the current world, as both economic, political and military superpowers. But at the individual level, how have the different ideologies adopted by the two countries affected us, as Singaporeans?
Personally, living in a Chinese country that has adopted Western philosophies and being educated in a school that reputes itself on being “the best of the East and the West” has moderated my exposure to both types of philosophies. In school, we are taught the importance of traditional Chinese values, but at the same time we are taught to think on our feet and defend our opinions, much like the Americans do. Furthermore, although the demography of Singapore is such that the Chinese form the majority, a diversity of culture and opinion is still preserved much like America. I feel that in my life, there is a healthy balance between the two somewhat immiscible schools of thought.
Speaking objectively, the cultural setting I am being educated in promotes more of American emphasis on diversity of opinion than the Chinese philosophy of harmony and collectivism. That, at least, is obvious from our usage of four official languages as opposed to just one, and the “meet the people” sessions organised by the Members of Parliament in each constituency. Furthermore, there are regular debates in parliament on national issues, and public feedback is generally welcomed and encouraged by the Government. In the Straits Times Forum everyday, one can see many opinions on a diverse range of topics. As a casual observer, I have noticed the striking similarities between Singapore and America in many areas such as multi-ethnicity and the power balance.
But if I had to say which one I have been affected more by, I would say it would be the American perception of self, that individuals have an undeniable, inalienable right to their own opinions and the opportunity to voice them. Learning, I feel, is not just picking up knowledge, but also being able to synthesise that knowledge into concepts and facts that can be applied in general situations. And for this to happen, it is my belief that there must be opportunities for a wide range of opinions to surface. In my opinion, it is through intellectual debate that we can most effectively learn the skills needed for synthesis of knowledge into concepts, because we cannot be taught the skills, but must learn them through our own thinking. As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for life.” I feel that the skills taught by the American system are invaluable in serving the purpose of teaching one to be an independent learner, capable of asking pertinent and insightful questions and voicing one’s own perspective on the issues at hand.
I also feel that I have the potential to be very rebellious, in that I ask a lot of questions, to the extent where people simply get tired of answering them. To be honest, this has been the root of many quarrels between my mother and I for as long as I can remember. Usually, when I have done something she feels is inappropriate, she will take me to task and reprimand me. In my innocence, I will proceed to ask many questions, and explain to her my opinion and point of view. However, she usually does not deign to try to comprehend my perspective before droning on more about hers, and this is what really irks me. Whenever I point out some flaws in her explanation, she will just repeat her explanation without addressing my point first. Also, she likes to make assumptions and generalisations which are, in my opinion, often insufficiently supported. I have gradually come to realise that she has tired of answering the same questions over and over again, but the problem persists because in some areas, she has yet to offer a satisfactory explanation for why I am in the wrong. I feel that this really shows my inquisitive nature and my need to voice my opinion over points of contention.
That is not to say I am completely alienated from my Chinese background. I have been brought up in a Chinese family and educated in Chinese schools - Nan Hua Primary School and now Hwa Chong Institution, so it is only natural that I have absorbed the teachings of traditional Chinese values. For example, I have been brought up from young to bow to an elder whenever I meet one, be it teacher or family members, as it is considered a sign of respect for their age (and therefore accompanying wisdom).
In my opinion, though, I’ll always be a Chinese kid with the American spirit. And that’s how I like it.
(800 words)
