When the hawker centre outside our house was renovated not too long ago, four giant tv screens were installed in the four corners.
Naively, I assumed that they were going to screen k-dramas, healthy lifestyle programs, national day parades and other propaganda. I also assumed that if there were to be another (touch wood) pandemic, they can come in handy to share latest healthcare info.
Months have passed and only two clips have been looping.
One involves a bunch of people swaying, singing, dancing, and I still have no idea what’s the message.
The other has a clearer message – return your plates, clean the table after yourself or someone will come from the back to pull your ears, and then give you an earful.
Starring the occasionally funny Mark Lee, it features two young adults caught entertaining the thought of leaving the mess after their meal, and was given the third degree which naturally includes a long condescending lecture. Blah blah blah, blah blah blah.
I have been so turned off by this papa-state style lesson that every time I’m at the hawker centre, at least five times a week, I sit with my back against the tv screen. Frankly, just the thought of it spoils my appetite and I had deliberated a long time before deciding to post this. Deep inside, I was hoping that it was just a placeholder until they find something more entertaining and useful.
We are 1/4 way into the 21st century and already understand that the younger generation doesn’t react well to nagging. The government, the authorities, even my good self have realized that there are more effective ways of getting the messages across.
Resorting to force, being a nag is not going to get us anywhere. So why continue to pump out such 80s slapstick education and re-education?
The truth is that over the years, most people are already responding and are already returning their trays after a meal.
Really, it’s time to reset the mindset and tv sets before the children rebel even more.
Unless of course this is what the power-to-be really believe deep inside – Singaporeans are stupid and there still need these outdated methods.
Good luck at the next GE.
