Elitism
The following is a letter written by me to the Straits Times Forum page... the letter was written and sent on May 19, 2007
PUBLISHED :: May 22, 2007
Help those who fall through system
I READ with interest about the debate on elitism that has been in the news recently. Much has been said about it, and it is one of those sacred cows that may have finally been brought out to be slaughtered.
Here in Singapore, meritocracy is not some philosophical concept but something that is deeply embedded in our social system. Time and again, we read success stories of how people transcend their socio-economic background through their industriousness and make it into a higher bracket.
I am most fortunate for the many opportunities bestowed on me. Although I may not be classified as part of the elite, I am glad I have achieved much, thanks to the system of meritocracy.
In addition, I am proud that the system of meritocracy has allowed me to progress far ahead in life. And it is only socially responsible of me to want to give back to society.
We need to understand that the elite are not homogeneous in nature. This can be largely attributed to meritocracy, since anyone regardless of background can, with hard work, become a success. So the tendency to lump the elite together in one group is fundamentally flawed.
However, to close the gap in society, what we need is more sensitivity to, and a better understanding of, the plight of those who may have fallen through the system.
We need to rid ourselves of elitism such as a 'high-and-mighty' attitude, and instead be socially responsible citizens by helping the less able in society.
Vernon Lim Thean Soo
PUBLISHED :: May 22, 2007
Help those who fall through system
I READ with interest about the debate on elitism that has been in the news recently. Much has been said about it, and it is one of those sacred cows that may have finally been brought out to be slaughtered.
Here in Singapore, meritocracy is not some philosophical concept but something that is deeply embedded in our social system. Time and again, we read success stories of how people transcend their socio-economic background through their industriousness and make it into a higher bracket.
I am most fortunate for the many opportunities bestowed on me. Although I may not be classified as part of the elite, I am glad I have achieved much, thanks to the system of meritocracy.
In addition, I am proud that the system of meritocracy has allowed me to progress far ahead in life. And it is only socially responsible of me to want to give back to society.
We need to understand that the elite are not homogeneous in nature. This can be largely attributed to meritocracy, since anyone regardless of background can, with hard work, become a success. So the tendency to lump the elite together in one group is fundamentally flawed.
However, to close the gap in society, what we need is more sensitivity to, and a better understanding of, the plight of those who may have fallen through the system.
We need to rid ourselves of elitism such as a 'high-and-mighty' attitude, and instead be socially responsible citizens by helping the less able in society.
Vernon Lim Thean Soo
posted by VERNON at
11:55 PM
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