'Do young Singaporeans no longer want a father figure?'

[JR8]

That was the rather whimsical, in passing comment made by an elderly SGn relative just recently. It struck a chord with me though, as no I don't think young people do want a 'father figure' (of a political leader).

Is there a generational shift underway where younger people rebel against being told how to live (etc) AND get away with it?

[Travailes]

That was the rather whimsical, in passing comment made by an elderly SGn relative just recently. It struck a chord with me though, as no I don't think young people do want a 'father figure' (of a political leader).

Is there a generational shift underway where younger people rebel against being told how to live (etc) AND get away with it?

Interesting comment. My reading of the situation (as an outsider) is that the 'yoof' of Singapore are strictly controlled by the powers that be. Strict laws and punishments for digressions and compulsory NS ensures the state has a firm hand on its younger citizens. Xenophobia is on the rise, the population are more educated about world issues and they face many problems that other 'Western' kids face - stiff competition for jobs, rising costs of living, crippling house prices etc etc. Something has to give. Maybe not immediately but I predict dissent in whatever form it may take. I think the days of 'father figures' in politics are over for developed countries.

[x9200]

I had a pretty long conversation with a cabbie the other day and he was complaining about his son's and his son's generation attitude towards the gov and the said father figure. What he said was that the young generation sees the freedom enjoyed by Western people and thinks they are lacking it here. This, and then what Lynx recently posted. Sounds like some kind of rebel to me.

[nakatago]

Probably just not an overbearing one.

[Travailes]

I had a pretty long conversation with a cabbie the other day and he was complaining about his son's and his son's generation attitude towards the gov and the said father figure. What he said was that the young generation sees the freedom enjoyed by Western people and thinks they are lacking it here.

Too true. However, the cultural deference here is quite strong so rebellion does not come naturally, but I do think that awkward questions will begin to be asked about NS ie Why ? and what does it achieve ? and the 'official' opposition in government will grow over time.
At the moment - life is generally good so most people are mostly happy but there will come a time when that changes - it has to and it will be the younger elements of society / 2nd, 3rd generation immigrants who will feel more alienated in the country they call home.

[x9200]

Me thinks the young generation is just spoiled and bored so not necessarily this is about freedom and high sky humanity ideas. As such it may not necessarily develop to anything in future.