Okay so I stumbled upon a post shared by my friend. I couldn’t stop laughing. This video was made some time ago, but I think many Singaporeans still share the same sentiments as the interviewees in this video.

I loved the last bit. She said ‘Gender Equality’.

Come on, what was she thinking?

This reminded me of a statement made by a particular MP back in 2013 as well. He said ‘NS is a privilege for Singaporeans. I’m quite glad that many people realized that’.
I don’t know what drug he was on.

Ookaaayyy,
I absolutely understand the need for NS conscription. I understand the importance of it. Singapore’s defence budget is sky-high, compared to our neighbouring countries.
Our nation’s defense cannot be undermined nor taken lightly. But some people just make the stupidest remarks.

Singapore will never go to war

I think we ought to look at past and present situations happening around the globe.
History has shown and proven that it’s every man for himself. In this case, every nation for itself.

In present times, just look at Israel & Ukraine.

Even Singapore…had its problems in recent times…

If defense wasn’t a priority, no nation would spend billions of dollars on it. Neither would they bother showcasing their military might.
What drives economic stability is national defense.

NS is a privilege
You got to be kidding me. You’re welcome to take away that privilege from me. Conscription & Privilege does not go hand in hand. I’m glad the govt is actively looking into how the nation can recognize and help NSmen for their contribution to the nation. But don’t ever tell me it’s a privilege. That’s not how the word ‘privilege’ is to be used.

NS helps boys become men
Sure it does. It instills responsibility, builds character and whatnot. Is it a necessary rite of passage to finally become a man? No. If that were the case, we’d have many over-aged boys out there around the globe; nations without a conscript army. Personal development can be gained in the workforce.

Conclusion
I agree NS must be mandatory for all males in Singapore. While that 2 precious years could have been spent doing other things, we have to do NS. That’s fine. It’s also good to look at the positive side of things. After all, whether we like it or not, we have to go through those 2 years. NS does provide a platform and learning opportunities for personal growth. There are also unique experiences for every individual depending on our vocation.

But please, think before you speak.
It’s one thing to look positively, but it’s another to sugar coat and make it look like an awesome haven to be in.

It’s easy to look from an inward perspective. But when the same is expected of you, your perspectives change.

True gender equality does not exist. We can work towards it but will never truly achieve it. It’s like hoping global warming will stop. If anything, what we see today is an upward trend of gender inequality.