Singapore, our unique homeland, with its ever-growing and robust economy and ambitious plans mapped out, is becoming a livelier and interesting place to dwell in. In this increasingly competitive era, Singapore has shown to keep up with powerhouses around the world despite our small physical dominance.

At times, we may be too engrossed with our work and studies that we overlook what is happening around us. Economically, we may be unparalleled by most nations, but are we enriched emotionally and socially to embrace the new wave of developments? How far are we exactly from reaching our “First-World City” status? A mature, developed country isn’t defined only by wealth and education; it is also about humanity and concern for others.

The greatest gift god has ever bestowed on our island is a blessed geographic location untouched from the destructive forces of nature. But we certainly do have unappreciative sinkies who are self-centred and indifferent to other people’s plights. In a TV interview, a tourist who just returned unhurt complained angrily about his encounter with airport delay and telephone breakdown at a time when the Chinese were frantically rescuing people. Is he willing to trade his personal inconvenience for 3 days under the debris?

After more than 30 years of social and kindness campaigns, tales still abound of people rushing for train seats or refusing to give one up to the elderly, ill treatment of maids, littering or inconsiderate driving. There was never an instance in my life that I have seen commuters waiting patiently for others to alight from the train or commuters keeping to the left of the escalators.

This unique mentality and behaviour is perpetuated in all corners of society, and is seemingly unique to the Singapore context. Generally speaking, we are an uncaring and selfish lot. I do not have any strong moral or socio-political backing to support my claim, but most people can sympathise with my general public observation. We even need the government to subtlety remind us to work towards a gracious society, and the most direct opinion from LKY was that we are nowhere near a gracious population in the future.

There has been an ongoing debate regarding elitism in Singapore. Could her social and moral progression be undermined by this cold, uncaring elitism? I personally doubt so. It actually boils down to the lack of empathy, compounded by the aimless pursuit of material wealth. Elitism is not just portraying the holier-than-thou attitude, it is a state of feeling superior in many aspects; morally, physically, intellectually, financially and spiritually. It doesn’t only manifest itself in top schools and higher social strata of the working hierarchy. There is a sense of elitism in all of us, just like the ego boost we all experience. Elitism can co-exist with the lack of empathy, but the former does not always progress on to the latter.

There is nothing wrong with aiming for the best in whatever we do in life, whether it is accumulating all the wealth in the world or topping the toughest exams in top colleges. There is nothing wrong to be rich or educated, or even born rich and talented. There are plenty of people out there who have risen to the top, but who have managed not to become gits. There are those who are on the lower rungs of society who are utter gits. Being an elite does not automatically turn you into an uncivilised boor. Lack of empathy does.

Our long-standing system of meritocracy has been largely responsible for nurturing top brains, our only and indispensable resource, which contributes to our nation’s astronomical development. Elitism is inevitable so long as meritocracy is around. We can only have 1 president and 1 Prime minister in parliament, 1 CEO in each company. If we don’t feel superior to our peers, if we don’t want to outwit them, if we just want to lie deep comfortably in the mud hole, who will want to stand out and lead the rest?

The elites in society often carry with them a high moral and social obligation, an expectation I deem a little high. Raves and rants propagate across the nation and create an unnecessary sensationalisation when the labeled “elites” fall below expectations. We recently heard of yet another blogging saga when a local undergraduate was arrested for his racist remarks. Not long ago, a bus driver was hammered by a student from a top junior college over a small misunderstanding and sentiments were stirred following a “get out of my uncaring elitist face” comment by a MP’s daughter. It is a shame to learn how simplistic this world has become. Our lives are dictated by labels imposed upon us.

Let’s work towards a more gracious society! The only way is to learn to control our emotions. It is said that if you can control your emotions, you can control anything you desire! No amount of corrective work order or kindness campaign endorsed by our smiling lion can do any significant improvement if we don’t work on ourselves first.