Essay Presentation
Maxz Ho (14)
Wayne Koh (25)
Guang Yu (7)
S
Topic
S ‘Given the ever-increasing pace of globalisation, it is
imperative that governments make every effort to instil a
strong sense of patriotism in their citizens.' How far do you
agree?
Introduction
S The rapid pace of globalization encourages integration of
people and cultures, breaking down physical barriers and
introducing inter-connectedness among people. Under the
umbrella of globalisation, cultures can now transcend
geographical boundaries as people can travel to faraway
places more conveniently, Macdonaldising the world.
Introduction (cont’d)
S The question then arises – is there a need to instil a strong
sense of patriotism? Given that patriotism
engenders/facilitates inter-racial harmony and cohesiveness,
gives people a sense of belonging to their country regardless
of they are and preserves a country’s culture, I agree that it
is indeed imperative that governments make every effort to
instil a strong sense of patriotism in their citizens.
Point 1 (For)
S Topic Sentence: Globalisation increases the risk of
intolerance and racial tension due to the melting pot of
cultures in society.
S Elaboration: Globalisation introduces competition with the
increase of commerce trade from all over the world, diluting
a society with the influx of foreigners. It is therefore
imperative that governments ensure that people who come
and settle down will be able to integrate into the society and
live together cohesively and peacefully.
Point 1 (For) (cont’d)
S
Examples:
S
Singapore – Xenophobia syndrome (Amy Cheong, NTUC Assistant Director, 2012)
S
USA – Melting pot of cultures (Racial conflicts since colonial/slave era)
S
This shows that intolerance between members of society will result in tensions that may
spark conflicts and violent confrontations that end in bloodshed.
S
Link: This stresses the importance of a sense of patriotism, as it allows citizens to be
united as they possess a common sense of belonging. However, even if one is not
citizen, it is encouraged to assimilate and immerse themsleves in the local culture so that
they will not be a hindrance to the society.
Point 2 (For)
S Topic Sentence: Nationalism, the weaker cousin of
globalisation, gives people a sense of belonging to their
country regardless of where they are.
S Elaboration: Given the increasing pace of globalization, it is
not uncommon to see people going overseas to work. If they
had no sense of belonging to the country and did not intend
to return or contribute in any way, the country would face a
serious problem as their skills are still important to the
country’s continued development and prosperity.
Point 2 (For)
S
Example:
S
There are approximately 200,000 Singaporeans living abroad, according to a
2012 study conducted by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. If they
do not intend to return home, this means that we would have lost potentially 2
to 4% of the total eligible work force of Singaporeans.
S
It is perhaps for this reason that the government has put in every effort
possible to instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism in citizens. If more
and more Singaporeans were to have no sense of belonging to the country,
and left overseas and never returned, Singapore would face a shortage of local
manpower. This, coupled with an ageing population, will deal a severe blow
to the country’s development in the long run.
Point 3 (For)
S
In the face of many alternative cultures introduced to our society by globalisation, patriotism
fends off the influence of foreign cultures by preserving a country’s unique culture, traditions,
lifestyle, language and historical heritage and developing a strong love of the country.
S
Elaboration: The survival of a nation is largely dependent on the sense of patriotism, culture,
values, and language of the nation. As more people migrate to foreign countries, risks that a
country may lose itself into history and its culture being diluted are ever increasing.
Globalisation blends worldwide cultures but it does not give same quantity of focus. It is
important for citizens to remember their origins, be able to use their own language, understand
the evolution of the nation and respect the history. By developing love and loyalty to their
countries, they are able to maintain and reinforce their unique ways of doing things.
Point 3
S Example: Singapore’s bilingualism education system
S English is taught and used for communication
S Mother tongue language is taught as a second language to connect
people with their cultural backgrounds
S Through a holistic way of teaching, students are able to be more
appreciative of their cultures and Singapore as a nation
S They are able to understand their uniqueness of Singapore and be
proud of themselves as Singaporeans
Counter-argument
S Topic Sentence: Instilling a sense of patriotism in citizens
can create a sense of ethnocentrism
S This makes the people more willing to accept
dangerous, supremacist ideologies. People can persuaded
into hating other groups or countries, instead of thinking for
themselves. When the population is less educated or less
informed, this herd mentality can be more pronounced.
Counter-argument (cont’d)
S However, such an argument fails to consider the positive effects
brought about when instilling patriotism is done appropriately so
that it does not become propaganda.
S The aim of instilling patriotism is not to make the people feel
smug about their country, but to develop in the people civic virtues
that are essential to nurturing citizens who are concerned and
committed to improving the country’s well-being. The Singapore
government has for this reason introduced National Education,
doing it appropriately so that it stops short of becoming
propaganda.
Conclusion
S In conclusion, the beneifits of inculcating a strong sense of patriotism
outweigh the potential threat of national superiority.
S Hence, it is imperative for governments to instil patriotism in their
citizens.
S Through national education and the means of new media,
governments are able to make citizens be more aware and proud of
their unique cultures and thus, feel a sense of belonging to the
country.
S This also ensures that governments are able to better maintain social
stability and boost the development of the country.