DO THE ARTS, SUCH AS MUSIC AND L ITERATURE, REALLY PLAY AN

IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SINGAPORE SOCIETY?

Charlotte Ng Jane Ting

12S03C

CLARIFICATION

“really” - Question has a hidden doubt as to whether the

arts play an important role in the Singapore society (Essay

has to clarify the doubt)

“important role” – Shaping the values/character of

people; Local arts can serve as a form of national identity

“Singapore society” - Rather underdeveloped, but

people are starting to appreciate the Arts in the recent years

(building of Esplanade, setting up of SOTA)

ARTS UNITE PEOPLE

The arts is used as a tool to foster national identity. Music

plays an important role in the Singapore society – it is a

proof of our cultures and a multi-racial society.

It transcends the role of expressing ourselves. It enables

us to ignite the sense of belonging from within, and uniting

the people of our country together.

E.g.: National Day Songs, songs sung in different

languages, Home grown singers (Sun Yanzi)

LITERATURE

Serves a storehouse for the memories of Singapore’s past and present. It unites the

memories of the people and helps to preserve them as part of our national identity

The younger generation can learn more about Singapore’s history from a different

perspective, which could be better than reading a textbook, as it evokes lesser emotion

E.g.: “Emily of Emerald Hill” by Stella Kon, “Fistful of Colours” by Christine Lim

However, not many people know about such literature works, with the exception of

those in the literature scene. Singaporeans must first cultivate appreciation for

literature before they can appreciate such works. This could be done via changes in the

education system.

LITERATURE

As a subject, literature motivates students to critique and analyze. The

education system in Singapore churns out a science stream majority, which

results in lack in creativity in Singapore society.

Literature has been implemented as a compulsory subject in secondary

school education to hone and encourage critical thinking that is lacking in

Singapore society

Literature is a subject which students are dissuaded to take for the O level

examinations as it supposedly pulls down their grades. Hence,

Singaporeans have a pragmatic outlook – if they cannot succeed in doing

the subject, there is no point in studying the subject.

ARTS

Adequate knowledge in background of important genres of

music (e.g.: Classical, Pop) and adequate ideas in important

works of literature (e.g.: Shakespeare) makes an individual a

more functioning global citizen.

Cultural quotient is essential for one who lives in a

globalizing world.

However, Singaporeans do not usually bring up the topic of

the arts, and it does not play a large role in daily interaction.

ECONOMIC ASPECT OF THE ARTS

Part of the reason for constructing aesthetical

buildings(Esplanade and art museums) and

programs is for economic benefit – gaining tourist

revenue.

Pragmatic view of Singapore society