Via EDMW:
My blood boils when I read this.
Some may view this as just a dumb, but innocent question; I think it mirrors how NSFs and NSmen tend to be viewed in Singapore.
It is bad enough that Singaporean men are forced to serve two years of full-time “slavery” (NSF) and at least ten years of part-time “slavery” (NSmen) on slave wages (just $200+ a month during my time).
It saddens me further that not only are we not being appreciated by our fellow Singaporeans, some like this lady here perceives us to be lesser beings, singled out for discrimination.
I am sick of seeing men in uniform being STOMPed and criticised for the alleged “offences” of sitting down in buses, MRT trains, or even eating their meals while in uniform.
SAF personnel are not human beings is it? Must we forever be the ones making sacrifices for everything?
MINDEF like to ask NS personnel – “What would you defend?”
Singaporeans who discriminate against us?
So far, MINDEF’s campaigns always seems to be directed at Singaporean men, brainwashing us on the need to step forward and serve the nation.
What about Singaporeans at large?
Should they not learn to appreciate the contributions of our NSF and NSmen?
In Taiwan, the 阿兵哥 (conscripted soldiers) are treated with respect by the Taiwanese public and are even accorded unsolicited discounts at shops and food stalls at times. In US, the Marines are respected and regarded as national heroes.
In Singapore, I recall instances of being called “Chao Recruit“; given the dirty look when visiting pubs and clubs with my fellow NSFs; being branded as “desperados” by local girls among many other crappy treatments.
Rest assured that when I take public transport, I WILL NOT GIVE UP MY SEAT TO ANOTHER ABLED-BODIED PERSON. In fact, I will make sure I snatch the seat from you unless you are an elderly, pregnant or sick.
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View Comments
Well said, Alvin.
I felt that why this "small eye" lady is so petty to even complain about small matters like this on Stomp?
Just because she don't get to seat??
Seriously, she needs a life.
Hey Alvin,
I totally agree with you. We NSFs or NS Men are not appreciated for our efforts to defend the country, unlike in Taiwan, where the locals like what you said, accord unsolicited discounts at shops and food stalls. Sometimes, I feel that we are defending our nation in vain because the locals just would not appreciate it and take security and peace for granted.
That's the gratitude we get for twelve years of conscription?
It's a toss between her extreme naivety or her stupidity. This is a tough one.
Well said, Alvin! =D
Well said alvin! Many people seem to have the assumption of our soldiers being either smelly/too 'fit' to need a seat/distasteful. Such misconceptions need to be corrected. After all, these men are giving up 2 prime years and their time for the next 10 or so years to serve. Moreover the pay isn't really generous. Isn't it bad enough?
Hi Alvin, this was an interesting read. I agree that Singapore's military personnel are definitely not treated with the respect they deserve and that posting stuff like this on STOMP is petty, disrespectful, and alarmingly all too common these days. That being said though, being held to a higher standard is something that comes with the uniform--whether you like it or not--and giving up your seat to a lady (able-bodied or not) is the gentlemanly thing to do, IMHO (this goes for all guys, whether wearing a uniform or not). But yeah, it still doesn't give people the right to embarrass and humiliate the men who are serving their country.
NS men should be able to sit just like any other passangers but they should also like any decent soul give up their seats to seniors and those who are in need. Alvin you neede to get a life.
Did not your parents teach you about manners ? All that eductaion and what has it done for you ?
Castiing pearls before swine. You need to grow up. You will get old one day too you know.
It is my honor to serve the land of my birth, through National Service. This I did two decades ago. If I were young and strong I would not hesitate to stand to give the seat to some one else.
What I ask in return is that the government have a thought for Singaporeans when they put in policies - not about the kuching kurak things of whether I get discounts or whether I get to sit down or not. Rather, the bigger picture needs to be looked at - whether we are being given opportunities to grow, to upgrade, so that we can compete with foreigners.
Alvin, I am with you, that small lil bitch ain't know what she's talking about...Seriously, we gave up 2 years of our youth so that these small lil bitches can go to school early and get ahead of us in their career...Whats up man? We don't deserve a lil time off to snooze or take a lil nap in the train after those long hours of brainless training or physical tormenting within the work week? I too, will never give up my bloody seat to an able-bodied female lest she is pregnant, elderly or disabled. Screw you young punks!