Singa the Lion Resigns

Singa the Lion

Singa the Lion has been the mascot for the Singapore Kindness Movement for many years, and he recently resigned saying he could not carry on in a society that was so void of gracious behaviour, and he felt that the movement was no longer having an effect on the public. His resignation sparked a debate among the public, some agreed that he should quit but some felt that he was quitting too soon. The debate also revealed many Singaporean’s true feelings about graciousness in our society.

Tay Yong Hong wrote into the Today paper to express anger about the message Singa the Lion was sending through his resignation and said: “What signal are we sending to our children? That because we cannot get things done our way, we just quit?” (Tay, 2013) His quitting sets a bad example for the youth of Singapore, that when things get tough, you just give up. Others felt that he should be allowed to retire in peace, that we should take it upon ourselves to be gracious and not rely on campaigns and mascots to remind us. Han Boon Kiat wrote in the Today Paper: “Remember his tag line “courtesy begins with me”? It means each one of us, it does not refer to Singa himself.” Also: “We need small steps, quiet ones. This cannot be shouted out in schools or plastered on billboards.” (Han, 2013) Courtesy begins with you, it doesn’t begin with a mascot telling you to be courteous.

Many people wrote into the Straits Times forum addressing Singa, saying “please don’t go”. One such person was David Tan Kok Kheng who wrote: “Singapore has become a more civilised society since you first appeared on the scene.” And: “Singa, your job is not done. So please withdraw your resignation letter.” (Tan, 2013) Another letter from Ms Gillian Koh pleaded: “So please Singa, you know deep inside you that you love this place, so let your choice be to stay and lead the way yet again.” (Koh, 2013) Many Singaporeans feel that Singa has had a great impact on the society and despite his reservations...