Singapore’s Generation X, Y, Z: Shaking Off The Temptations Of Generalisations

“Like the fruit, some claim us Generation-Y folk are easily crushed under pressure. They say we fancy ourselves as cream of the crop, but come crunch time, we often than not get creamed” (In A Jam Over Strawberries, Miss Chung Lyn-Yi).

I refer to the intriguing anecdotal commentary “In A Jam Over Strawberries” (March 27, 2010) by Miss Chung Lyn-Yi: providing a common perspective that emphasises the supposed pronounced differences – particularly in terms of working styles – between different generations; which in my opinion is often exaggerated and misplaced. Placing Miss Chung’s observation in the macro sense, it subtly reveals our uniquely-Singaporean obsession with generalisations and stereotypes; which naturally has significant ramifications in terms of our national cohesion and experiences in schools and the workplace especially.

Belonging presumably to Generation Z, I am well-aware of the criticisms and pre-conceived notions that are associated with the students and employees from Generation Y and Z. Aside from the emphasis on our heavy reliance on the Internet and lack of resilience and perseverance – largely attributed to our privileged upbringing and cultivated gravitation towards materialism – we actively shun physical and menial labour, like housework.

Besides experiences in the workplace, people have the tendency to pre-judge a student in school or even in National Service based on his or her alma maters and education background; even though we comprehend that everyone is unique, and does not deserve to be tagged with labels designed across the board.

What is clearly more important – and hence deserves more emphasis – would be to seek ways to assist households or individuals who might have fallen through the cracks of our country’s largely meritocratic system. Instead of conveniently grouping all the less-privileged and needy under a single umbrella to provide extensive, over-arching forms of subsidies and help, it is important for the relevant agencies to render focused efforts that are targeted towards the specific needs. It would be utterly ridiculous to expect diverse problems to be resolved by common proposals and solutions. As much as these families need to show initiative and a genuine willingness to do their part, the authorities – through the Central Development Councils (CDC), Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) and a multitude of voluntary non-profit organisations – should take into consideration the unique combination of challenges that might plague them. Quit the generalisations and grant the necessary help.

As we move on, it is imperative that we focus on what unites us, rather than what divides. The unfortunate preoccupation with generalisations is inappropriate, and somewhat detrimental as Singapore moves to be more inclusive, and resolved to bring individuals and groups of different backgrounds and nature together. Let us give every single person the chance for him or her to shine without our brands of unfair assumptions.