Class 95FM DJ Glenn Ong and The Flying Dutchman were talking about their sponsored trip aboard the cruise liner Superstar Virgo. They were happily describing their enjoyable experiences and the happy ambience created by the smiling staff and satisfied passengers, when Glenn mentioned that the moment he was back on the island, he was back to all the glum faces.
He probably isn't the only one who feels that way. Many Singaporeans enjoy going on trips to rejuvenate themselves by soaking in some positive new environment because they know that they will return to the seemingly sad, stressed up environment here. I remember after a returning flight to Singapore I was greeted by a grouchy look from a lady at the duty-free in Changi Airport and the realisation that I'm home suddenly struck me.
Most Singaporeans wear a melancholic look on our faces and are irritable. It is as if we were all carrying warning labels that say "Don't bug me!". It seems that from school kids to working adults, everyone is stressed up and going about their own ways. The gloomy atmosphere is infectious and people think you are probably bonkers if you were cheerful.
It is disappointing to see a nation of dispirited citizens and we should view it a problem of our society because by recognising it as a problem, we are one step closer to tackling it. Many modern industries in Singapore, like tourism, depend on our service standards and by encouraging amicableness and injecting more joy at the work places and in the schools, we will create a more lively city that her people would love to be in.
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