The Answer to the Question: What's in it for me?

This post is to answer my own question: What's in it for me? (this 2011 Singapore elections)

In my previous post, I was trying to articulate the difficulties that SAHMs face in being recognized as contributing to the growth and well being of our Singapore. One big factor, effectively exercised by the powers that be, is the negative propaganda SAHMs have in Singapore. There is hardly any voice in society at large, in education (school) or media that says a woman who stays at home to care for her family is of equal value as one who goes out to work.

I could take a poll: most Singaporean women reading this right now don't believe a SAHM is really living up to her full potential and that she is not worth as much respect as her working counterparts. Not that SAHMs don't work, btw.

I cannot remember even one ST feature that elaborated on the day of a SAHM, her work and her aspirations. (Do SAHMs even have aspirations? haha)

Government policy encourages women both to work and to have children at the same time. They keep saying it is possible! It is possible! Yet I believe women have to deaden a part of their heart to leave their child in the morning when they go to work. Singaporean women have been brainwashed since the time we were in school that it is good and possible to juggle both work outside as well as raise children. 

Case in point, I come from one of the better all girls schools in the eastern part of Singapore. I am proud that my school has produced top lawyers, politicians, doctors, newspaper editor-in-chiefs, etc. etc. etc. Every year, the school has no problems choosing from a list of high fliers in society to come back to the school to grace the school speech day, to inspire the present batch of pupils to reach for higher goals in their future careers. I seriously don't think a graduate of the school who chose to become a "career" SAHM will ever be invited to be Guest of Honour on speech day. *cynical laugh*

(As I type this, I have a 2 year old clamouring to sit on my lap for a cuddle.)

I do realize that I haven't come close to answering my own question yet but if you have been living in Singapore as long as I have, I think you know the direction I'm heading.

You know, the other day, I started looking at old folks who need to be pushed around in wheel chairs. I started thinking about the disabled and those who are not able to get out and about and be "productive". Of course, I thought about little children, even big children. These people need to be cared for and they can't help themselves. But the solution in Singapore usually is to use money to buy convenience. Put the young in child cares, even infant care. Put the old in homes for the aged and the sick (in JB!) Institutionalize mentally retarded. etc. etc. 

This is encouraged through government policies to institutionalize these people to free up the work force, bluntly put.

 I know for many families, these are not an option because they have to work in order to pay the bills and so these centres are much needed help to effectively care for their loved ones.

But I am talking about the people who exercise the option of sacrificing their personal gain to BE THERE for their loved ones. PEOPLE need to take care of PEOPLE! It takes time and sacrifice. And because it is an option and yet mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons step out to be with their physically or mentally weaker loved ones, with no monetary incentives- there is greatness in this. 

It is time Singapore gives due recognition to these people and not view them as a segment of economically inactive workforce. The lines need to be drawn differently. The lines need to be drawn with humanity in mind.

What's in it for me? Nothing, at the moment. Nor do I really expect any thing, yet I write! :) Whilst I do fit in with the nation's agenda to have more children (with five, we've done our part for probably two other families who don't want to have children) I am not getting access to the much talked about baby bonus because I am caring for my own babies by myself! That IS an irony, isn't it?

It would be nice if my children could get money to spend on shoes or food or books or even (if we save for long enough) an educational holiday. Not just money that is tied to child care or school. (Or for the disabled, money to buy shoes or food or whatever that person needs.) 

It would be nice but, again, honestly, I do not expect it. I didn't choose to stay at home for any reason but to be a blessing to my family and serve God through serving them. And, indeed, my rewards, though intangible, are many and great!

But if such a move of giving grants with no strings attached was ever implimented (across the board, not just for home cared children) by the newly elected government, I do believe it will send out a message that we are not valued simply by what we can or cannot contribute to the economy of Singapore but that we are ALL valued for being Singaporean.

God bless Singapore.

 

Comments

[Amanda]

Loved what you said (quote)"PEOPLE need to take care of PEOPLE! It takes time and sacrifice. And because it is an option and yet mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons step out to be with their physically or mentally weaker loved ones, with no monetary incentives- there is greatness in this." Well said! Reminds me of John 3:16 - God so loved the world (every one of us, whatever the background) that he gave His only begotten Son (his best)... Just want to add that the greatness is not in us, but what the Lord can do in us. To His glory always. Thanks for reminding me what it really means to live an abundant life..be a blessing!

[Suwei]

Hi Amanda,
Thanks for that insight. Indeed, Jesus personally came down to earth because He knew we were needing His physical presence with man in order that He might die for us.
Yes, I totally agree that any praise that is due is due to God alone who enables us.
Glory to His name!
blessings,
Suwei