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US-THEM Divide

Yeah! Singapore won a silver medal in the women table-tennis team event! This is really a historical milestone in the sporting life of Singapore. I also see this as a defining moment for this nation. It is cool to know that it was a 21 yr old youngster who led the nation into victory. I feel this is so significant.

Then there are the detractors who will bring in the perennial debate about foreign talents and that it was a China A team vs China B team (since the Singapore contingent comprises of 3 Chinese nationalities). Hey people, look at the bigger picture will you!? Why keep dwelling on the fact that they are not Singaporeans (by birth)? They have made the decision to become a citizen of Singapore, so should not we embrace them as our own? Why the 'us-them' divide? Is it really necessary? I think sometimes, we focus on the minute matters that we really miss the more significant stuff.

I'm not being nationalistic here but I just think all these silly debates about foreign talents are just not needed. We would not like to be treated as 2nd or even 3rd class citizens should we migrate to another country, so why are we doing it to others? Golden rule : don't do to others what you don't want to be done to self!

I am so proud of our athletes, regardless of whether they won a medal or not. To be able to represent the nation at the world's stage is already an achievement itself. How many of us can do what they do; go through the rigorous training as they do; endure the nerve-wrecking moments during mega major competitions? Think about it.

Learn to appreciate every individual that comes our way. Less of this superiority complex would do this world much good :)

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