Tuesday, September 25, 2007
A Post on NS 2
After readding
xiong's short post on ns (link), it brought out some old thoughts I had.
Granted, NS seemed so far away (it is 1.5 years since my ORD and 3 months since my first ICT), but people who know me knows I always had strong thoughts on NS.
Of course, when guys gather, as loserish as it sounds, we always have NS stories to share with another. With any guy, just say the phrase NS, and all stories can be blurted out at an instant, be it with close friends, or with complete strangers.
Actually it is similiar to anyone who had studied in the same schools as you, even though years might not coincide, you always have things to share/gossip with one another. E.g. with Tienkwan about AHS, and with Sandra/Minjoo about TJC.
Back to NS. Therefore, when guys talk about NS, it is inevitable that this glow will suddenly appear on their faces, and we become hyped up when we share our old army stories. You can't blame us, it has taken 2.5 of the best years of our lives.
And for the subject of females' interest in our NS stories, of course girls aren't usually interested in NS stories of guys, as they can't understand, or can't even form a picture in their minds when we enthusastically talk about them.
Even when I talked to my then-gf about it, it was hard to put any meaningful explanation to the terms, and even harder to let her understand the constraints we faced. All made little sense to females.
That's why I'm so impressed by Cherie when she stated on her blog that her bf's CSM did blah blah blah because blah blah blah.. CSM!! How many girls actually know or even bother to know that term?
I don't blame them for not understanding, but I get pissified sometimes for the total indifference, or even some unknowing show of despise whenever we talk about NS, or how tough (physically or emotionally) NS can be.
For example, whenever I had any complaints about NS to lihui, she will give me that very flat answer: "Everyone has to go through it what". Ok, she does not mean any harm when she said that, and perhaps it's just her way of consoling people. But well, going by that logic, if a bomb killed one's mother, but since the bomb killed many other people as well, one should feel better about it?
I don't see how the sociology work here. Maybe the key here is appreciation, and not downright dimissal.
Anyway, deep in my heart I (and Soonleong my fellow patriot) believe that NS is necessary in Singapore. We are small, we are vulnerable, and having a strong defence force helps the government to have that backing on the discussion table with other countries. I never complained about the fact that I have to serve NS.
But as an individual, I have all the rights to complain about NS.
NS made me:
1) Miss my only celebratable Valentines' Day (GREAT BMT field camp)
2) Go through my really hell period (the period I was trying to tell Doris and Xiaohui last night without really being successful, I can't talk about my own stuff with speech I guess)
3) Have the worst day of my life (Swamp walk in Brunei)
4) Injure my back permanently (and the doctor says nothing's wrong)
Of course, plus the miscellanous unfair treatment + the endless saikangs + many many little struggles we faced.
There are many things, significant or otherwise, that we guys went through during NS, with the collective sacrifices bringing positive externalities enjoyed by all. Of course, sitting in the comfort of air-conditioned offices, and having fun playing on the lappie, one will never feel and understand these positive externalities we constantly enjoy.
But that does not mean sacrifices not made, lives not changed and hearts not hurt.
Ok I don't know how to end this, but let's cheers to all of us who have done our part, in little or large ways, for our country, and may we be accorded the appreciation we deserve, and be allowed to rattle like little boys whenever NS is mentioned.
lowtide blogged @
4:12 pm
