Reading Defensedefumer's blog recently, I just felt I had to write this article.
Now, on 26th October 2006, a particular Wu Shu Min wrote that Singapore is divided into to the "capable and clever" class and "sadder" class. She tells whiner Derek Wee to get over his "miserable" life and get out of her "elite, uncaring" face. To top it all of, her minister father did not apologise for her views. This leads us to a question, is elitism a necessary evil?
Now, hold on and think for a second. Most of you will be quick to condemn Shu Min to the depths of hell. However, if you really ponder, there are grains of truth in her words. It's just that she was very curt in her statements.
Our government system may be one to run on meritocracy, but often, elitism occurs. Instead of seeing everyone who works hard benefit, we see that the best benefits. Think about how only the top schools make the papers, or that only the winners are really rewarded in competitions. The best are usually the ones who care enough to give thier best, to clear the mess, or to run a country. You may complain all you want, but elitism is a neccessary evil if you want the most efficient way of doing things.
Let's face it, life is never fair. If it were, all of us would be born in the same background. Think about it; if you want to keep the best in your state, country or company, you have to continually reward him over and over again. It will be that way, and continue to do so.
Why choose the alternative when you have the best?
Ben Tan
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