Sichuan Earthquake
May 26, 2008, 23:02
Was at Paragon the other day to use the gym when I chanced upon a huge board which had been set up for people to pen their best wishes to the victims of the earthquake in Sichuan. Many of the messages were written in Chinese, by Chinese nationals or Singaporeans trying to stand in solidarity with the land of their ancestry.
The outpouring of sympathy for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake in Singapore is a testimony to how much racial ties still bind. Bound by a common language and heritage, we have seen how Chinese all over the world have rallied to support the victims of the earthquake. Perhaps this is what Benedict Anderson calls the imagined community. In spite of the vast distances which the diaspora has been scattered across, the common culture and heritage as well as the tragedy broadcasted over the mass media has tugged at our heartstrings more strongly, making us feel compelled to identify with the victims.
It helps also that the Chinese leadership have been shown to be compassionate towards the victims, appealing for international aid and assistance and even sending PM Wen down to the site to coordinate rescue efforts. The high level of transparency and the compassion of the govt assures people that their donations would not be misused and that the chinese government is truly sincere in helping its people.
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