Is history ever a consistent single story line? I believe there will always be gaps and distortions. Sometimes the construction of these are accidental or subconscious as the historian or writer necessarily makes interpretations and summaries. Sometimes these are deliberate due to self-interests or misguided good intent.
Growing up in the typical education system of Singapore, I never questioned the facts of history and the key heroes that led the country to independence. I took things for granted. There was no encouragement to be inquisitive as the environment favoured people who did well in conforming to the norm.
Inquisitiveness is de-valued and reframed as rebelliousness or defiance in our society. As I switched career to become a counsellor, the value of genuine curiosity became more significant. I became interested in the post-modern and post-structuralist approaches that pervaded beyond counselling.
How do we question the facts? Aren't facts supposed to stand on their own without doubt? After I heard an interview with Dr. Lim Hock Siew, who was a political prisoner arrested during Operation Cold Store, it became clearer what had happened to the facts.
Growing up in the typical education system of Singapore, I never questioned the facts of history and the key heroes that led the country to independence. I took things for granted. There was no encouragement to be inquisitive as the environment favoured people who did well in conforming to the norm.
Inquisitiveness is de-valued and reframed as rebelliousness or defiance in our society. As I switched career to become a counsellor, the value of genuine curiosity became more significant. I became interested in the post-modern and post-structuralist approaches that pervaded beyond counselling.
How do we question the facts? Aren't facts supposed to stand on their own without doubt? After I heard an interview with Dr. Lim Hock Siew, who was a political prisoner arrested during Operation Cold Store, it became clearer what had happened to the facts.
Truth or "closer to the truth" can only be formed when more facts are provided. When I heard about such facts being suppressed and silenced, it led to many more questions. Why was there a fear of the truth? Was it a valid fear? Are there repercussions for those who withheld the truth?
I believe a valuable lesson here is to learn how to look for what had been absent, what lies beyond the presented facts.
I believe a valuable lesson here is to learn how to look for what had been absent, what lies beyond the presented facts.
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