Quora Answer: Do Singaporeans Believe in Singapore Exceptionalism?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Do Singaporeans, on a subconscious level, believe in Singapore exceptionalism?”

It is a part of nationalism that every nation and territory believes it is special.  That is why we have the national anthem, a national pledge, flag and all the accoutrements of the state.  Any nation that does not have a healthy dose of exceptionalism cannot engender any form of loyalty to the state.  Such a state would eventually dissolve, or be absorbed by larger, more dynamic neighbours.

Singapore has a sort of dichotomy among the citizenry which is evident on social media sites such as Quora, and elsewhere.  There are those who would believe that Singapore is special in every way, and form, and any form of criticism is a fatal disparagement of the nation, and injurious to the national psyche.  And then there are Singaporeans who do nothing but disparage the country, and fellow citizens.  The latter have misconstrued their displeasure with the political system for self-hatred of the nation.

A certain sense of pride in the achievements of the nation is healthy, and should be cultured.  Singapore has much to be proud of, and Singaporeans who have worked overseas would have that sense of perspective.  But we should also call out areas where we lag, or are underperforming.  If we believe we are the best, then it is only right that we expect the best.