Is the Singapore National Identity Created by the State?

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Question: “The Singapore National Identity is created by the state.” Do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer. To me, national identity is essentially the depiction of a country or state, which encompasses its traditions, languages and culture, etc. The national identity of Singapore could have been created intentionally by the government for some purposes; it could also have been evolved naturally from the people of Singapore. However, the Government had tried ways and means to portray a good image of Singapore to foreigners, but many Singaporeans are being forced and persuaded to abide by the laws so as to prevent getting into trouble. Hence, I disagree to the statement that “The Singapore National Identity is created by the state.” There are some factors that contribute to the fact that the national identity is created by the people such as singlish and the White Paper which will be discussed in this paragraph. Singlish is a form of English spoken colloquially in Singapore in an informal way. Most children grow up bilingual from birth and learn more languages as they grow up. Naturally, the presence of other languages has influenced the English of Singapore. The influence is apparent when most Singaporeans used informally when communicating with one another. Singlish had thus transformed into a source of national price and identity. It represents how one Singaporean speaks to another and how Singaporean think. Singlish has created pathways across the borders of class and ethnicity. The way Singlish is used is indicative of our class, education and cultural capital and cultural politics. Also, singlish can be used to connect with your friends more easily. Actors which associate Singlish are more popular with their audience take for example Gurmit Singh in Phua Chu Kang. Teacher trainees are even told that it is all right to use Singlish if it
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