JULY 29 — There is a case to be made as to how pessimism is perceived in Singapore, and how it is not necessarily a “bad” thing, in the way it has been stereotyped in a recent Gallup study.
The poll shows that 24 per cent of a small sample of Singaporeans — which it takes as representative — rated their future lives as expected to be worse than their current lives. This has raised concern that Singaporeans are a pessimistic people. It also appears to reinforce an earlier survey by Gallup in 2011 which concluded that Singaporeans were the “least likely worldwide to report feeling positive emotions”.
We need to understand the socio-cultural factors surrounding our take on pessimism; it is protective, and potentially empowering. Our memes — ideas and behaviours passed through our cultural evolution — play a major role in shaping our current perspectives. Culturally, it can be said that in Singapore, we are socialised from birth to be more cautious; to be humble; and to fear losing out, or being kiasu.
Harking back to our migrant ancestors’ early years in Singapore, there was much uncertainty over the future and whether they would be able to eke out a decent living to support their families. They took huge risks in leaving their countries of birth to seek a better life, and to be cautious was a highly self-protective measure then.
These memes have been passed down through the generations. From young, we were taught by our parents to err on the side of caution. We were told not to play too far from them and to never talk to strangers. We were warned when our dreams grew too big, and told that we ought to be happy with what we already had. Understandable advice given the context, but then it leads us to the admittance that we are a cautious people.
Caution and pessimism, it has been pointed out, go hand in hand. A point in defence of caution and pessimism: in a German article published this year in the Psychology and Aging journal, it was noted that older people who were cautious and had low expectations for a satisfying future were more likely to live longer and healthier lives than those who were less cautious.
SEEKING SYMPATHY
Secondly, we are raised to never brag about our accolades.
Ask any Singaporean what their strengths are, and chances are they would take a while before responding. It does not speak to our low self-esteem, but instead to our self-censorship of what may be misinterpreted as bragging (being hao lian).
Several Japanese researchers of the cultural notions of happiness have identified that there is connectedness through self-criticism. When one tells others how well he is doing at work, it may breed envy. However, when one confides in others the difficulties he faces at work, he may receive sympathy and others may engage more with him.
We are not as likely to respond with an “awesome” or “great” when asked how we are. Instead, we are probably more likely to say, “Not so good, I’ve been stressed with work lately.” Even if we have just received a promotion, culturally, we are not shaped to go around telling everyone about it.
BEING MORE REALISTIC
Thirdly, we have been socialised to compete in all that we do with the fear of losing out (kiasu-ism) — the downside being to win at all costs.
We need to recognise the utility of “defensive pessimism”, a term coined by psychologists Julie Norem and Nancy Cantor. This is essentially negative thinking that channels anxiety about potential failure into successful achievement. Singaporeans, being the practical people that we are, may be seen as pessimistic. However, a darker outlook on the future is often more realistic and can aid in making more accurate predictions.
The concept of “defensive pessimism” draws all three points together. This can be seen in Singapore through us setting low expectations (being cautious), which softens the blow of failure. We all know of a former classmate who would walk out of the exam hall complaining about how they were going to fail, only to subsequently receive the highest grade in class.
By focusing more on areas of potential pitfalls and not revealing our strengths (being humble), one can feel more in control of the situation. And finally, by reflecting on worst-case scenarios, we can prepare in advance to prevent failure from occurring (being kiasu).
Can we build a sustainable nation for the future that is based on pessimism, some ask? The question is not a fair one. It would be more astute to challenge this stereotyped notion of pessimism. “Pessimism” as it is conventionally understood does not mean we Singaporeans are unhappy. Perhaps instead the Western notion of “pessimism” does not quite fit into our cultural definition of “happiness”. — Today
Dr Joel Yang is head of the Master of Counselling Programme at the School of Human Development and Social Services, SIM University.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
