Although this book was written as a satire to the Russian Revolution, some bloggers have started to compare it with what is happening in Singapore today.
I cannot help but think of Boxer as reflecting the workers of Singapore – hard working, dedicated and loyal, but were let down when they grow old. After a lifetime of work, they could not afford to retire and were asked to continue working. They have no security, no pension, no savings for old age (many lost through the credit linked notes) and cannot afford the expensive health care.
I like to mention the wise old donkey Benjamin in the story. He could read as well as any pig, but preferred to have a low profile. Benjamin had known about the pigs' wrongdoing the entire time, but he said nothing to the other animals. He represented the cynics in society or the intellectuals who had the wisdom to stay clear of the purges, but take no action themselves.
Are we having our own Animal Farm in Singapore? Are there too many Benjamins in our midst? What are your views?
Tan Kin Lian
Hi Mr Tan,
ReplyDeleteI like this book.
Pigs are not stupid at all. The most interesting is the last part when pigs and humans are not much different anymore.
starlight
I love the book and the cartoon when I was doing my EInglish literature when I was in secondary school 30 years ago but found it more relevant today.
ReplyDeleteI'm scared you are stepping on the out of bounds marker.... Mr Tang Liang Hong was a prime example. He was accused of being a Chinese Supremist but look at what is happening now, we are actively promoting chinese culture.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Mr Tan. This is the state of our society.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Orwell certainly had a forward vision more than 60 years back, or is it our society is moving 60 years back to his era in history ?
ReplyDeleteOr did someone used his book as a model for nation building, and by mistake ???
Indeed, a sad state of affair.
ReplyDelete4 legs good, 2 legs better.
ReplyDeleteI studied this 30 years ago during Sec 2. Looks like many people around my age group are reading your blog Mr Tan!
Keep it up. And good job on your online part time job portal. Many Singaporeans have you to thank :)
I am sorry to say that I am another Benjamin. I don't cross the wrong people. :*
ReplyDeleteBeing Benjamin is the cultural mindset of educated Singaporeans. The alternative may very well be a bankrupt Benjamin who cannot even travel overseas to earn a living. What to do, 66% of Singaporeans agree to this, unthinkingly and bought into the stable society that is morphing into a haven for foreigners.
ReplyDeleteChina mei mei cheong ahhhh!!! :)
ReplyDelete