Bridges or Walls

France is suffering from political and social fracturing, threatening the stability of both the country and Europe. The results of the recent snap legislative elections, in which a significant number of seats were gained by political extremes, left President Macron's party without a clear majority. At the same time, these results have revealed deep divisions in the country—divisions I fear are only growing wider.

While the Olympics gave us a glimpse of what a unified France could look like, the afterglow is fading, and political camps are retreating into their entrenchments. Political discourse appears more confrontational and hysterical than ever. Each of the three main blocs that emerged from the election stands firmly in its positions, refusing to give up even an inch for the greater good.

It’s hard to watch.

The divisions in France are not unique. Canada, the country where I grew up, is also facing political polarization. Canadian national identity once played a significant role in what it meant to be Canadian. It transcended religion, social class, and political affiliation. Canadians traveling abroad proudly wore the maple leaf flag on their suitcases and backpacks as a symbol of equality, acceptance, and peace. However, the national unity I experienced in my childhood has eroded, with individual interests now taking precedence.

What a stark contrast to a place like Singapore. Here, national identity still holds meaning. Different religious and ethnic communities coexist with shared values. The nation and society take precedence over the individual, and seeking consensus over conflict is a guiding principle of political discourse.

In Singapore, the government works to reduce the gap between political elites and the people. Since 2021, an initiative known as "Our Singapore Conversation" has encouraged Singaporeans to engage in dialogue sessions to share their views and aspirations.

The former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, correctly identified the emerging problem of wokism in Western societies, condemning the hypersensitivity and sense of entitlement in certain social groups.

[Wokeness] does not make us a more resilient and cohesive society with a strong sense of solidarity. We must be more robust. 

While Singapore’s approach to national unity is effective on the surface, it is important to note that this model comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the realm of free speech.

In the face of growing divisions in the West, I wonder what the future of our society will look like. How can a people advance and thrive without shared guiding principles, ambitions, and common projects? We must find ways to listen to one another and build bridges instead of walls.