Nothing stole the headlines of newspapers in 2010 like the slashing incidents that happened across the island. Teenage gangsters seemed to be on a slashing spree with at least four separate incidents occurring between May and November of 2010.
These slashing incidences were mostly linked to teenage gangs. Take for example, the slashing that happened at Bukit Panjang on the 8th of November. Eight youths armed with parangs (knife-like weapon) and metal rods went around attacking 20 innocent bystanders. The victims of the horrific crime were aged between 14 to 20 years old.
The attackers were heard to have shouted “sah lak kau” before charging at the innocent bystanders, which directly translates to “369” from the Hokkien dialect. “Sah Lak Kau” is a notorious street gang known for violence and misconduct.
Six of the victims of the Bukit Panjang slashings were brought to the hospital immediately, with two suffering severe injuries.
Since then, teenage gangster-ism and slashing incidences have been the hot topic around the water cooler.
When news of the slashing first broke, my normally easygoing mother would bark: “Don’t stay out too late! You don’t know what might happen!” Not that I needed to hear it, I myself was quite shaken by the possibility of being pounced on while innocently walking home.
More recently, it has been reported that members of gangs lurk right outside the premises of schools in hopes of recruiting new members. They have also been spotted loitering at neighborhood malls, void decks and gaming arcades with the same intentions.
So why do these teenagers go astray? Reports say that such gang members normally come from a background of family problems or grow up with a low sense of self-esteem. These adolescences feel the need to be accepted socially, thus seek solace in these gangs.
My opinion? Nobody is too cool for school.
Stay in school, kids. First of all, there is really nothing more commendable than working hard and making a clean, decent living. Getting an education might be a long-drawn process, but it’s one that will reap huge benefits in the long run.
Imagine how sweet that moment you finally receive your certificate, after all the hard work you’ve put into your education, would feel. Imagine having a stable job with a stable family and a stable life. Gangsterism will only lead you away from these accomplishments
Not to mention, gangsters are prone to being in fights. Not only are they dangerous and sometimes potentially life threatening, it is also an immature way of resolving issues.
Gangster-ism may sound like an easy way out now but the long-term effects are detrimental. In Singapore, nobody escapes the long arm of the law. The youths involved in the slashings were caught almost immediately. Following suit, more teens who were in possession of dangerous weapons (such as parangs or long knives) were also arrested.
Moreover, joining a gang does not make you socially acceptable. In fact, it has quite the adverse effect. People generally do not respect or view gangsters in a positive light. It is essential to differentiate respect and fear. People fear gangsters, not respect them. Becoming a gangster would in actual fact, leave you shunned socially as nobody would want to be associated with you.
Whereas in school, making friends is not as difficult as it seems. All you need is an open mind and a positive attitude! It’s really as simply as taking the initiative to talk to someone around you. You’ll be surprised by how friendly people can be.
If you are having problems at home, whether it is financially or emotionally, you can seek help from others around you. Inform your lecturers or your school counselor about what you’re going through. They are professionals who will try their best to help you in your time of need.
In a nutshell, one should always stay away from going astray.
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