Civics classes the lasting way to make Ugly S’porean go away

Dr Damien Cheong emphasised rightly that “For community spirit to thrive, the Ugly Singaporean must go” (April 18). How can its riddance be effected, though?

As humans developed beyond the phase of scattered cave dwellings, social norms became necessary to ensure peaceful group living.

There are three ways to facilitate desirable interpersonal behaviour: Indoctrination from young, instilling fear of supernatural beings and law enforcement.

Promoting graciousness and compassion through campaigns and public appeal is not effective. People do not tend to regard themselves as among the targeted individuals.

Although most religions share the common teaching of altruism, there are numerous types and sects, and overemphasis on religion may lead to undesirable effects such as conflicts.

Law enforcement has instant but superficial effects; once the enforcement becomes lax, most people would resume their old ways.

The only lasting way to instil civic-mindedness is by having civics classes in school from Day One.

Indoctrination is not a dirty word, although it can be abused.

It is, however, indispensable in human society, in both established civilisations and primitive societies, and is practised in the upbringing of children, training, religion, politics and so on.

The traditional San Zi Jing (three-character classic), once in the commencing curriculum of all Chinese students, states: “Men are born good/And similar in nature/They become different/By influence of nurture.”

I disagree. Men are born with strong selfish and self-preservation instincts and must be indoctrinated to become benevolent.