Relevance of Animal Farm

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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