Today we went to the Changi Museum, a sort of memorial for what Singapore went through during World War II when they were taken over by Japan. Though it was really sad seeing all the terrors that the Singaporeans went through, it was also pretty interesting. We found out that they got a lot of help from the Australians, British, Indians, and several others. Since the Indians were under British rule, they automatically volunteered to help out. The Japanese offered to help them break away from British control if they joined the Japanese, and many Indians were tempted since British people still treated them as their subjects. About one third of the Indians switched to the Japanese side.
We also talked about how in America we pretty much learn just about how the U.S. "saved" everyone during WWII. Instead, in association with Singapore, Americans played a really small role in the war. This was the first time most of us were hearing about the war from a viewpoint other than the American one.
After the museum we all got some delicious frozen yogurt and educated our Singaporean buddies on the American way of life. We talked, played games, and got to compare teenage life in both countries. It was very interesting! :)
That's very interesting how much of this war we never learn about. There were so many different countries involved that we never study. I also didn't know that Singapore was under Japanese domination during World War II. It's also interesting to see a different country's perspective as well as what the students are educated on.
ReplyDeleteJessica A. (Rodgers 2A)
I never knew that singapore went through all of this during WWII. It's amazing to see what the Indian people would do to get away from the British rule. Also the U.S. helped out the singaporians is news to me. When you hear about the war all that's understood is what we went trhough. We never take a chance to step back and see what everyone else has gone through.
ReplyDeleteKelsey M. (Rodgers 6)
It is very interesting to find out that the Americans did not do much to aid the Singaporean people, even though the United States forced the Japanese Army to surrender. I think that it would be nice if we, as American students,were able to find out about several key events in the history of the world, such as WWII, in other points of view that were not only coming from the American perspective.
ReplyDeleteAndres N. (Rodgers 6B)
It was interesting hearing about your trip to this memorable museum. It is sad to hear that the Singaporians were under the control of the Japanese. It is so hard to comprehend what others go through because I am so lucky to be able to live in the best country around. The United States. I also think it is very interesting that you are over seas learning and trying to understand anothers culture.
ReplyDelete(Demetri.Austin)
It is interesting that in WWII, both America and Singapore got attacked by the Japanese. I wonder if the Singaporeans know about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Also, it caught my attention that they saw a different point of view from a different country. I have never really thought about seeing a war from a different point of view such as the Singaporeans.
ReplyDelete-Paul Miniaci
This is pretty interesting. I never knew that Singapore was under Japanese domination or affected at all.It's nice to learn about facts on World War 2 through a different perspective, especially from a country like Singapore.
ReplyDeleteSadaf B. (Rodgers 6B)
That is really interesting, I never knew the Indians sided with the Japanese. Would the outcome of the war have been different if more of the Indian subcontinent had joined the Japanese? It is really beneficial to both the US students and the Singapore students to hear different perspectives of the war.
ReplyDeleteJordan J. (Rodgers 8B)
Its really interesting to hear the viewpoint from another country. We often hear about how America was the "hero" and try to help the countries from falling under communism. But its really surprising to hear that many countries help Singapore out such as Australia. I wonder how the museum looks like?
ReplyDeletelaura m (rodgers 2)
It is pretty interesting that Singapore was under Japanese control during WW2, that must have had an influence on them having negative thoughts towards US foriegn policy. Different view points from both nations could lead to different interests.
ReplyDelete-Ryan Nour
Never before in my life have I heard about the singaporean front during WWII. It's just not something that's taught, unfortunately. Im sure besides singapore there wwere other obscure countries affected deeply by the war that are not generally taught. Also, Australia's involvement in the war is not often brought up. Very interesting.
ReplyDelete-PHIL W. RODGERS 7