We Need Politicians To Be Role Models For Society

The recent spate of political affairs in Singapore has got me thinking about the role and influence that politicians have on our society, and in particular, our children.

Call me idealistic, but I fully expect our politicians to be moral beacons for society, and that anyone aspiring to join politics should be cognisant of this responsibility.

As a mother, I expect nothing less from public figures who are going to be held up as role models for our children.

Which is why I agree that the recent resignations were absolutely necessary, and that anyone involved in an extramarital affair should never be given a chance to be in a position of political power or influence again.

But aren’t politicians human, too?

Some argue that holding politicians to such high moral standards is unrealistic and counter-productive, since they are primarily elected to govern effectively rather than serve as a moral role model for society. This line of argument then maintains, we should therefore judge politicians by their capability, and not by their private sexual decisions. 

Anyone can fall prey to temptation, and since politicians are humans too, that makes them no less susceptible. As long as their personal conduct does not impede their ability to govern effectively for the public, then infidelity does not have to signal an end to their political career.

I can acknowledge the merits of this line of reasoning, but I cannot agree with it. After all, a competent politician is easily replaceable. On the other hand, a capable politician who is morally upright, with a good character and personal conduct, is harder to find.

When we elect or look for leaders of Singapore who will guide us towards progress, we should not compromise on these expectations -- regardless of how well-liked the (former) politician (or nominee) was.

What’s more, as a mother, I need politicians to serve as a role model for society, particularly for my children and all the future youths of Singapore.

Politicians must be role models for our youths

There are plenty of talented people in Singapore who can lead, influence and inspire. But not all of them have the character and conduct needed to become -- and remain -- a politician.

We need to uphold our standards for ethical behaviour and moral character when it comes to appointing our political leaders to lead and represent us, because their influence extends to not just the type of policies and measures they put in place, but also our generation of impressionable youths.

If we accept and forgive politicians with extramarital affairs, then it sends a signal to wider society that such acts can be tolerated. Over time, tolerance can then grow into a norm.

I don’t even want to imagine what society will be like if extramarital affairs start to become a norm. 

We need to acknowledge that politicians act as powerful influencers of and on society, whose words and behaviour -- both in public and their private lives -- can impact what citizens perceive to be acceptable conduct. When politicians lead by example and demonstrate moral values, they can instill important qualities in our younger generation and show them what it means to uphold the highest qualities of conduct and character.

If not politicians, then who else?

When I was debating this over a recent podcast episode with my peers, they argued that since we do not expect other public figures to serve as role models for our children, then why do we apply such standards to our political leaders?

Most celebrities are poor role models for our children, as they are often associated with lavish lifestyles and typically make the headlines for irresponsible acts like scolding vulgarities, drunk driving, assault, lying, cheating or even selfishness. Instead, we parents spend more time trying to teach our children why it is probably a bad idea to emulate their favourite actor or singer, no matter how talented they may be.

Social media personalities, online influencers, or content creators with a wide reach and following, are also questionable role models, especially since there are many who prioritise self-promotion and commercial interests over ethical behaviour. If you’re a parent trying to teach your child about budgeting and savvy spending habits, you’ll soon find that online influencers - who mostly promote buying and spending (especially as they get paid when their fans make a purchase) - make your job even more difficult than it already is. Just look at YouTube sensation Vlad and Niki, and tell me if your child hasn’t already thrown a tantrum over wanting some of the toys featured on their channel? Mine certainly has.

As a mother, I struggle to find even one social media influencer who can be a good role model to my child.

So if not celebrities or online personalities, then who? What other public figures can our children learn from, without us parents having to worry too much?

That leaves us with no one else other than politicians.

But there is no singular, perfect role model

Look, as much as I want and hope for our politicians to be role models for my children, I’m also deeply conscious that I too, have that same responsibility.

As a parent, I’m certainly trying, but I recognise that I too, have my shortcomings. My children see me in my weak moments and moments of anger as well, so they know I’m definitely not perfect.

Which is why we need – I need – a larger-than-life figure for our children to aspire towards.

My peers then argued that we must recognise every individual to be multi-faceted, and that a perfect human being hardly exists. Hence, we should consider having multiple role models for our children.

Sounds reasonable, but the problem is, we human beings need things to be simple.

What more our kids.

We know Franklin D. Roosevelt as an accomplished president of the United States who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, but fewer of us know about his extramarital affair with his wife’s social secretary. We learned about Nelson Mandela and his anti-apartheid revolution in South Africa, but less so about his infidelity and multiple divorces.

It is easy to bury these acts of infidelity because these people are already dead, but the politicians that our children are watching now are well and alive. 

Our children can read the news too. If politicians caught for extramarital affairs have been forgiven and are allowed to remain in their position(s) of power, what will that teach our children?

Is it too much as a mother to hope that we can elect and maintain political leaders who are not only capable, but also painfully aware of their influence as role models on our children, and who will strive to protect and uphold these ideals?

Dawn Cher is a mother of two boys and the founder of financial blog SG Budget Babe.