Fes NC18: Mission 2

Total recall: An intensive simulation where participants experience differential treatment based on social classes they are streamed into.

As ‘the elite’, we were entitled to eat the full meal

Our group was labelled ‘the elite’. A sense of entitlement washed over me. I did well in the test. I earned this position. Upon knowing the other groups were assigned to other ‘classes’ in society, I couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied. I wanted to learn about sympathy, but I had missed out on experiencing the world through the lens of others who were less fortunate than me. But being part of ‘the elite’ made me realise that the biggest obstacle to feeling sympathy is none other than myself. My selfishness hindered me from showing love to others.

During the mission, I was so preoccupied with winning the games I couldn’t care less what other groups were going through. When we were given a chance to have lunch, some of my groupmates shared their food with the groups who were outside.

I didn’t.

Why would they do that? It’s just a game, I thought. This revealed the state of my heart, that it was still filled with my own desires, that it wasn’t pleasing to God, that it wasn’t in line with His.

In the end, they announced the groups were not based on the test results. It reminded me that I do not deserve the things I own in life. They are mine by grace alone and God will hold me responsible for the privilege He has given me.

Written by Marvel Wijaya, NUS ISCF for Perspective October/November 2018 (FES newsletter)

Are the labels we place on ourselves or others justified?

I was streamed into ‘the workers’ group where we were treated harshly and unreasonably. This mission was a shocking experience for most of us. The most important takeaway were our laughs and smiles as we went through it all.

We laughed because we knew our ‘bosses’ were simulating what some workers face at their workplace. We were reminded that this was actually how someone else was treated at work. This was not something we experienced ourselves, and we could only laugh uncomfortably in their positions.

We laughed because we were helpless in their situations, because we have always been living in our own bubbles. We do not know how to respond to such treatment. There was so much to consider, and we could only laugh at our helplessness.   

We laughed because at the back of our heads, this was just an activity or mission in the camp. But does that mean we do not care about the people around us? Do our hearts actually break for what breaks God’s heart?

This mission made me reflect on our apathy towards injustice in society, and more importantly, what we can do to live justly. It all starts with a change in our perspective, in recognising God’s ownership of our lives and the world we live in.

Written by Guok Jia Wei, NTU ECF for Perspective October/November 2018 (FES newsletter)

The ‘unnamed’ – the lowest class in society – endure harsher working conditions yet earn less pay than the others

Being placed in ‘the unnamed’ group helped me stand in the shoes of the less privileged to experience a slice of what they go through daily. I saw the ugliness in certain actions, remarks, or mentalities we sometimes subconsciously have towards them.

I was reminded not to take my blessings for granted, and to be more sensitive to the needs and feelings of people around me. As a Christian, my priorities should not be centred on the pursuit of material success, but to see the world with God’s eyes and to love the oppressed as Christ did. Instead of being ignorant or in denial of the problems I feel helpless against, I can instead humble myself to be used by God, and be more intentional in using my blessings to bless others.

Written by Celine Lee, NTU CCF for Perspective October/November 2018 (FES newsletter)