1957 Singapore: Rock n Roll Might Encourage Riots

Topic: That Singapore Youth Is Not Given Enough Independence.

Even in the late 50s, Singapore students argued about "not getting enough independence" from their parents. A friendly debate amongst three mission schools, St Andrew's, St Margaret's and St Hilda's resulted in a battle of words with rock and roll music as target.

One speaker suggested that rock and roll was the result of parents trying to control their children excessively. Another member of the team agreed that the music was "healthy fun" but pessimistic parents thought it was an "inclination to riot."

An opposing member of the debating team argued that if independence meant rioting on the streets after viewing a rock and roll movie, then she would have, "none of it." And as the dance became a hot issue another debater suggested that rock and roll meant the independence of youth. To show his support, a classmate of mine from St. Andrew's, Wong Peng Koon shouted, "Long live rock and roll!" He was a school debater and is now a prominent lawyer.

But the debate was brought back into focus when a speaker quietly suggested that independence carried responsibilities such as "obeying the law." So who says youths in the 50s are quiet and reserved? Not true. We've had our say. And rock n roll is here to stay. And who won the debate? Ah, you must read it from The Straits Times.

Were you in this debate? Tell us.
Information from: The Straits Times Singapore (page: 3, 27/07/1957) and original article has been edited by Andy Lim.

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