'For which country?': TikTok video of National Day roadblock sparks debate about who really calls Singapore home
It's National Day season, which means parade rehearsals, road closures and, apparently, confused tourists.
A TikTok video of a foreigner asking why roads were blocked in the city center has gone viral - not because of the closures, but because of his reaction to the explanation.
In the clip, a friendly traffic marshal tells the man it's for the National Day Parade rehearsals. The tourist responds with a question that leaves the officer, and thousands online, stunned: "For which country?"
The marshal bursts out laughing.
"Singapore!" he says, almost in disbelief. "Our National Day Parade!"
He adds that the rehearsals will continue every Saturday until August 9.
The video, originally posted by user @argesonmascardo, has tickled netizens, with many praising the officer's good-natured response.
But the comments section quickly shifted.
Some netizens turned the tourist's confusion into a punchline. One wrote: "Tourists come to Singapore to ask which country??? Think we celebrate another country's national day?"
Another added: "Even tourist can't tell which country he's in."
But others struck a more serious tone, saying the clip reflects a growing sense of displacement among locals.
"We are tourists in our own country... more than half are foreigners," one user said.
Another commented: "I myself as a Singaporean also don't feel like I'm in my own country anymore. When we take public transport, we're surrounded by foreigners."
It's a familiar sentiment. Over 30 per cent of Singapore's population is made up of non-citizens, including permanent residents, work pass holders and long-term visitors.
With that, some Singaporeans say they've started to feel like strangers in their own home.
Still, many praised the traffic marshal for keeping his cool.
"Salute to the uncle! He showed great character. Didn't get angry, just laughed and explained patiently," one commenter wrote.
Or as another person put it: "This is what the government wants la… locals become foreigners."
Whether the video made you laugh or sigh, one thing's clear - National Day is coming. And if you're heading downtown on a weekend, it's best to check for road closures first.
And yes, it's for Singapore.
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