I guess this is a subject of much national debate for many years now. Perhaps the term family planning might conjure imagery of a bygone era where young couples were cajoled into accepting the notion that two was indeed enough.
Perhaps at that time and place, it was indeed enough but social engineering against the course of human behavior might have some repercussions. Are we seeing those effects today? Maybe. Is there a work around to the declining birthrate?
That answer is not quickly found I suspect. Thus our continued quest for answers through many platforms of questions and conversations.
So are we now on a subtle campaign for more babies?
It seems to be so. Just the other day I was at MBS (Google it) with the family and there was a night water display with faint images painted across a spraying fountain and flashing lights.
I was just admiring the sounds and display with baby when the initial images of little toddlers playing and laughing started the show.
Incidentally there was an AngMoLang (Google it) and his Asian looking female friend having a somewhat interesting conversation.
AngMoLang: “ah.. you see this water display? The babies, children.. ?”
Asian Friend: “yes.. ?”
AngMoLang: “you see, the national birthrate is on the decline so the government is putting up all these subtle messaging to help increase the birthrate and get people interested in family planning all over again.”
Asian Friend: “wow..”
Yeah. Wow.
Clearly the social engineering of the day is working. Even the AngMoLang knows there is a problem. I am not so sure if there was that much subtle messaging in the water display though. Or perhaps he was trying to suggest something to his unsuspecting female friend.
Whichever the case, perception is reality.