Wo Ke Yi
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Pondering on limitless freedom of expression and social responsibility
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, I think that Szilagyi’s view should be adopted. It is to the writer’s contention that Singer’s view is not completely wrong. In fact, I firmly believe that freedom of expression is essential. However, it must be limited by social responsibility.
I fully comprehend the importance of freedom of expression and think that it should neither be limited nor forsake fully. We should understand that for democracy to prevail, people should have imbibed the democratic will. They must participate in the affairs of the state and have the courage to criticize the government, for “to articulate is its very life; to be dumb its demise”. Hence, freedom of expression is imperative for the continuous development of a country; it is through free speech that people can honestly voice out their opinions and do not have to give forced thoughts and ideas that may lead to future downfalls. In this case, facts and fictions can then be separated where decisions or policies made by the government are agreeable and appeal to the masses. Moreover, it would also foster social cohesion because people of different races are able to tolerate one another differences knowing that the various honest views from different groups of communities are considered and the best decision(s) is/are being made. A brilliant example would be the case of Singapore where good governance exists. The government has set up a feedback unit which citizens are allowed to voice their opinions regarding any issues or appointment. Hence, freedom of expression was allowed. This saw better policies being implemented and happiness within the citizens as they know that decisions were made with the best of their interests.
However, the people should be capable of rational conduct and be conscious of their rights and responsibilities. There should be a certain limit to freedom of speech as if it was not controlled, it could be detrimental and may result in consequences that have negative effects. One of the examples would be publication of the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. Although there was/were no ulterior motive(s), it have provoked rage in the Muslim world and caused tension to rise in result. In this case, freedom of expression would only be seen to worsen a situation instead of being a method to find solution for certain issue.
Therefore, it is to my belief that we should adopt Szilagyi’s vies that more focus should be placed on social responsibility. Social responsibility has a greater impact in the Singapore context with cultural and religious pluralism. With social responsibility, there may be lesser riots and tensions that may arise if complete freedom of expression were given. Moreover, social cohesion would be fostered. However, a certain amount of freedom of expression should be allowed but must always be practiced or accompanied with discretion in such a way that social responsibility is always present.
I fully comprehend the importance of freedom of expression and think that it should neither be limited nor forsake fully. We should understand that for democracy to prevail, people should have imbibed the democratic will. They must participate in the affairs of the state and have the courage to criticize the government, for “to articulate is its very life; to be dumb its demise”. Hence, freedom of expression is imperative for the continuous development of a country; it is through free speech that people can honestly voice out their opinions and do not have to give forced thoughts and ideas that may lead to future downfalls. In this case, facts and fictions can then be separated where decisions or policies made by the government are agreeable and appeal to the masses. Moreover, it would also foster social cohesion because people of different races are able to tolerate one another differences knowing that the various honest views from different groups of communities are considered and the best decision(s) is/are being made. A brilliant example would be the case of Singapore where good governance exists. The government has set up a feedback unit which citizens are allowed to voice their opinions regarding any issues or appointment. Hence, freedom of expression was allowed. This saw better policies being implemented and happiness within the citizens as they know that decisions were made with the best of their interests.
However, the people should be capable of rational conduct and be conscious of their rights and responsibilities. There should be a certain limit to freedom of speech as if it was not controlled, it could be detrimental and may result in consequences that have negative effects. One of the examples would be publication of the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad. Although there was/were no ulterior motive(s), it have provoked rage in the Muslim world and caused tension to rise in result. In this case, freedom of expression would only be seen to worsen a situation instead of being a method to find solution for certain issue.
Therefore, it is to my belief that we should adopt Szilagyi’s vies that more focus should be placed on social responsibility. Social responsibility has a greater impact in the Singapore context with cultural and religious pluralism. With social responsibility, there may be lesser riots and tensions that may arise if complete freedom of expression were given. Moreover, social cohesion would be fostered. However, a certain amount of freedom of expression should be allowed but must always be practiced or accompanied with discretion in such a way that social responsibility is always present.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
A Hanging
In this first official blog entry, I shall be discussing the issues that are worth pondering regarding George Orwell’s “A hanging”
In “A Hanging”, George Orwell uses various techniques to draw from his readers the desired inference, as his condemnation to capital punishment is delivered indirectly rather than by more explicit means.
Firstly, the introduction sets the mood of the entire story – the hanging. The bad weather elements together with the vivid descriptions of the depilated cells tugged the heartstrings of the readers as their hearts go out to the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two. From the pre-amble, George Orwell is trying to indirectly condemn capital punishment as the prisoner are going to face their looming doom in a matter of time while their conditions are already bad enough; this is definitely cruel and un despicable in many people’s perspectives.
Next, the metaphor “handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water” was used to depict how he condemns capital punishment. The prisoner was being treated as a fauna instead of a human – this clearly shows how the human is degraded; lacking of the basic respect. Capital punishment was condemned as the author strongly feels that it takes away the pride and value of a human being, making him/her being worse than a beast.
Furthermore, the prisoner was deemed to be in the state of normal sobriety, he was “awoke” and not oblivious. This can be seen from “he stepped slightly aside to avoid a puddle on the path”. This further accentuated to the fact that capital punishment should be condemned as it takes away the life of a “healthy’ man – a man who should still be allowed to survive in this universe; a healthy, conscious man’s life should not just be destroyed like this.
In addition, George Orwell described that “all the organs of his body were working – bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues forming – all toiling away in solemn foolery”. We can easily infer the author’s message – it is unethical to kill a human being because of a little mistake, especially when he/she is still functioning properly and is able to continue living.
Lastly, “the superintendent reached out with his stick and poked the bare body” conveyed that the dead was not even treated with a tinge of respect after he had received his “treatment”. This justified the point that capital punishment must be condemned and if can, abolished.
There had been a lot of saying about the sanctity of human life. The gift of life is a privilege bestowed upon us. So, should capital punishment prevail in our society?
Supporters of capital punishment would feel that it is the only way to pay proper respect and homage to the importance of human life. The human life referred here is not only the life of the victim but also the life of the murderer as well. Although killing the perpetrator of the crime would not revive the loss of the innocent, it would effectively deter others who have similar thoughts of committing hideous crime by cautioning them to reflect carefully on the price they have to eventually pay.
On the other hand, the guilty are free from guilt at the same time as the execution process is both a short and rapid one. In matter of seconds, the guilty would not have to live on with the name of guilt eating him up for the rest of his life. In this case, the guilty would not be deprived of freedom, to be jailed in a lifeless monotonous cell and being constantly tortured with hard labor and humiliation. Isn’t the capital punishment much better in the perspective of the criminal in comparison with just long term jail?
However, some may object the usage of capital punishment for its cruelty and the finality. It simply deprived the criminal for the right of having second chance and directly deeming them as incorrigible. Thus, it is highly unethical and it violates the law of human rights; capital punishments disregard the sanctity of human life. Furthermore, it is hypocritical. While trying to convey the message that it is unethical to kill or commit other serious crime, the guilty in subject is being killed by the authority instead of forgive. This is ironic and it is a paradox.
In my opinion, there are circumstances in which the death penalty can be justified. Cases in which there are repeated offences because the subject in question does not show remorse or those, which involved killing of the masses, should not be spared, as the capital punishment should be incorporated.
In conclusion, the debate on capital punishment would be ongoing. There is no definite answer on whether it should be abolished or not. However, it is to my belief that it should be condemned in order to pay homage to the importance of human life.
In “A Hanging”, George Orwell uses various techniques to draw from his readers the desired inference, as his condemnation to capital punishment is delivered indirectly rather than by more explicit means.
Firstly, the introduction sets the mood of the entire story – the hanging. The bad weather elements together with the vivid descriptions of the depilated cells tugged the heartstrings of the readers as their hearts go out to the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two. From the pre-amble, George Orwell is trying to indirectly condemn capital punishment as the prisoner are going to face their looming doom in a matter of time while their conditions are already bad enough; this is definitely cruel and un despicable in many people’s perspectives.
Next, the metaphor “handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water” was used to depict how he condemns capital punishment. The prisoner was being treated as a fauna instead of a human – this clearly shows how the human is degraded; lacking of the basic respect. Capital punishment was condemned as the author strongly feels that it takes away the pride and value of a human being, making him/her being worse than a beast.
Furthermore, the prisoner was deemed to be in the state of normal sobriety, he was “awoke” and not oblivious. This can be seen from “he stepped slightly aside to avoid a puddle on the path”. This further accentuated to the fact that capital punishment should be condemned as it takes away the life of a “healthy’ man – a man who should still be allowed to survive in this universe; a healthy, conscious man’s life should not just be destroyed like this.
In addition, George Orwell described that “all the organs of his body were working – bowels digesting food, skin renewing itself, nails growing, tissues forming – all toiling away in solemn foolery”. We can easily infer the author’s message – it is unethical to kill a human being because of a little mistake, especially when he/she is still functioning properly and is able to continue living.
Lastly, “the superintendent reached out with his stick and poked the bare body” conveyed that the dead was not even treated with a tinge of respect after he had received his “treatment”. This justified the point that capital punishment must be condemned and if can, abolished.
There had been a lot of saying about the sanctity of human life. The gift of life is a privilege bestowed upon us. So, should capital punishment prevail in our society?
Supporters of capital punishment would feel that it is the only way to pay proper respect and homage to the importance of human life. The human life referred here is not only the life of the victim but also the life of the murderer as well. Although killing the perpetrator of the crime would not revive the loss of the innocent, it would effectively deter others who have similar thoughts of committing hideous crime by cautioning them to reflect carefully on the price they have to eventually pay.
On the other hand, the guilty are free from guilt at the same time as the execution process is both a short and rapid one. In matter of seconds, the guilty would not have to live on with the name of guilt eating him up for the rest of his life. In this case, the guilty would not be deprived of freedom, to be jailed in a lifeless monotonous cell and being constantly tortured with hard labor and humiliation. Isn’t the capital punishment much better in the perspective of the criminal in comparison with just long term jail?
However, some may object the usage of capital punishment for its cruelty and the finality. It simply deprived the criminal for the right of having second chance and directly deeming them as incorrigible. Thus, it is highly unethical and it violates the law of human rights; capital punishments disregard the sanctity of human life. Furthermore, it is hypocritical. While trying to convey the message that it is unethical to kill or commit other serious crime, the guilty in subject is being killed by the authority instead of forgive. This is ironic and it is a paradox.
In my opinion, there are circumstances in which the death penalty can be justified. Cases in which there are repeated offences because the subject in question does not show remorse or those, which involved killing of the masses, should not be spared, as the capital punishment should be incorporated.
In conclusion, the debate on capital punishment would be ongoing. There is no definite answer on whether it should be abolished or not. However, it is to my belief that it should be condemned in order to pay homage to the importance of human life.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Because I Believe
Ironically, the rustling of the evergreen leaves pervaded the still air as fleets of towering cumulonimbus clouds drift past the clear sky at a menacing pace. Without a moment of hesitation, I quickly sought refuge in a place which I deemed as my home. In a matter of time, the enraged thunder bellowed as a gust of wind unleashed its fury on my fragile cheek. Urging my tears to remain forded, I continued to persevere in the solo “mission” to unfold my past as I stepped into the home which I had lived for ten long years; Catholic High School.
Unknowingly, everything seemed to be flooding back in a coherent sequence. The crimson track which I “missed” dearly is just right in front of my very own eyes! Despite all the tough trainings, I would never forget the endless beads of perspiration I had left in moisturizing the tracks. It was that immense effort of intense focus which enables me to become stronger; to achieve greater success in life and firmly believing that there isn’t any mountain too high to be conquered. Moreover, my name would not appear in the list of ungrateful souls as I simply would not forget to credit the friends who had helped me in one way or another so as to pass my 2.4km run. Indeed, friendship plays an integral role in my daily life as I tend to gravitate towards one another for various needs.
A smile diffused across my face as I knew that I had left no regrets on the track; I had push on and tried my very best in every aspect of sports, regardless of whether it is games or physical training. As I continued my adventure, melodious fine music poured into my ears. Shutting my weary yet heavy eyelids, I am adsorbed into the musical background while split images of the joyful times came flooding back once again, just like beautiful memories. Recess was to be described as our “childhood times” as the troop of us gathered at the student lounge to drink our “cocktail” while being involved in an assortment of activities. Though peace and tranquil did not exist, that was the time when I was really inspired to write and composed songs on the piano while everyone had their fair share of enjoyment. However, singing or humming at that time was not our cup of tea.
Suddenly, a strong surge of force dragged me to the computer lab; the place where interactive learning takes place. However, to me, it was not simply just a place for enjoyment. Enrichment is the real subject I am talking about because throughout the four years, I was in IT (called Science and Tech Club initially). Writing programs was just secondary. What were more important are the various life skills we had learned but I am not going to interpret on that.
The smell of perspiration stung nostrils as I was jolted back to “reality’. A door, which was of the size of looming skyscrapers, was just within my reach. Exerting every bit of energy, I reached for it. To my surprise, what appeared in front of me was not my alma mater but instead Anderson Junior College.
“What a change of environment”, I thought as I lapsed into a whirlpool of thoughts.
Thousands of questions flowed through my pervious mind regarding this totally new environment. It is no longer secondary school but junior college. It is no longer English but general paper. I am astonished by the depth of change but has slowly adapted to it.
Suddenly, a passage seems to appear right before me with various different seasonal flowers parading it. Their scent greeted me and provided me with new hope.
However, the crux of the matter would be the eventual outcome.
Would it be the case that the flowers would shiver while mourning in the cold or would it be that the flowers would exude their exuberant smile?
Seriously, I have totally no idea on what the outcome would be. However, I believe that the outcome is up to me to decide; it is whether hard work or complacency appears more frequent in my vocabulary bank.
Finally, I would like to quote something that Mr Heng said. “We need to climb the mountains, to climb every mountain, to climb our mountain, till we find our dream. Those who give up will never see the summit, while those who believe and press on will definitely see not just the summit, but all majesty of the surrounding vast vistage.”
If there is a will, there is a way.
I hope that through the above narration, you guys out there reading this would understand more about me. Aye, this is basically just an introduction. Now, all of you should know more about me regardless is whether it is my character or interest.
So, have faith and believe in yourself!
Unknowingly, everything seemed to be flooding back in a coherent sequence. The crimson track which I “missed” dearly is just right in front of my very own eyes! Despite all the tough trainings, I would never forget the endless beads of perspiration I had left in moisturizing the tracks. It was that immense effort of intense focus which enables me to become stronger; to achieve greater success in life and firmly believing that there isn’t any mountain too high to be conquered. Moreover, my name would not appear in the list of ungrateful souls as I simply would not forget to credit the friends who had helped me in one way or another so as to pass my 2.4km run. Indeed, friendship plays an integral role in my daily life as I tend to gravitate towards one another for various needs.
A smile diffused across my face as I knew that I had left no regrets on the track; I had push on and tried my very best in every aspect of sports, regardless of whether it is games or physical training. As I continued my adventure, melodious fine music poured into my ears. Shutting my weary yet heavy eyelids, I am adsorbed into the musical background while split images of the joyful times came flooding back once again, just like beautiful memories. Recess was to be described as our “childhood times” as the troop of us gathered at the student lounge to drink our “cocktail” while being involved in an assortment of activities. Though peace and tranquil did not exist, that was the time when I was really inspired to write and composed songs on the piano while everyone had their fair share of enjoyment. However, singing or humming at that time was not our cup of tea.
Suddenly, a strong surge of force dragged me to the computer lab; the place where interactive learning takes place. However, to me, it was not simply just a place for enjoyment. Enrichment is the real subject I am talking about because throughout the four years, I was in IT (called Science and Tech Club initially). Writing programs was just secondary. What were more important are the various life skills we had learned but I am not going to interpret on that.
The smell of perspiration stung nostrils as I was jolted back to “reality’. A door, which was of the size of looming skyscrapers, was just within my reach. Exerting every bit of energy, I reached for it. To my surprise, what appeared in front of me was not my alma mater but instead Anderson Junior College.
“What a change of environment”, I thought as I lapsed into a whirlpool of thoughts.
Thousands of questions flowed through my pervious mind regarding this totally new environment. It is no longer secondary school but junior college. It is no longer English but general paper. I am astonished by the depth of change but has slowly adapted to it.
Suddenly, a passage seems to appear right before me with various different seasonal flowers parading it. Their scent greeted me and provided me with new hope.
However, the crux of the matter would be the eventual outcome.
Would it be the case that the flowers would shiver while mourning in the cold or would it be that the flowers would exude their exuberant smile?
Seriously, I have totally no idea on what the outcome would be. However, I believe that the outcome is up to me to decide; it is whether hard work or complacency appears more frequent in my vocabulary bank.
Finally, I would like to quote something that Mr Heng said. “We need to climb the mountains, to climb every mountain, to climb our mountain, till we find our dream. Those who give up will never see the summit, while those who believe and press on will definitely see not just the summit, but all majesty of the surrounding vast vistage.”
If there is a will, there is a way.
I hope that through the above narration, you guys out there reading this would understand more about me. Aye, this is basically just an introduction. Now, all of you should know more about me regardless is whether it is my character or interest.
So, have faith and believe in yourself!
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