My Land, Your Land, Our Land
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The presentation on the territorial conflict in Kashmir provided the stepping stone for many of us to be exposed to a mammoth number of territorial disputes around the world. Research has shown that almost every other nation in this world is in some sort of disputes with its neighbors over controversial territories. It’s true that few would give in to any situation that is of disadvantage to them. However, this is where COMPROMISE sets in. There will never be a win-win situation, no matter what. There will always be a party that is on the disadvantage, and I mean ALWAYS. People can continue to fight and argue, but at the end of the day, one have to realize that no matter what, those in wars still have to live side by side each other.
Posted by ching at 3:29 PM
justify war?
Sunday, December 18, 2005
War is an active antagonism and portrayal of discontentment. It’s like a paradox – an ugly and horrific event, yet it brings about history and social changes. This topic, with its endless pros and cons, remains highly controversial.
There's a war going on now even as I speak. How many more innocent lives must be sacrificed in order for us to realise that war is never the solution? Children with supposed bright futures are thrown into the cruel arms of war, leaving them scarred and helpless.
War is painful. It inflicts tremendous pain on the people involved. It takes away everything they have ever owned -- their homes, their family, and their hopes.
Millions of dollars are thrown away when a country decides to go into war. Why not put the money into better use? Possible benefits? Hardly any.
Is war justifiable?
Posted by ching at 11:18 PM
Singaporeans+Singapore+S-cube
Sunday, December 11, 2005
A few months down the road, I’d be donning that camouflage uniform and sporting a bald head; yes, I’ve been enlisted for National Service.
Before the seminar, I’ve always had questions and doubts about what is in store for me. The seminar has not only piqued my interest about army life, but has also left me anticipating for it.
Interesting viewpoints that were exchanged during the seminar included:
- Going for national service is a plain waste of time, and
- One incentive for going for national service is such that your loved ones will be protected
- Whether or not Singapore will make it through should a disaster/ attack strike
- National service is actually about bonding together with people of different backgrounds, and coming together to protect Singapore’s welfare
- Women’s role in national security
- The degree of leniency on the pianist who got let off recently with a mere fine despite skipping national service
- Nation before self
The technology advancement in the army is astonishing, but it is only but an advantageous edge for us. Ultimately, Singapore’s stability is everyone’s duty. We have to remain united in order to protect what our ancestors have bestowed upon us – a rich, vibrant and safe Singapore.
Our people are our only resource.
Posted by ching at 5:06 PM
war... you mean world war?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
This week, group segregates amongst themselves on what is right and what is not with regards to war, and challenge each other in bid to decide the ultimate winner, one who can jolt down the most numbers of wars and civil fights that has occurred during the start of this century. Many remembered dictators like Mussolini, Stalin and Aldof Hitler for their part in the emergence of World War 2. Does Mao Ze Dong ring a bell to anyone out there? The man that revolutionized China with his leadership in the long and tiring civil war was too mentioned in almost everyone’s list.
Frankly, all the war that we know of are somehow stuffs we rope in through social studies and history lesson. This pretty much reflect on the nonchalant attitude of youngster nowadays, with myself included. We are readily impressionable on stuff that is fed to us in school, but is that enough? We certainly need to broaden our horizon and not live in this state of mind whereby we learn and understand only what is required of us by the education system.
Posted by ching at 11:38 PM
Rewindddd---
Sunday, November 27, 2005
This week was a mark different from the rest as we were exposed to stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism in a more interactive way, role-playing. Through the many different skit put through by mates who holds interest in issues regarding different social dispute such as ethnic repulsion, rejection of ex-convicts etc, we came to realize that prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and racism exist despite much denials. It is an undeniable force within each and every society, so prevalent it can be found within almost every aspect of one’s life. It is not difficult to understand as to why it happens as these one-dimensional portrayal of people allow us to some degree, make sense of the world.
The impact of these is way beyond what many could comprehend, the worse of which sees people discarding their cultural and parental values in hope of blending themselves into the world of the majority. This is a problem that should be address universally in hope of preserving the distinctive qualities blessed upon us.
Hence, to eradicate the pervasive power of such threats, we must first develop an appreciation fro the complexities of the universal. Valuing the diversity in human appearance and in nature is important. Once we grasp the uniqueness in each and every individual, we will learn to love them for who they are and not who we want them to be.
Posted by ching at 1:43 PM
The 3 Pronged Threats
Sunday, November 20, 2005
We have been, for the past few weeks, relentlessly discussing on this topic regarding DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE and STEREOTYPING. Many would have questioned the severity of this problem, especially in Singapore. It would not be far-fetched say that we Singaporeans are a shallow lot as we have always take things for granted. Though the majority of us do not harbor any ill-feelings towards other ethnic community in this little metropolitan island state, but if we only have love for our own race, then we only leave space to discriminate!
Look at Paris. They experience the same peacefulness as we do. All it takes is just a spark to get things going. Nights after nights of rioting and arson due to hatred that has been generated by discrimination. Who would have expected this to happen to a civilized and developed city? This attack can only serve as a wake up call to the world of the grave and momentous effect of "the 3 pronged threats."
We can choose to ignore these tell tale signs, but are we prepared to deal with these problems when the need arises? Even if we are, are we consequently capable of eliminating it? As a multiracial society, we are exceptionally susceptible to such problems. Thus, there is an urgent need for us to address problems concerning these 3 threats as it can potentially pound us. And for us to achieve that, we must first learn to love and respect each other, not by ethnic background but for the fact that everyone’s gods’ children.
Posted by ching at 1:15 PM
stereoracified
Sunday, November 13, 2005
This week was spent observing racism and how stereotyping sets in our daily life. Stereotyping has no doubt become part and parcel of one's life. We find comfort in classifying people into different groups, often due to inferiority complex. We aim and work towards the cream of the crop, and along the way NEGLECT AND STAY AWAY from those whom we subconsciously regard as the lower class people.
However, stereotyping may not be all bad in this society. Take for example the issue regarding this anguish music teacher who has often been mistaken as illegal immigrants by the police due to his shabby dressing and appearance. Personally, I feel that the police should NOT COMPROMISE in any sense regarding illegal immigrants as they pose great threats to national security, especially in this time where terrorism is rife. Therefore, to avoid this, the music teacher himself should adopt a more PRO-ACTIVE STANCE PERSONALLY to either look more presentable or displaying his identification card in a more prominent manner.
No question is a stupid question and words left unsaid are just as good as lies. How true this can be when we are in a world whereby we often assume on things we have no idea on. Many conflicts, disagreements and even wars are caused by ASSUMPTION, IGNORANCE and MISINTERPRETATION. Though they say humans learn from their mistake, but why can’t we learn to be smart and make it right the first time?
Through this week’s session, I have learnt to adopt a more pro-active stance when dealing with people and issues in life. Never be afraid to ask and voice out your thoughts, even if it is going to trigger gigs and gags from your friends.
For that to happen, widening one’s social circle is important. Be ready to accept people from all walks of life. Be sincere, truthful about the friendship and I believe they would gladly return the favor with respect.
Posted by ching at 1:03 PM
