Article: Indonesia's dilemma over foreign domestic workers
Summary:
During a recent visit to Malaysia, Indonesian President Joko Wisdodo expressed shame when discussing the issue of Indonesian women working overseas as foreign domestic workers (FDWs).
Thoughts on this issue:
Indonesian women have less rights than men in Indonesia which results in them being less educated. Thus, also with their limited education and poor family financial issues, they have less choices of jobs. Many of them are influenced then to become domestic helpers also known as maids, at foreign countries.
From the perspective of the leaders of Indonesia, I believe the reason why they would want to reduce or fully prevent women in their country to work as domestic helpers at other countries is due to national pride. To be honest, who would want a country of women who work as maids in other countries? This national pride not only affects the moral as a country itself, it also affects their reputation as a developing country. The country might feel ashamed when this topic is being raised up.
However, in the perspective of the women in Indonesia, they willingly go overseas to become domestic helpers in foreign countries is because of their family financial difficulty. Many of them who willingly work as maids are poor back in their hometown. Who would want to be alone in a foreign country, separated by seas and oceans to work as a domestic helper should they be financially capable? With little education and rights as women, they willingly become domestic helpers in foreign countries so as to lessen the burden of their financial difficulty back at home.
Looking from the perspective of employees, I believe that most Singaporeans would prefer to have a domestic helper at home to aid in the house chores. Many Singaporeans, especially adults, are working full time. They may not have time for the young and old back at home. Thus, they employ domestic helpers to aid in the taking care of these 2 age groups. However, this has resulted in the bonding of a family's relationship such as a child and parents. The child spends much of his/her time being alone with the domestic helper. This would allow them to be more attached to their domestic helper than their very own parents.
In our perspective, given a choice, we will not reject having a domestic helper at home. With a domestic helper to help out with the preparing of dinner, house chores like cleaning up the dishes and house, we will have more personal time or even time spent with our family. But a domestic helper should not affect the bonding between a child and parent.
Wong WeiNing (18)
Cheng Jing Wen (26)
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Friday, 17 April 2015
Tighten rules on smoking near buildings
The author of the article is a non-smoker who is concerned every time his wife, his four children and him pass by smokers along the passages and outside the entrances and exits of public buildings. He thinks authorities should consider increasing the prohibited zone to 20m from a building and locate designated smoking areas at the back of buildings instead of at the entrances, and step up surveillance and enforcement in public areas, as well as putting up more warning signs and conducting more promotional activities to spread the message.
I(We) agree with the author. It is unhealthy for non-smokers who pass by as they are forced to inhale the smoke. It is also a bad influence to youngsters, as they may learn how to smoke due to interaction with other smokers, which can ruin their health. We can create an area specially for smokers, so that they cannot smoke wherever they want to. That way, we can limit the contact between smokers and non-smokers, so that non-smokers are in no danger of taking in the smoke or becoming a smoker, and at the same time not risk the anger of smokers.
Shuang Ching and Jing Yi
I(We) agree with the author. It is unhealthy for non-smokers who pass by as they are forced to inhale the smoke. It is also a bad influence to youngsters, as they may learn how to smoke due to interaction with other smokers, which can ruin their health. We can create an area specially for smokers, so that they cannot smoke wherever they want to. That way, we can limit the contact between smokers and non-smokers, so that non-smokers are in no danger of taking in the smoke or becoming a smoker, and at the same time not risk the anger of smokers.
Shuang Ching and Jing Yi
Clever girls, stupid boys?
Clever girls, stupid boys
The article states that girls are more witty than boys and boys are beginning to lose out to girls. There might be a possibility that males could be seen as a new form of social disadvantage.
I dont agree with this statement as I believe in equal rights. I believe that this is just a stereotype statement and I believe that we have different strengths and weaknesses. I agree with the author's opinion as i do believe that the environments that the students live in can influence one's growth and interests. The article states that there is a higher percentage of girls entering university as compared to the boy's percentage. However I believe that this does not show that the boys's cannot perform well academically. They have their own strengths and their pros and cons may differ from the girls. In the study, it also shows that boys are much more stronger in subjects such as math and science. Also in our society today, many males have become top successors, on pile with the females who are so called "smarter"
Therefore in conclusion, I believe that not all girls are clever and not all boys are stupid. Different people have different strengths and weaknesses and we should certainly not stereotype the genders on their strengths.
Emma and Zhiqing
The article states that girls are more witty than boys and boys are beginning to lose out to girls. There might be a possibility that males could be seen as a new form of social disadvantage.
I dont agree with this statement as I believe in equal rights. I believe that this is just a stereotype statement and I believe that we have different strengths and weaknesses. I agree with the author's opinion as i do believe that the environments that the students live in can influence one's growth and interests. The article states that there is a higher percentage of girls entering university as compared to the boy's percentage. However I believe that this does not show that the boys's cannot perform well academically. They have their own strengths and their pros and cons may differ from the girls. In the study, it also shows that boys are much more stronger in subjects such as math and science. Also in our society today, many males have become top successors, on pile with the females who are so called "smarter"
Therefore in conclusion, I believe that not all girls are clever and not all boys are stupid. Different people have different strengths and weaknesses and we should certainly not stereotype the genders on their strengths.
Emma and Zhiqing
Changi Airport Outdated Systems
This article is about a passenger criticizing the Changi Airport security systems, owing to an older version of windows that is vulnerable to hackers, he mentions that Changi Airport should not do such a thing and that they should give full protection to passengers.
Thursday, 16 April 2015
YingHan 14 WenZhen 16
THE GUARDIAN
Bullied teenagers increasingly want to have cosmetic surgery, says survey.
From the annual survey carried out by anti-bullying charity, Ditch The Label, it was found out that more than half of the teenagers who responded felt they had been bullied about their appearance. One in two went on to say they wanted to change how they look, some even though cosmetic surgery. As known, the implications of appearance-based bullying are “significant” and can have “devastating, long-term impacts”. The popularity of image-based apps such as Instagram and the fashion for taking “selfies” may also be contributing, experts say, as the vast majority of bullying is now online or via social media.
Even though the survey results in this article is based on that obtained in the UK, bullying is a serious issue in schools, and now even online, all over the world, especially about one's appearance. As stated in the article, posting images of a person's self or "selfies" online is undeniably a trend in this day and age of social media. Thus, teenagers following this trend may become more self-conscious about their outer appearance, in hope of impressing others and becoming popular. Sometimes, mean comments are found on the photos of those whose looks do not come over as visually appealing. These people who are being 'cyber-bullied' may have the desire to change their outer appearance by undergoing cosmetic surgery or going on diets. We feel that mean comments should not exist, whether virtually or in real life. However, it takes all kinds of people to make a world. There ought to be people who enjoy saying mean things about others for their own satisfaction. Hence, we would like to suggest a few ways for bystanders to stop bullying and for victims to stop destroying their own bodies just to keep themselves from being bullied. Bystanders should not just watch absent-mindedly while someone else is being bullied. Step into the victim's shoes and empathize with him. This will give you the determination to speak up for him, not to the bully himself but to a trusted adult. As for the victims, do not think about your appearance too much. Yes, you may feel dejected when someone whose looks you admire makes fun of you and calls you ugly, but always remember that inner beauty is so much more important than outer beauty. Those who bully are thus ultimately the ugly ones.
No one is perfect. Everyone has their own strength and weakness. We should not judge someone by their outer appearance and make fun of them. Instead, we should put emphasis on their inner beauty, as that is what really matters in a relationship or friendship.
Sent from my iPad
THE GUARDIAN
Bullied teenagers increasingly want to have cosmetic surgery, says survey.
From the annual survey carried out by anti-bullying charity, Ditch The Label, it was found out that more than half of the teenagers who responded felt they had been bullied about their appearance. One in two went on to say they wanted to change how they look, some even though cosmetic surgery. As known, the implications of appearance-based bullying are “significant” and can have “devastating, long-term impacts”. The popularity of image-based apps such as Instagram and the fashion for taking “selfies” may also be contributing, experts say, as the vast majority of bullying is now online or via social media.
Even though the survey results in this article is based on that obtained in the UK, bullying is a serious issue in schools, and now even online, all over the world, especially about one's appearance. As stated in the article, posting images of a person's self or "selfies" online is undeniably a trend in this day and age of social media. Thus, teenagers following this trend may become more self-conscious about their outer appearance, in hope of impressing others and becoming popular. Sometimes, mean comments are found on the photos of those whose looks do not come over as visually appealing. These people who are being 'cyber-bullied' may have the desire to change their outer appearance by undergoing cosmetic surgery or going on diets. We feel that mean comments should not exist, whether virtually or in real life. However, it takes all kinds of people to make a world. There ought to be people who enjoy saying mean things about others for their own satisfaction. Hence, we would like to suggest a few ways for bystanders to stop bullying and for victims to stop destroying their own bodies just to keep themselves from being bullied. Bystanders should not just watch absent-mindedly while someone else is being bullied. Step into the victim's shoes and empathize with him. This will give you the determination to speak up for him, not to the bully himself but to a trusted adult. As for the victims, do not think about your appearance too much. Yes, you may feel dejected when someone whose looks you admire makes fun of you and calls you ugly, but always remember that inner beauty is so much more important than outer beauty. Those who bully are thus ultimately the ugly ones.
No one is perfect. Everyone has their own strength and weakness. We should not judge someone by their outer appearance and make fun of them. Instead, we should put emphasis on their inner beauty, as that is what really matters in a relationship or friendship.
Sent from my iPad
To cull or not to cull pesky monkeys
the writer writes the issue about culling monkeys. since the rate of monkeys has been decreasing drastically because of the culling. this is good news in a way, because people have been complaining lesser about the disturbance of monkeys attacking people or being overly dependent on human beings for food. however, animal associations have been complaining about the in humane and excessive culling of monkeys. they hope to explore more humane methods of controlling monkey's population or avoiding disturbance in general by doing things like herding the family out of a place or planting more fruit trees to avoid the monkeys being overly dependent on human beings for survival.
in our opinion, we think that killing monkeys is in humane especially in large numbers. there could be other ways to tackle this problem of the disturbing monkeys other than just killing them. we agree with the method of making the monkeys less dependent on us for survive. we do not think there is a need in killing the monkeys. as long as they do not affect us negatively in anyway, we can just let them be. after all, they are living organisms just like us and it's not like we get killed if there's overpopulation, right? I think this culling method is extremely cruel and they should cut down on it. in the mean time, we can do our part as well by not feeding the monkeys everytime we see them because that makes me them more dependent on us for survival and they will not bother to find their own food. instead, we should let them find food in their own forests where they live so they can be independent. also, it is also stated that they are planting more fruit trees to create a better environment for the monkeys to stay in and not mix and create trouble by running across roads or snatching foods. this really would help the monkeys to be more independent.
By Mingxuan and Jordan
"To cull or not to cull pesky monkey"
The Straits Times, 16/4/2015
Singapore is at a crossroads in its management of wild monkeys and to cull or not to cull these native creatures has emerged as a key question. Public feedback on monkeys, mostly complaints and related to safety and nuisance concerns, fell sharply from 1860 instances in 2013 to just 750 last year. But that had stirred controversy over the cause, given that there had been extensive culling of the animals recently.
So should monkey be cull or be controlled using other method? We have come to a conclusion that monkey should and should not be culled. Culling refers to the killing of removed animal. The other methods stated include sterilization, herds monkey away from home, installing monkey proofed bins, etc. Culling of the monkey is the fast and most efficient way of getting rid o the monkey. It reduce both the number of monkey and the number of breeding monkey in a short term, but it may be needed to be done again in later years as monkey will breed. However, if all the monkeys are sterilized, it will cause an aging monkey population, resulting in a possible extinction of monkey in the wild in Singapore, affecting the natural eco-system.
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Wen Rong & YiXuan
Singapore is at a crossroads in its management of wild monkeys and to cull or not to cull these native creatures has emerged as a key question. Public feedback on monkeys, mostly complaints and related to safety and nuisance concerns, fell sharply from 1860 instances in 2013 to just 750 last year. But that had stirred controversy over the cause, given that there had been extensive culling of the animals recently.
So should monkey be cull or be controlled using other method? We have come to a conclusion that monkey should and should not be culled. Culling refers to the killing of removed animal. The other methods stated include sterilization, herds monkey away from home, installing monkey proofed bins, etc. Culling of the monkey is the fast and most efficient way of getting rid o the monkey. It reduce both the number of monkey and the number of breeding monkey in a short term, but it may be needed to be done again in later years as monkey will breed. However, if all the monkeys are sterilized, it will cause an aging monkey population, resulting in a possible extinction of monkey in the wild in Singapore, affecting the natural eco-system.
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Wen Rong & YiXuan
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
"The young take a shine to cleaning"
The Straits Times, 6 April 2015
The writer states that nowadays more people in their 20s take up cleaning jobs, mainly to earn more money. They are attracted to the high pay, at $16 per hour. That is almost double the wages of service jobs at food and beverage outlets.
One student who took up this job, said that when home owners hire cleaners, they usually expect a woman in her 40s or 50s. This shows that people stereotyped cleaners. We should perhaps, be more open-minded, and not make generalizations based on what we see most often. Yes, indeed most cleaners are women in their 40s or 50s, but this does not mean that cleaners have to be women. Men are as equally capable in cleaning as women too. This also does not mean that only the older people will have experience and clean houses better; younger people may be just as good.
These freelance cleaners feel that those interested in taking up this job must be prepared to face difficulties. To us, this is more important than the age of employees. If the employee is older but able to handle the workload, there should be no reason why employers would not employ him or her. Employers should not be biased to people just because of their age. If all employers were prejudiced, people might not get the jobs and opportunities that they rightfully deserve.
Thus, we feel that people should be more impartial so that they do not restrict people to their personal preferences and deny them of their chances.
Yong Chuen Shin and Andrea Lim
Pre abortion counselling for a positive step
We feel that people should start accepting unwed mothers into the society as most unwed mothers will abort their children because they are afraid of being ostracized by the judgmental society and have a lesser chance of getting a job with good pay. The ministry of health offer pre abortion counseling to all pregnant women who wish to terminate their pregnancies in Singapore. Good counseling will improve the pregnant women emotional state and allow them to be mentally prepared for what would await them after the birth of their child. I believe the pregnant women would need help during this tough period of time as they would be not mentally ready for it and may be depressed, and need counseling to give them confidence and assurance that they are capable of raising up their child. The women have to know the consequences of aborting their child, and be more conscientious in making their decisions whether to abort the child or not. If many Singaporean women decide to abort their children,Singapore will face aging workforce and a lack of future talents to sustain economic growth.
We feel that people should start accepting unwed mothers into the society as most unwed mothers will abort their children because they are afraid of being ostracized by the judgmental society and have a lesser chance of getting a job with good pay. The ministry of health offer pre abortion counseling to all pregnant women who wish to terminate their pregnancies in Singapore. Good counseling will improve the pregnant women emotional state and allow them to be mentally prepared for what would await them after the birth of their child. I believe the pregnant women would need help during this tough period of time as they would be not mentally ready for it and may be depressed, and need counseling to give them confidence and assurance that they are capable of raising up their child. The women have to know the consequences of aborting their child, and be more conscientious in making their decisions whether to abort the child or not. If many Singaporean women decide to abort their children,Singapore will face aging workforce and a lack of future talents to sustain economic growth.
However, this counselling may be biased and encourage unwed mothers to have the children. Not all unwed mothers are economically and socially prepared for raising up a child, and also may not have the ability of providing for the child. For example, if a 14 year old adolescent gets pregnant, she may be unable to take care of the baby herself as she is still schooling, thus encouraging her to have the baby may be unfair as her baby would not be able to have the best living environment.
Hence, suitable pre abortion counseling would be better based on the person one is counseling
Celine and xinhui
Sterilize monkeys, not provide food sources deep within forest.
Brief summary : The article talks about ways to control the monkey population, culling, designated feeding stations and sterilization. The writer thinks that culling is a cruel and a deliberate act to end an animal's life. A better solution would be to gather data on monkey populations , install designated feeding areas in forested areas where there a high number of monkeys so that there is enough food for the monkeys to prevent them from venturing out of the forest .
Thoughts : Although we are the dominating race , it doesn't give us the right to end another species' life. Instead, with greater power comes greater responsibility, we should think of ways to preserve and protect them no matter what circumstances we are in .
Josiah and Royston
Josiah and Royston
Be Appreciative of Foreign Workers
The Straits Times, April 15
Ya Wen and Jia Jing
In this article, the writer reflects that the foreign workers have contributed a lot to Singapore and that we should acknowledge their hard work and the amount of effort that they put in. Rain or shine, these foreign workers have to painstakingly build HDB flats, condominiums, all the things we take for granted and call our home. The writer feels that we must show our appreciation for the role that they have played in building Singapore.
Ya Wen and Jia Jing
In this article, the writer reflects that the foreign workers have contributed a lot to Singapore and that we should acknowledge their hard work and the amount of effort that they put in. Rain or shine, these foreign workers have to painstakingly build HDB flats, condominiums, all the things we take for granted and call our home. The writer feels that we must show our appreciation for the role that they have played in building Singapore.
I fully agree with the writer. In fact, the action of appreciating the foreign workers has always been taught to us when we are children. We are told to respect our domestic helpers and thank the cleaners. However, clearly not many people do this and I find it very upsetting. There are many children who are rude to their domestic helpers, calling them names. Some children even hit and shout at them. Also, many construction workers live in abominable, degrading housing conditions given by their employers. Some employers even refuse to pay them their hard-earned salary and attempt to cheat them out of their money. The sad truth is, it is very difficult for people to start appreciating foreign workers. They don't carry out the action of actually doing it, and their words are hollow. This is so as people look down on foreign workers because they do the 'dirty' work nobody wants to do.
In my opinion, this kind of attitude should be changed. Should we not follow the morals we have learned when we were children, to thank and appreciate the work these people have done for us?
Mr Lee's wishes on house not unreasonable
Article : Mr Lee's wishes on house not unreasonable ( 15 April 2015 )
This article is mainly talking about the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew's decision to demolish his house and not open it to the public. The writer thinks that it is right for Mr Lee to think so and we should respect his choice of demolishing it.
Firstly, one of the points the writer brought up was that Mr Lee was a frugal person and would not want to waste money on preserving his house. I disagree with this because his house is of great historical value and should be preserved for future, Mr Lee should be remembered for generations to come as he has contributed to Singapore greatly and can inspire other Singaporeans to love their country too. Besides, I am sure many Singaporeans are willing to help raise funds to preserve the area and transform it into a museum as it is a very important place. The historical value of the house simply cannot be bought with money.
Secondly, during the period of national mourning, many Singaporeans showed how much they honored and respected Mr Lee, thus we should respect his decision and support him. I agree to this point because I personally really respect Mr Lee and I think he must definitely have thought about this decision thoroughly before drafting it on his will, thus we should agree to it.
Yinn Yi and Mei Jia
Don't be too quick to paint of poor picture of Singaporeans
Don't be too quick to paint of poor picture of Singaporeans (The Straits Times Forums, 14 April 15)
Mr Koh Poh Tiong, chairman, from the Singapore Kindness Movement stated that Singaporeans shouldn't be judged as rude because of a few rude Singaporeans. There are always rotten apples and thus we should be represented by the small portion. The other reason he used that was that if something bad happened, 5 out of 10 would be shared to the world. However, if something good happens, only 1 out of 10 would be shared.
One such example of Singapore's kindness is from my personal experience, where I fell asleep in the train and did not wake up when it reached the end station. An aunty came up to me and tapped my shoulder, waking me up. I think this shows that there are still kind Singaporeans and we should not be judged by a few incidents.
Done by : Joey Lim
Sumiko Teng
16 April 2015
Mr Koh Poh Tiong, chairman, from the Singapore Kindness Movement stated that Singaporeans shouldn't be judged as rude because of a few rude Singaporeans. There are always rotten apples and thus we should be represented by the small portion. The other reason he used that was that if something bad happened, 5 out of 10 would be shared to the world. However, if something good happens, only 1 out of 10 would be shared.
One such example of Singapore's kindness is from my personal experience, where I fell asleep in the train and did not wake up when it reached the end station. An aunty came up to me and tapped my shoulder, waking me up. I think this shows that there are still kind Singaporeans and we should not be judged by a few incidents.
Done by : Joey Lim
Sumiko Teng
16 April 2015
All students should read the news
Source: The Straits Times Forum, 15 April 2015
Students seldom read news and often rely on their parents for current affairs. They are not fully aware of current affairs and do not have their own opinion on it. In order to change it, all students should start reading the news that are easily made available to us.
I agree with the writer's point of view.
I feel that students nowadays are oblivious to their surroundings. Even though news are available on most electronic devices, students still use the devices for their leisure and not to read. They will have limited knowledge on current affairs that might affect them in one way or another. They should spend lesser time on their electronic devices for their own leisure and use them to update themselves on the news.
The students also take things for granted and do not appreciated things. They are privileged to have access to many sources of news but do not seize the opportunity to expand their knowledge of their country and the world. We should treasure the things we have and make use of them wisely.
Students should also be keen independent learners. They should take charge of their own learning and not rely on their parents for knowledge. They should also be active towards learning, so that they can gain new knowledge without the help of others.
Done by: Wye Yee (7) and Mon Aung (19)
Students seldom read news and often rely on their parents for current affairs. They are not fully aware of current affairs and do not have their own opinion on it. In order to change it, all students should start reading the news that are easily made available to us.
I agree with the writer's point of view.
I feel that students nowadays are oblivious to their surroundings. Even though news are available on most electronic devices, students still use the devices for their leisure and not to read. They will have limited knowledge on current affairs that might affect them in one way or another. They should spend lesser time on their electronic devices for their own leisure and use them to update themselves on the news.
The students also take things for granted and do not appreciated things. They are privileged to have access to many sources of news but do not seize the opportunity to expand their knowledge of their country and the world. We should treasure the things we have and make use of them wisely.
Students should also be keen independent learners. They should take charge of their own learning and not rely on their parents for knowledge. They should also be active towards learning, so that they can gain new knowledge without the help of others.
Done by: Wye Yee (7) and Mon Aung (19)
Sterilize monkeys provide food sources deep within forest done by ALOYSIUS AND CHERYL
Sterilize monkeys provide food sources deep within forest
I agree with the writer and feel that monkeys should not be killed just to control the wildlife population.
Instead there are better alternatives that the writer has stated that are reasonable and more humane. The AVA is still resorting to culling which is a cruel and deliberate act to end an animal's life. I do not think that this is the right way to control the population. We should sterilize monkeys or microchip them so that their movements and numbers can be monitored .
I find that sterilization is the best alternative in controlling the population of these animals as it is not as cruel as killing them just because they are over-populated. I find that we should first find out the root problem before trying to resort to other means to decrease the population size as it may not the right way to treat these innocent animals.
They definitely deserve much better treatment.
Pirating films disrespectful of creators' hard work
Pirating films disrespectful of creators' hard work (Friday, April 10th, Forum A35)
Chan Yue San (3) and Yuan Chenxin (21)
The author, Edwin Teong Ying Keat, thinks that the pirating of films is not acknowledging the hard work they put into the movie, as it both takes a share of their profits unfairly and is illegal at any rate.
I agree with the author, as pirating is just the wrong thing when the creators of a movie spend months, or even years on a movie and you take the credit for it in literally 10 minutes or less. Pirating is like stealing, just a more glorified version of it. You take the profits that they could have earned if the audience of the pirated movies had come to the theater to watch the movie and paid the tickets. Would you feel good stealing the credit away from someone who deserves it more? Is that fair, at the very least to the creators?
We should make it an important mission to prevent the spread of pirated movies, and educate the people on the reasoning behind it. Other than being illegal, it brings a whole host of other problems like copyright, etc. No one wants to be the one to open the can of worms.... So let's try to keep it closed on this issue.
Chan Yue San (3) and Yuan Chenxin (21)
The author, Edwin Teong Ying Keat, thinks that the pirating of films is not acknowledging the hard work they put into the movie, as it both takes a share of their profits unfairly and is illegal at any rate.
I agree with the author, as pirating is just the wrong thing when the creators of a movie spend months, or even years on a movie and you take the credit for it in literally 10 minutes or less. Pirating is like stealing, just a more glorified version of it. You take the profits that they could have earned if the audience of the pirated movies had come to the theater to watch the movie and paid the tickets. Would you feel good stealing the credit away from someone who deserves it more? Is that fair, at the very least to the creators?
We should make it an important mission to prevent the spread of pirated movies, and educate the people on the reasoning behind it. Other than being illegal, it brings a whole host of other problems like copyright, etc. No one wants to be the one to open the can of worms.... So let's try to keep it closed on this issue.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Life Lessons the Weak can Teach the Strong
The Straits Times, April Fool's Day
"I marvel sometimes when I visit families with a son and daughter who has a severe handicap. The parents are living each day, and sometimes the whole day, with little help or times of rest. They are not admired or honoured for what they are doing... And yet, isn't it those families who are living love and truth and humility in a special way?"
- Jean Vanier
This article is a reflection by the author on how our society is becoming more inclusive of disabled people. There are more and more individuals and organizations doing their part by employing those with disabilities. Schools now welcome and work to integrate students with disabilities, and public transport agencies are removing barriers to make it easier for disabled people to move around. As a society, we have been gradually been more accepting of people with disabilities, such that they have more opportunities in life.
I agree with the writer and feel too that the change in the society is very assuring and promises a brighter future. Being more accepting of disabled people is the first step to embracing differences and becoming a less judgmental society. I have noticed how bus drivers leap down from their seats to help disabled people get onto the bus. I have also observed that more parents are bringing their intellectually-disabled children outside despite the risk of being stared at. People are actually trying to involve the handicapped more into our lives, and we have gradually been accepting that. In the past, the handicapped were outcasts, and were ruthlessly mocked at and disparaged. Though there are some people who still have these old-fashioned ideas, however, the tide has been slowly but surely changing. We must abort these ideas that the handicapped are helpless, because they aren't; there are numerous videos on the Internet of handicapped people who can take care of themselves. There was even a girl who had no hands and yet could skilfully sew with her feet. Perhaps in the future, people can treat the disabled as their equals.
"I marvel sometimes when I visit families with a son and daughter who has a severe handicap. The parents are living each day, and sometimes the whole day, with little help or times of rest. They are not admired or honoured for what they are doing... And yet, isn't it those families who are living love and truth and humility in a special way?"
- Jean Vanier
This article is a reflection by the author on how our society is becoming more inclusive of disabled people. There are more and more individuals and organizations doing their part by employing those with disabilities. Schools now welcome and work to integrate students with disabilities, and public transport agencies are removing barriers to make it easier for disabled people to move around. As a society, we have been gradually been more accepting of people with disabilities, such that they have more opportunities in life.
I agree with the writer and feel too that the change in the society is very assuring and promises a brighter future. Being more accepting of disabled people is the first step to embracing differences and becoming a less judgmental society. I have noticed how bus drivers leap down from their seats to help disabled people get onto the bus. I have also observed that more parents are bringing their intellectually-disabled children outside despite the risk of being stared at. People are actually trying to involve the handicapped more into our lives, and we have gradually been accepting that. In the past, the handicapped were outcasts, and were ruthlessly mocked at and disparaged. Though there are some people who still have these old-fashioned ideas, however, the tide has been slowly but surely changing. We must abort these ideas that the handicapped are helpless, because they aren't; there are numerous videos on the Internet of handicapped people who can take care of themselves. There was even a girl who had no hands and yet could skilfully sew with her feet. Perhaps in the future, people can treat the disabled as their equals.
"Kindness is part of our nature"
The Straits Times, A23, 7 April 2015
The writer stated that Mr Lee Kuan Yew, brought together a nation at his death, as he did in his lifetime. Amid the grief, there were innumerable acts of kindness. The writer felt that kindness must have been a part of our nature and did not suddenly arise only during certain times.
The writer wrote, "Kindness does not discriminate between occasions. Kindness simply is. And we should simply celebrate whenever manifested." I agree with him. I feel that kindness can be found everywhere, and does not arise only at particular situations.
To me, being kind means lending a helping hand to others in need. If the need arises, we should help others without hesitation. According to a survey, Singapore is one of the world's unhappiest countries. With kindness inherent in our society, this proves that us Singaporeans are not as unhappy and apathetic as we are made out to be.
In conclusion, I am heartened that so much selflessness was being demonstrated. This occasion has helped to unite the nation and bring out the kindness in people. Since people were able to express kindness so easily, this means that kindness is part of our nature. Thus, we should be proud of ourselves and continue to be kind to one another, regardless of any situation.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Making A Greener Qing-Ming Festival
I feel that China is right as it seeks a more eco-friendly Qing-Ming Festival. Filial piety is one of the most important etiquettes present in Chinese people, and it is also very hard for the social event planners to be both dutiful and carbon-efficient, and in these case, they chose to be environmental friendly. It is a very hard change, as it is a traditional custom, but they are people who realize the need that China has the largest carbon emission in the world, and that flowers are also an alternative method.
To me, I feel and know that filial piety is extremely important, and it is a MUST for all of us to pay out respects properly, but in the case of China, flowers and other, such as simple actions, are other ways to do it, as even though they are doing all that they can, the amount of greenhouse gases contribute largely to Global Warming, and the air in parts of China are so hazardous people wear more than a mask just to go out. Promoting filial piety to young generations are also important, as nowadays, they are so engrossed in their mobile devices they forget their own Chinese roots. The custom of burning paper Ferraris and money cannot be changed over night, just like Rome was not built in a day, but the restrictions and steps the officials do reinforces the fact that China is doing its best to be Eco-friendly. Even though the restrictions are harsh, but people would realize the benefits one day.
I feel that the point of the campaign is not only to pay respects to the dead and be Eco-friendly, but also Instill an environmental protection mindset in Chinese people, and that in many things, the Ming Qing Festival being one, there can be greener ways to do that.
From: Today newspaper, page 21
I feel that China is right as it seeks a more eco-friendly Qing-Ming Festival. Filial piety is one of the most important etiquettes present in Chinese people, and it is also very hard for the social event planners to be both dutiful and carbon-efficient, and in these case, they chose to be environmental friendly. It is a very hard change, as it is a traditional custom, but they are people who realize the need that China has the largest carbon emission in the world, and that flowers are also an alternative method.
To me, I feel and know that filial piety is extremely important, and it is a MUST for all of us to pay out respects properly, but in the case of China, flowers and other, such as simple actions, are other ways to do it, as even though they are doing all that they can, the amount of greenhouse gases contribute largely to Global Warming, and the air in parts of China are so hazardous people wear more than a mask just to go out. Promoting filial piety to young generations are also important, as nowadays, they are so engrossed in their mobile devices they forget their own Chinese roots. The custom of burning paper Ferraris and money cannot be changed over night, just like Rome was not built in a day, but the restrictions and steps the officials do reinforces the fact that China is doing its best to be Eco-friendly. Even though the restrictions are harsh, but people would realize the benefits one day.
I feel that the point of the campaign is not only to pay respects to the dead and be Eco-friendly, but also Instill an environmental protection mindset in Chinese people, and that in many things, the Ming Qing Festival being one, there can be greener ways to do that.
From: Today newspaper, page 21
Monday, 6 April 2015
Kindness is part of our nature
Kindness is part of our nature (Forum, A23, Tuesday April 7th)
Mr Koh Poh Tiong, Chairman of the Singapore Kindness Movement, writes that he is heartened by the nation's reaction to the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Many people did countless acts of kindness to others, united in our grief about his passing. However, he believes that kindness is a part of humanity, and these acts were not remarkable in the least except the time in which it was performed.
I believe that his words ring true for most of us, as we are all used to the little acts of kindness that brighten up the whole day, like offering a helping hand, and the like. Kindness should not be a remarkable act when it is performed, as if it is so, it indicates the cruelty of a particular society and the selfishness of it. While it is definitely possible to live without the presence of kindness, without it, life would be a considerably darker place, where coldness and self-centeredness reigns. While kindness should not be taken for granted, we should always remind ourselves that kindness should be "a dime a dozen", so to speak, and be ever present in our society.
Mr Koh Poh Tiong, Chairman of the Singapore Kindness Movement, writes that he is heartened by the nation's reaction to the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Many people did countless acts of kindness to others, united in our grief about his passing. However, he believes that kindness is a part of humanity, and these acts were not remarkable in the least except the time in which it was performed.
I believe that his words ring true for most of us, as we are all used to the little acts of kindness that brighten up the whole day, like offering a helping hand, and the like. Kindness should not be a remarkable act when it is performed, as if it is so, it indicates the cruelty of a particular society and the selfishness of it. While it is definitely possible to live without the presence of kindness, without it, life would be a considerably darker place, where coldness and self-centeredness reigns. While kindness should not be taken for granted, we should always remind ourselves that kindness should be "a dime a dozen", so to speak, and be ever present in our society.
Save Water but set realistic goal in hot, humid S'pore
Straits Times, FORUM
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Paul Chan Poh Hoi
The editorial, "Cherishing every precious drop" wanted Singaporeans to achieve 140 liters per day without compromising household cleanliness and personal hygiene. However, the writer could not find any means to reduce water usage without jeopardizing cleanliness. IF Singaporeans change their lifestyle while using water-saving utensils and do less cleaning, we may be able to achieve the 140 liters per day goal by 2030. However, the question is whether it is reasonable to risk our healthy practices in our hot climate. Water efficiency is about reducing the amount of water one wastes daily, not restricting usage for ones' needs.
I do not agree with the writer. I believe that we can cut down on our water usage a lot more without risking our healthy practices in our hot climate. I think that the reason why he could not "find any means to reduce water usage" was because he had always been using a lot of water, and believes that that amount of water used is acceptable. If that is the case, then water efficiency is no longer restricting usage for ones' needs, because we only want to use so much water, but we do not actually have a need to do so.
Reaping The Benefits of Bilingualism
(Straits Times 02/04/2015)
Writer: Heng Cho Choon
The article is about the benefits of bilingualism and how it benefits the writer's life, giving some examples of how it affects the writers daily life. The writer feels that being bilingual is definitely beneficial and Mr Lee's bilingual policy was a step in the right direction.
Writer: Heng Cho Choon
The article is about the benefits of bilingualism and how it benefits the writer's life, giving some examples of how it affects the writers daily life. The writer feels that being bilingual is definitely beneficial and Mr Lee's bilingual policy was a step in the right direction.
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