june hols blog task

Initiating different viewpoints on what rules our democracy should chase, and to what extent cultural media should be censored; both Singer and Szilagyi have demonstrated and defined the outcomes of having the freedom of speech in various countries.

Singapore, being culturally diverse (a multi racial community with 42.5% being Buddhist, 14.9% Muslim, 8.5%, Taoist, 4%Hindu, 4.8% Catholic and 9.8% Christian) and diminutive, as compared to other countries, would make us liable to disharmony and dispute when religious conflicts arise and are not settled quickly. Thus I feel and do hope that amidst such religious diversity, responsibility should be observed and that it compromises of civilians, practicing the freedom of speech, as well as being conscious of the surrounding religious mores; concordant to Szilagyi’s view on how more focus should be placed on social responsibility instead.

Adopting a sense of social responsibility may very well be the underlying component for any democracy to function. Hence, the media and the press need to be more aware of how they should portray their views such that it does not incite a political war or crowds of rioters. As Szilagyi cited “Freedom of speech has never been a static value, and the responsibilities of the press evolve with every new social and political development around the world - requiring the limits of media output to be subjected to constant review.” I feel that restraint must be practiced in order for a country to achieve the full national support and trust of the civilians. It is during a worldly crisis that one appreciates the value of cohesiveness.

Take for example the existing Danish islamophobia which sparked animosity through offensive Prophet Mohammed cartoons. After which, four months later, led to undesirable death-threats and raging attacks on the Danish embassies. (Rioters razed 18 churches and at least 17 houses were set alight during the protests. Thousands of demonstrators also took part in a rally to protest the cartoons of Prophet Mohammed)

Such chaos can only suggest that Singaporeans should be more receptive and sentient to the people around them-that including the media and press that has the most influential power over civilians.

On the other hand, Singer pointed out that freedom of expression should not be limited as “Without that freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.” Singapore being highly-developed and having a successful free-market economy enjoys a substantially corruption-free environment. This almost accomplished society, I fear, could be tainted by, ironically, society itself, if freedom to express oneself is unlimited. The various jurisdiction and infliction of dissatisfied individuals towards civilians (be it the ones in conflict or innocent third parties) would hinder our economic development and not help us progress in the long run; contrary to what Singer believed. Although human progress would occur as society accepts all expressed thoughts of individuals and takes them into consideration to improve the current issues, it is only short term, as there is a limitation to patience.

Take for example-blogs, the current trend that imitatates that of a diary. The catch-anyone can view it if on public mode. In September 2006, three Singaporeans were charged with posting racist remarks on their blogs. (“In Singaporean law, the Sedition Act makes it illegal for a person to “act or conspire with others to act in a way which has a seditious tendency, or reproduce any seditious publication”. First-time offenders can be fined up to S$5000 or jailed for up to 3 years, or both.”) If blogs were online forums where one could post their views on anything under the sun, where does the line separating public issues and personal issues come in? The intention that of a blogger, seems more likely to let another person read his /her post, in the process, influencing the reader. Thus could be harmful on societal level if the reader were to carry out any actions based on the agreeing views of a blog he/she just read.

Thus, in a world where everyone wants his/her interest (be it picayune or prominent) to be received, social responsibility should be accentuated in our multi-racial society so that harmony thrives and acts as a deterrent in times of crisis.