For this week, you may choose any current affairs topic that you feel strongly about and write a 200-word reflection on it. The topic you have chosen may be any article or issue that you have been reading about in Newsweek, Time, The Straits Times or any other platform. Do not limit yourself to the ideas covered in class. Your entry should reflect insights and thoughts to the theme/topic- no superficial glossing over of ideas please.
The article i chose is ------- Dominic Strauss Khan's sex scandal.
First of all, evidence has been shown that DSK's semen was indeed found on Diallo, the 'victim', which would lead to the conclusion that some form of sex had taken place. However, it is now the play of each sides. DSK has got his powerful lawyers to protect him and even made a counter sue like Mutual-consent sex or DSK refusal to give Diallo money has been made. DSK has been infamous of sex scandals, including a accused rape on him by a young french journalist who interviewed him. She said that DSK came to her like . All these are some evidences that Diallo was another addition to DSK's sex scandals.
Diallo, on the other hand, tries to raise awareness in the public saying that we cannot allow criminals to get away just because they have money and power. However, her story seems to put off some believers as her story is ever-changing, making the public and the police unable to unravel the unfathomable mystery.
In conclusion, this case has not seen the light yet but we learnt many things. We learnt that justice can be manipulated by people in power as DSK's lawyers able to protect him from the law
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Blog prompt 6
The news media should be blamed for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news. How far do you agree?
No i do not agree that news media should be blamed for this unhealthy culture in fact, no one party should be entirely blamed for this. The government also plays a part to ensure that the paparazzi do not got to the extremes of finding news by enforcing law and order. By enforcing one's sate law and order, the government places limits unto the unhealthy paparazzi culture and penalties for those paparazzi who stoop so low just to get juicy news. For example giving fines or even jail for paparazzi who committed and violated the laws. Another party we should blame is the customers buying and reading the juicy news, with us reading and purchasing, the news media would be pressured into getting more and juicier news. Therefore, not only news media should be blamed.
However, i do agree to a certain extend that news media are responsible for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news. This is because everyone has an incentive-driven mindset and would do anything to earn more profits and benefits, even supporting the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news.
No i do not agree that news media should be blamed for this unhealthy culture in fact, no one party should be entirely blamed for this. The government also plays a part to ensure that the paparazzi do not got to the extremes of finding news by enforcing law and order. By enforcing one's sate law and order, the government places limits unto the unhealthy paparazzi culture and penalties for those paparazzi who stoop so low just to get juicy news. For example giving fines or even jail for paparazzi who committed and violated the laws. Another party we should blame is the customers buying and reading the juicy news, with us reading and purchasing, the news media would be pressured into getting more and juicier news. Therefore, not only news media should be blamed.
However, i do agree to a certain extend that news media are responsible for the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news. This is because everyone has an incentive-driven mindset and would do anything to earn more profits and benefits, even supporting the unhealthy paparazzi culture and going to the extremes for sensational news.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Blog prompt 5 - By the end of the trial scene, do you think true justice and mercy was achieved?
At the end of the trial scene, Shylock has been ordered by the court and and the bond which he swore to abide to without shedding a drop of Antonio's blood. This is realistically totally impossible. However, this is indeed justified. Going according to law and order and the statements of the mutual-consented bond is true justice. Shylock forfeiting the bond and receiving his punishment is true justice!
On the other hand, there is no true mercy. Forcing a Jew to convert into Christianity may seem a lenient punishment than forsaking all his estate, however, this is indeed a big blow to Shylock. Portia has begged him to show mercy at first towards Antonio but he rejected, arguing on what compulsion must he do that. Now, he begs for mercy and is content to take 3times of the debt which Bassanio offered. Portia rejected him bluntly, stating that he must follow the law and bond, not shedding a drop of blood which would result in a greater offense. Portia is exhibiting true justice but not true mercy
Justice can be manipulated by people in power. There is a saying in China that, Power is greater than the law, people can often find their way out even on serious crimes with bribes as long as they pay, which means they can be manipulated by the government. Power is greater than the law, money is greater than the law and connections are greater than the law. If the criminals can offer the government or the court some benefits, they may get away scot-free. At this point of time, after receiving those benefits, the people in power can bend the rules and let those criminals off.
On the other hand, there is no true mercy. Forcing a Jew to convert into Christianity may seem a lenient punishment than forsaking all his estate, however, this is indeed a big blow to Shylock. Portia has begged him to show mercy at first towards Antonio but he rejected, arguing on what compulsion must he do that. Now, he begs for mercy and is content to take 3times of the debt which Bassanio offered. Portia rejected him bluntly, stating that he must follow the law and bond, not shedding a drop of blood which would result in a greater offense. Portia is exhibiting true justice but not true mercy
Justice can be manipulated by people in power. There is a saying in China that, Power is greater than the law, people can often find their way out even on serious crimes with bribes as long as they pay, which means they can be manipulated by the government. Power is greater than the law, money is greater than the law and connections are greater than the law. If the criminals can offer the government or the court some benefits, they may get away scot-free. At this point of time, after receiving those benefits, the people in power can bend the rules and let those criminals off.
Blog prompt 3 - how has war evolved from the past to the present?
I think the main difference of war I the past and the war in the present is due to the twin engines that are driving the world today. Youth and Technology. There will be indeed difference in terms of ammunition like there where not much nuclear power or missles in the past compared to that of today. However I think we should focus on the underlying reason for the evolution.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
The reason why people are going to war in the past and in the present is different. The young generations and the old generations have different issues that make them angry and have different intention and perspective on war. I also think the problem is that the generations in the past and the generations in the present, with the aid of technology, the young people have no fear to express their discontent and thus results in many heated arguments.
For technology, the use of social media is rising. People can get their information in seconds by the click of their mouse. People behind the computer, like youths, have no fear to say what they want or please without considering other consequences. With this, people can get really offended and when their problems are not solved, they may resort to drastic measures to convey their message.
The youths are the leader of tomorrow and technology is advancing by the second. With both aspects, it is more than enough to change the world.
Blog prompt 4 - Response to open letter to education Minister
You probably have already heard that a Secondary Four student recently wrote a to letter the Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat, which generated much heated debate again about Singapore's much-discussed education system.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
Blog prompt 2 - Is money important in relationship?
I have 2 points of views actually as i think money is important in a relationship but is not everything in a relationship.
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Money is important as the society now is very realistic, going out with a rich man would without doubt grant you a life of luxury. Going out on dates and marriages, all need money and without it, the relationship would naturally tear apart and there might often be arguments relating money and it could be a main factor of which couples form together.
However, money may not be everything in most cases of relationships. couples may form as of other factors like personality, attitude and appearance etc.... Money may be just a factor whereby they feel is not in the way of their relationship and they can solve it without any problem. This can be derived by the fact, 'true love conquers all
Blog prompt 1 - soldier
Singapore, just a mere dot on the world map, had been through ups and downs. WW2 had really shaken Singapore like an earthquake, rendering Singapore in tatters. Through the harsh reality, we have learnt to rely on no one but ourselves. Singapore as small as we are, is limited of both hinterland and manpower, causing the series of troubles we face in the early years. In such cases, we need to rely on our young men to protect and defend our country. This is essential to be self-reliant as it is the first step to be independent.
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
I am can that I am patriotic and proud of my country. However, I am not sure whether I would be to the extent of dying for my country and I cannot be sure whether I can sacrifice as much as what the soldiers are doing for England. But what I can be sure of is that I am grateful and very thankful to Singapore
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