Yesterday I stumbled upon a news about an "elitist" Singaporean youth, expressing honestly in reply to a fellow blogger regarding the insecurites of he faces as a Singaporean. She is the teenaged daughter of our very Singapore Member of Paliarment. Her equivocalness has brought many a negative response. I too, was shocked and disturbed.
You can click here for the news http://sg.news.yahoo.com/061217/3/45ih4.html.
I've even went to search for the actual site which this fellow blogger had posted his expression of disheartenment and fear about his livelihood as he nears 40 (Actually he's only 35). I read it. I also read the actual blog entry that our MP's teenage daughter's wrote in response to his expression. After reading them both, I felt peeved and sad that, indeed as what the news reporter commented - that the social fabric is torn. It sounds like a personal attack, not only directed towards the "victim" but to the entire singapore population.
Some argues in favour for her that she has her freedom of expression. In her apology she said that she is naive that she doesn't know so many would read her blog. (Although I agree the apology does not sound apologetic at all)
Well, it is nothing to be sad about, for elitism has existed for as long as mankind has. Has any human, being in power, authority and abundance of resources, not abused it? It has expressed in far worse form than it has in Singapore. Kings, feudal lords and peasants, for example. How can I not understand, since I've ever visited the slums in India and witnessed a young lady 16 years of age, burnt by her own husband? What's airing of one's opinion via blogging compared to those? Yet at the moment I read the news, my heart felt slumped.
Online activity can sometimes blow out of control, as it is a "free-for-all" internet space, all kinds of sites can be found - like a double-edged sword. Hate-sites, Racism-sites, Learn-how-to-make-bomb-sites, and Join-the-aneroxic-club site, to name a few. On the other hand, internet is a cheap and effective way of communication and knowledge sharing. A lot of my lecture notes can be found online. I can learn math, physics and other interesting subjects like materials and how things work, online.
With such a tool, one should take responsibility of his/her behaviour. That's basic moral behaviour and maturity. Talk about a lady teacher I read once in Newpaper that she has a blog publishing her sensual pictures and felt no remorse. Ahhh... the worrying trend of people unable to differenciate right from wrong with a highly compartmentalised life is another issue...the erosion of morality. I struggle with it too! May the Lord have mercy on us! Shan't comment on this for now, else it's going to hurt your eyes reading if i go on rantling.
My opinion is that when you post something as public as a blog, you must be prepared to bear any consequence, or responsibility of what you publish. No excuses that you do not wish someone to read it. If so, keep it under lock and key on paper - not internet. Perhaps like me, she thought as long as she does not publicize her blogsite, she will not be in trouble.Wrong. One spreads to ten, ten spreads to hundred and so on. Chain mail effect. Also, consider your position. If you're public figure like a teacher or politician, scandalous pictures and life-style is a no-no since you're a role model and under scrutiny of the public!!
To the equivocal youth:
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The "defendant" would have kept opinions to herself to avoid being blasted. However, I hope the heated responses from netizens gave her some lashing. Perhaps she grow up being compassionate, empathatic, moral and civic minded. (Like when Mrs Goh Chok Tong, Singapore's previous first lady said S$600,000 is peanuts!!!) If she were to become one of Singapore's policy makers one day, I rather that one who has made mistakes but has learnt it, not one who has not done wrong and harbour dangerous elitist mindset, unaware to all. Chastening disciplines a person you know. Sometimes we are stubborn and learn things the hard way. I testify that. But at the very least, we learn.
To the "defendant", I'm not here to argue whether who's right, or wrong. I give her my benefit of doubt. For Jesus said, let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone. I may have been worse when I shunned the dark bangladeshi worker with his dirty apparels. The end of the day, the Lord shall judge. The wicked shall not be unpunished have they not repented.
To the insecure victim
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To the "victim", I'd like to emphatize with him. Being 35 not-yet-40 having such fears in a globalised world and globalised country Singapore. Competetion for jobs is no longer within a country itself but worldwide. It's the same for businesses. It's a cut-throat world out there...I feel it too, albeit having a meagre 1.5 years experience in my career. I guess like me, he blog just to express your exasperation and anxiety.
Epilogue:
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I wished, he and the rest of the Singapore population who felt the same way, knows that there is a hope. And His name is JESUS. Eversince I know Jesus, I will sing this song whenever I feel insecure. You can hear the melody and read the lyrics here. http://www.angelfire.com/co2/inspiration/worry.html .
I am reminded in this episode that the world i live in is not as perfect as I'd like it to be. Somehow, at the back of my mind I know how my perfect country's government shall be like. No sickness, tears, fears, murders, covetousness, sadness nor hopes and dreams dashed. I look forward to the new heaven and earth, new body that does not deteriorates as well as pathways pathed with gold. All these God promised us in the book of revelation.
We may not be entirely happy about policy changes, tax raises etc. However I believe God is sovereign. He places masters amd people of authority over us (in modern day term - bosses and goverment -- gahment for short). They are to protect us. They, at judgement day have to give an account unto God what they have done with the resources God has entrusted them with. Should they abuse their authority and power, causing the grieve of people to reach His heavenly courts - they shall not go scott free. Not many can take up such authority. God has appointed them in His throne. In fear of God - not man, we should respect them and not grieve them.
On an ending note, this is perhaps the first "serious" entry i've posted so far. I'm not as nonsensical after all!
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