in the passage, Chua mentioned that, "art is a forum for people to come together and share an experience".
another role would be what Chua had mentioned in the passage, that, "arts is a pressure valve; art is bread for society's soul; art is the grindstone for a society's intellectual sharpness" in singapore's context, an example would be our very own production, 881 and the 12 lotus. in the movies, they depict the lifes of 'getai' singers. it kind of keep our 'getai' tradition alive, bread for our society's soul. before the movie was produced, teenagers were not very sure what 'getai' was about. after the movie was produced, some teenagers became more interested in 'getai'. allowing the tradition for 'getai' to continue, thus the production of such a art production becomes bread for our society's soul.
this role is quite important because it keeps our tradition alive. where people will still be able to feel the rich cultural heritage even after a long time.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What roles do the Arts play in Singapore? How important are these roles?
The roles that the Arts play in Singapore are not the ‘leads’ but they are still important in facilitating overall success in all fields.
The Arts is a broad subdivision of culture, composed of many expressive disciplines. In modern usage, it is a term broader than "art", which usually means the visual arts (comprising fine art, decorative art, and crafts). The Arts encompass visual arts, performing arts, language arts, culinary arts, and physical arts.
As mentioned in the passage, there is ‘creative discontentment’. As such, in Singapore, they play the role of bringing up common problems that are faced my Singaporeans at home, school. The problems are reflected in the films produced. For example, local film director Jack Neo produces movies like I Not Stupid and Money Not Enough to address societal issues. I Not Stupid revolves around students, academics and family relationships. Money Not enough depicted the economic stress on the average Singaporean. The best part about the films is that the the situations are very real. Audiences regardless of age would be able to identify with the movie. They can learn from the movie and see from other perspectives.
Another role that the Arts play in Singapore is that it neutralizes Science, allowing people to appreciate creativity and to make sense out of something that defies science and logic. It is also a platform for people to showcase their talents that have nothing to do with numbers and equations. Schools like Nan Yang Academy of Fine Arts breeds Sinagpore’s artistic talent pool. These people include fashion designers; interior designers etcetera and they will play a part in contributing to the growing economy.
These roles as mentioned are important as they are flexible enough involve everyone in society. The films not only contribute positively to the economy, it also educates its audience. For a person to be successful it is important for he or she has to be well balanced. Meaning having the ability to understand science and math but also not forgetting appreciating arts which shows how deep a person can. Arts are an interactive and abstract field and it cannot be achieved by ‘memorizing and practicing’. Arts should therefore be promoted and not undermined to be of less importance compared to math, science and technology.
The Arts is a broad subdivision of culture, composed of many expressive disciplines. In modern usage, it is a term broader than "art", which usually means the visual arts (comprising fine art, decorative art, and crafts). The Arts encompass visual arts, performing arts, language arts, culinary arts, and physical arts.
As mentioned in the passage, there is ‘creative discontentment’. As such, in Singapore, they play the role of bringing up common problems that are faced my Singaporeans at home, school. The problems are reflected in the films produced. For example, local film director Jack Neo produces movies like I Not Stupid and Money Not Enough to address societal issues. I Not Stupid revolves around students, academics and family relationships. Money Not enough depicted the economic stress on the average Singaporean. The best part about the films is that the the situations are very real. Audiences regardless of age would be able to identify with the movie. They can learn from the movie and see from other perspectives.
Another role that the Arts play in Singapore is that it neutralizes Science, allowing people to appreciate creativity and to make sense out of something that defies science and logic. It is also a platform for people to showcase their talents that have nothing to do with numbers and equations. Schools like Nan Yang Academy of Fine Arts breeds Sinagpore’s artistic talent pool. These people include fashion designers; interior designers etcetera and they will play a part in contributing to the growing economy.
These roles as mentioned are important as they are flexible enough involve everyone in society. The films not only contribute positively to the economy, it also educates its audience. For a person to be successful it is important for he or she has to be well balanced. Meaning having the ability to understand science and math but also not forgetting appreciating arts which shows how deep a person can. Arts are an interactive and abstract field and it cannot be achieved by ‘memorizing and practicing’. Arts should therefore be promoted and not undermined to be of less importance compared to math, science and technology.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ravi Veloo believes that the key to solving the problem of talent shortage in Singapore lies in changing the mindset of the people. Do you agree with
I only partly agree with the solution Ravi Veloo presented with regards to the talent shortage in Singapore because I am sure that some people, if they are unhappy with their present jobs will want to venture into other various economic fields of interest. Not acting on this want could be due to other reasons and not solely because they think they do not have the talent to ensure their success.
I partly agree with him because a Singaporean’s definition of talent is rather narrow and not many Singaporeans would then be considered ‘talented’. In today’s world, talent is no longer seen as just an aptitude in some area, like playing the piano superbly etcetera. Looking at the business and entrepreneur sector, all the top rung people are ‘talented’ in the sense that, they are creative and can think out of the box. Furthermore, they are sharp and can exercise critical thinking. These are actually skills that can be honed into people hence by changing people’s mindset they might be more inclined to try harder and think better of themselves. In turn, they will think more creatively and Singapore will become more ‘talented’ as more ideas flourish.
On the other hand, I disagree because not all Singaporeans actually believe that they are not talented. But the given situation at home may not be suitable for them to actually work on their talents.
For example, if an individual wants to change from a teacher and try out interior design as a new profession because he or she is good at art but is held back because of the risks involved. At the age of 43, he or she has financial commitments such as providing for parents who have retired as well as the bringing up of children and if the switch turns out a complete failure, there would be serious implications. Besides financial commitments, there are also parental expectations to meet. An individual may not be in a job that he really wants. For example, he or she has to continue running his father’s business instead of perusing his dream of being a doctor.
As such, I can conclude that the author’s solution would only be successful to a certain extent. It does not affect every individual Singaporean but still, it could be the first step to enlarging Singapore’s talent pool.
I partly agree with him because a Singaporean’s definition of talent is rather narrow and not many Singaporeans would then be considered ‘talented’. In today’s world, talent is no longer seen as just an aptitude in some area, like playing the piano superbly etcetera. Looking at the business and entrepreneur sector, all the top rung people are ‘talented’ in the sense that, they are creative and can think out of the box. Furthermore, they are sharp and can exercise critical thinking. These are actually skills that can be honed into people hence by changing people’s mindset they might be more inclined to try harder and think better of themselves. In turn, they will think more creatively and Singapore will become more ‘talented’ as more ideas flourish.
On the other hand, I disagree because not all Singaporeans actually believe that they are not talented. But the given situation at home may not be suitable for them to actually work on their talents.
For example, if an individual wants to change from a teacher and try out interior design as a new profession because he or she is good at art but is held back because of the risks involved. At the age of 43, he or she has financial commitments such as providing for parents who have retired as well as the bringing up of children and if the switch turns out a complete failure, there would be serious implications. Besides financial commitments, there are also parental expectations to meet. An individual may not be in a job that he really wants. For example, he or she has to continue running his father’s business instead of perusing his dream of being a doctor.
As such, I can conclude that the author’s solution would only be successful to a certain extent. It does not affect every individual Singaporean but still, it could be the first step to enlarging Singapore’s talent pool.
Ravi Veloo believes that the key to solving the problem of talent shortage in Singapore lies in changing the mindset of the people. Do you agree with
I only partly agree with the solution Ravi Veloo presented with regards to the talent shortage in Singapore because I am sure that some people, if they are unhappy with their present jobs will want to venture into other various economic fields of interest. Not acting on this want could be due to other reasons and not solely because they think they do not have the talent to ensure their success.
I partly agree with him because a Singaporean’s definition of talent is rather narrow and not many Singaporeans would then be considered ‘talented’. In today’s world, talent is no longer seen as just an aptitude in some area, like playing the piano superbly etcetera. Looking at the business and entrepreneur sector, all the top rung people are ‘talented’ in the sense that, they are creative and can think out of the box. Furthermore, they are sharp and can exercise critical thinking. These are actually skills that can be honed into people hence by changing people’s mindset they might be more inclined to try harder and think better of themselves. In turn, they will think more creatively and Singapore will become more ‘talented’ as more ideas flourish.
On the other hand, I disagree because not all Singaporeans actually believe that they are not talented. But the given situation at home may not be suitable for them to actually work on their talents.
For example, if an individual wants to change from a teacher and try out interior design as a new profession because he or she is good at art but is held back because of the risks involved. At the age of 43, he or she has financial commitments such as providing for parents who have retired as well as the bringing up of children and if the switch turns out a complete failure, there would be serious implications. Besides financial commitments, there are also parental expectations to meet. An individual may not be in a job that he really wants. For example, he or she has to continue running his father’s business instead of perusing his dream of being a doctor.
As such, I can conclude that the author’s solution would only be successful to a certain extent. It does not affect every individual Singaporean but still, it could be the first step to enlarging Singapore’s talent pool.
I partly agree with him because a Singaporean’s definition of talent is rather narrow and not many Singaporeans would then be considered ‘talented’. In today’s world, talent is no longer seen as just an aptitude in some area, like playing the piano superbly etcetera. Looking at the business and entrepreneur sector, all the top rung people are ‘talented’ in the sense that, they are creative and can think out of the box. Furthermore, they are sharp and can exercise critical thinking. These are actually skills that can be honed into people hence by changing people’s mindset they might be more inclined to try harder and think better of themselves. In turn, they will think more creatively and Singapore will become more ‘talented’ as more ideas flourish.
On the other hand, I disagree because not all Singaporeans actually believe that they are not talented. But the given situation at home may not be suitable for them to actually work on their talents.
For example, if an individual wants to change from a teacher and try out interior design as a new profession because he or she is good at art but is held back because of the risks involved. At the age of 43, he or she has financial commitments such as providing for parents who have retired as well as the bringing up of children and if the switch turns out a complete failure, there would be serious implications. Besides financial commitments, there are also parental expectations to meet. An individual may not be in a job that he really wants. For example, he or she has to continue running his father’s business instead of perusing his dream of being a doctor.
As such, I can conclude that the author’s solution would only be successful to a certain extent. It does not affect every individual Singaporean but still, it could be the first step to enlarging Singapore’s talent pool.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
In my frank opinion, I think that Singapore predominantly uses extrinsic motivation. In today’s context, students strive to do well in their studies mainly due to financial factors rather than their own interests. Attractive incentives await those who do well among their cohort and good pay packages are in place for those who graduate from good universities. It is widely known that these are the main driving factors for ordinary students to work hard and perform the extraordinary. The financial attraction from a high paying job will greatly outdo the want and interests of these students. A quick google for the term “scholarships” will return a total of 28.8 million results in less than a second. The impact on the Singaporean society is great. It has transformed innocent minds into monsters whose eyes glow at the sight of money. It is a waste as they will not be true innocent childhood but a childhood aimed at gaining more money in their adult lives. It spoils the child’s development as a whole and contributes to a weaker but more financially driven society in the future.
As the article stated, the Health Minister proposed a market whereby human organs will be traded freely for financial incentives. As debated in parliament, the Members of Parliament are debating whether human organ trading should be due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Another debate is the moral issue behind human organ trading. It was argued that allowing sale, which is an extrinsic factor, would mean that more transplants will occur and thus, more lives will be saved. However, allowing the sale would also mean that the poorer patients would be unable to buy an organ and be condemned to eternal failure at getting an organ. Their healthy counterparts would then sell their organs to raise money which might be used to fund some undesirable activities such as drugs consuming, prostitution or gambling. From a society point of view, it is also wrong to sell what god gave us, and wrong to sell what our parents gave us at birth. The impact on the poor would be a rush to sell their organs to get fast cash, while the rich, will gain from this and are now able to now get a transplant at a quicker time. It might seem as a win-win situation. Allowing the poor to sell their organs is akin to giving the poor a fish and allowing him to survive for a day. It is more instrumental to impart practical skills so that the man can be fed for life.
Kenneth argued that Singaporeans do not litter not because they want to keep the streets clean but because they want to avoid the hefty fine. I, for one, disagree on this point. I am socially aware and I really wish to keep the place clean and green. I believe that there are many other likeminded Singaporeans out there who do not litter not for the sake of the fines placed but because they want to keep the place they call ‘home’ clean. This is actually an intrinsic factor rather an extrinsic one.
In conclusion, it is apparent that Singapore is a society driven on extrinsic factors while there are some instances whereby it is based upon intrinsic factors. This spoils our society as it devours the place of feelings and warmth.
As the article stated, the Health Minister proposed a market whereby human organs will be traded freely for financial incentives. As debated in parliament, the Members of Parliament are debating whether human organ trading should be due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Another debate is the moral issue behind human organ trading. It was argued that allowing sale, which is an extrinsic factor, would mean that more transplants will occur and thus, more lives will be saved. However, allowing the sale would also mean that the poorer patients would be unable to buy an organ and be condemned to eternal failure at getting an organ. Their healthy counterparts would then sell their organs to raise money which might be used to fund some undesirable activities such as drugs consuming, prostitution or gambling. From a society point of view, it is also wrong to sell what god gave us, and wrong to sell what our parents gave us at birth. The impact on the poor would be a rush to sell their organs to get fast cash, while the rich, will gain from this and are now able to now get a transplant at a quicker time. It might seem as a win-win situation. Allowing the poor to sell their organs is akin to giving the poor a fish and allowing him to survive for a day. It is more instrumental to impart practical skills so that the man can be fed for life.
Kenneth argued that Singaporeans do not litter not because they want to keep the streets clean but because they want to avoid the hefty fine. I, for one, disagree on this point. I am socially aware and I really wish to keep the place clean and green. I believe that there are many other likeminded Singaporeans out there who do not litter not for the sake of the fines placed but because they want to keep the place they call ‘home’ clean. This is actually an intrinsic factor rather an extrinsic one.
In conclusion, it is apparent that Singapore is a society driven on extrinsic factors while there are some instances whereby it is based upon intrinsic factors. This spoils our society as it devours the place of feelings and warmth.
Discuss the importance of religion in society today. (2004)
For most people, regardless of location on the earth, religion or worship makes up a significant portion of not only their being, but their society or culture as well. How any individual defines religion can vary dramatically based on not only their personal beliefs, but their cultural views as well.
Religion forms a critical aspect of the entire global population. While certain religions factions are responsible for many of our wars or disagreements, in general, religious beliefs offer people something to hold onto in times of trouble or indecision. The idea that a higher being is at work in the universe is comforting for many and creates a placating effect.
Most religions have a ruling doctrine or book of some kind. Be it the Koran, the Bible, or the Talmud, these books offer instructions or guidelines for living life that are often similar. Reaching out to those in need, taking time to reflect on the goodness of the world around us and offering kindness rather than animosity seems to be common themes throughout many religions.
Religion has its place in the world. Not only does it encourage civilized, friendly behavior among one group of followers and another, it also offers individuals a chance to strive toward something. Having a goal is crucial to finding satisfaction in life. Religions offer guidelines and requirements designed to lead followers toward better lives and ultimately, better afterlives.
The presence of religion also offers evidence that someone or something is watching our actions making us accountable for all that we do in life. A life lived well is often rewarded, while too many mistakes and unapologetic actions will be punished. Believers of any faith would also offer the most positive aspect of all – religion offers life a greater meaning and purpose. We were not placed on earth to drift mindlessly, but to fulfill both small and large missions as set forth by whatever doctrine we adhere to.
As such, we religion is important in today’s society because it’s a tool that reaches out to people on a more individual level. Furthermore, a society is made up people and the characteristics of a society are formed by what its people believe in and their way of life. Religion plays an important role in this aspect. it creates a platform for people to rely on emotionally as well as learn to lead life as a better person from day to day. If people are inculcated with the right morals, society and the world would be a safer, better place.
Religion forms a critical aspect of the entire global population. While certain religions factions are responsible for many of our wars or disagreements, in general, religious beliefs offer people something to hold onto in times of trouble or indecision. The idea that a higher being is at work in the universe is comforting for many and creates a placating effect.
Most religions have a ruling doctrine or book of some kind. Be it the Koran, the Bible, or the Talmud, these books offer instructions or guidelines for living life that are often similar. Reaching out to those in need, taking time to reflect on the goodness of the world around us and offering kindness rather than animosity seems to be common themes throughout many religions.
Religion has its place in the world. Not only does it encourage civilized, friendly behavior among one group of followers and another, it also offers individuals a chance to strive toward something. Having a goal is crucial to finding satisfaction in life. Religions offer guidelines and requirements designed to lead followers toward better lives and ultimately, better afterlives.
The presence of religion also offers evidence that someone or something is watching our actions making us accountable for all that we do in life. A life lived well is often rewarded, while too many mistakes and unapologetic actions will be punished. Believers of any faith would also offer the most positive aspect of all – religion offers life a greater meaning and purpose. We were not placed on earth to drift mindlessly, but to fulfill both small and large missions as set forth by whatever doctrine we adhere to.
As such, we religion is important in today’s society because it’s a tool that reaches out to people on a more individual level. Furthermore, a society is made up people and the characteristics of a society are formed by what its people believe in and their way of life. Religion plays an important role in this aspect. it creates a platform for people to rely on emotionally as well as learn to lead life as a better person from day to day. If people are inculcated with the right morals, society and the world would be a safer, better place.
Do you think human rights are universal?
Human rights refer to the "basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled." Examples of rights and freedoms which are often thought of as human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education.
I feel that human rights are universal in the sense that these rights are what every human being would want to have. However they are also not universal if you look at each right in specifics. Not all human rights are universal. For example, the right to freedom of expression is allowed in both democratic countries like America and Singapore. However, it’s evident that freedom of expression is more explicitly shown in America and not that promoted in Singapore. Hence, human rights are only universal to a certain extent.
Everyone in the world has the right to education but many of the poor in Africa, India and other third world countries do not receive education they rightly deserve. Hence, it can be seen that the right to education is universal meaning no one should be denied it. However, in the third world countries, their current situation does not allow them to have access to education making the right to education all in all in not universal.
It was mentioned in the passage that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. Hence, in Singapore’s context, where social and economic rights take precedence over civil and political rights, there will be certain human rights that may be compromised along the way. Furthermore, Singapore’s historical-cultural legacies interpret human rights with a communitarian emphasis and primacy of duty to community over individual rights. For example, people have the right of freedom of expression in Singapore but if this right was really practiced, racism would be strife and ‘duty to community’ which would take the form of preserving social stability would not be done.
In conclusion, human rights are generally not universal. Some human rights, like the right to education, work and food are rights that involve everyone. It does not involve sensitive issues such as race and religion. However, in today’s world there are people who are denied such rights. Also, human rights such as freedom of expression are sensitive to each country’s social structure. Though everyone has the right to freedom of expression, it cannot be helped that governments want to hamper the popularity growth of such rights as it might cause social instability.
I feel that human rights are universal in the sense that these rights are what every human being would want to have. However they are also not universal if you look at each right in specifics. Not all human rights are universal. For example, the right to freedom of expression is allowed in both democratic countries like America and Singapore. However, it’s evident that freedom of expression is more explicitly shown in America and not that promoted in Singapore. Hence, human rights are only universal to a certain extent.
Everyone in the world has the right to education but many of the poor in Africa, India and other third world countries do not receive education they rightly deserve. Hence, it can be seen that the right to education is universal meaning no one should be denied it. However, in the third world countries, their current situation does not allow them to have access to education making the right to education all in all in not universal.
It was mentioned in the passage that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. Hence, in Singapore’s context, where social and economic rights take precedence over civil and political rights, there will be certain human rights that may be compromised along the way. Furthermore, Singapore’s historical-cultural legacies interpret human rights with a communitarian emphasis and primacy of duty to community over individual rights. For example, people have the right of freedom of expression in Singapore but if this right was really practiced, racism would be strife and ‘duty to community’ which would take the form of preserving social stability would not be done.
In conclusion, human rights are generally not universal. Some human rights, like the right to education, work and food are rights that involve everyone. It does not involve sensitive issues such as race and religion. However, in today’s world there are people who are denied such rights. Also, human rights such as freedom of expression are sensitive to each country’s social structure. Though everyone has the right to freedom of expression, it cannot be helped that governments want to hamper the popularity growth of such rights as it might cause social instability.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)