Haven't posted anything in ages. Here goes.
The bus 66 seems to house the most intriguing Singaporeans and the morning proves to be the best time to see Singaporeans at their most annoyed. Why do I say this? Observation. Working-class adults leaning flimsily against the glass windows, brows twitching inconsistently and irritably as a youth blasts music so deafening that it escapes the overwhelmed ear phones. A group of teenagers complaining endlessly over the unpleasantness of school life, while a group of equally dissatisfied group of adults look on, envious of their youth and freedom. But today, I am not going to delve into how unhappy Singaporeans are with their current lifestyles, I want to talk about a certain incident on this particular bus just a few weeks back.
I boarded the bus 66 in a dream-like state, not in the mood for conversation or listening to music. The bus was crowded. Very Crowded. It got on my nerves. A few students were clogging up the passageway, unbudgingly leaving their bags lying on those two empty spaces lining up the path to the back of the bus. Move in! For crying out loud, can't you see that empty space at the back! Then, I felt quite a singe of restraint and a slight tinge of embarrassment. Well, I did not really deserve to say much about the matter since I was guilty of similar inconsideration before. And I couldn't deny it. In a way, I was a hypocrite too. However, judging on what happened next, I think I could have forgiven myself...
It happened as I settled myself comfortably at a corner of the bus. I don't even know how I got there myself. Wait, don't stray off from the topic. There was this man, dressed impeccably in a suit, who boarded the bus. He was stuck at the entrance as kids and adults alike jammed the passageway. I was not really paying attention until he shouted in a hoarse voice, "Hey, can you all move to the back? There's still space there!" or something like that, I cannot remember too clearly. I thought he was crazy, demanding something like this even after surveying the uncomfortable mess in the bus. It worked, though.
The thing that shocked me was that after the bus' crowed cleared a bit, he was the one standing at the passageway! It might have been a bit brave for him to discipline the crowd a moment's ago but now, he turned on his own words! Was this inconsideration? Or maybe a wild lust for comfort? I knew it boiled down to hypocrisy.
I don't know. Hypocrisy is not all bad, is it? I mean, all humans are hypocrites, based on their words or actions. We must have all committed a hypocritical act in our 14 years as a person. Like some people say that it is wrong not to complete homework even when they are busy but in the end, they themselves give tall tales on why they have not completed their assignments. Well, this is only one of the many examples in this miserable world. Want more examples, come to my class and observe us for just 30 minutes. I am sure you will receive an eye-opening experience.
Hypocrites dot the world, standing in the shadows of every living human. We can't condemn them, so let's just try to keep unnecessary, idealistic and unfulfillable comments to ourselves.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The unspoilt empire
While browsing through an online news site a few minutes ago, I came across an article regarding Mrs Jean Yip's approach on dealing with her children. In a short interview with a reporter, she revealed that she was a 'very strict and result-orientated mother', albeit owning an enormous fortune. Describing herself as a mother who "encourage(s) them[Her children] to try a lot of activities' while emphasizing "that if they start an activity or class, they have to finish it. There's no such thing as doing something halfway", she indicates that she limits her children's expenditure, insists that they complete their education and make them do house chores, despite the presence of three maids in the house.
You may ask why a extremely wealthy family running an extremely lucrative business would set such "extreme" limitations on their youths?
The answer is quite simple: To keep them from being Spoilt.
In this day and age, everything, from clothes to books to toys to food, are readily made available for the children by their parents. It bears almost no resemblance to the "old days", where I heard that families, including the young children, had to plant their own crops to obtain food and a source of income. Due to this, I think, children take what they have for granted and demand for more from their parents without sparing even a thought for the amount of blood and sweat their parents have put in. Of course, parents do not usually speak out against their children, in an attempt to please their kids.
I am not saying that it is our parents fault, neither am I saying it is ours. I mean, how could immature kids like us appreciate what our parents were providing us? For example, I remember a year ago, my brother received an expensive action figure from my parents and thanked them enthusiastically. A week later, however, my sister reported that the action figure with its colour fading, floating atop the tremulous surface of the bathtub water, while my brother stood in my parents room later that night whining for a new toy.
I guess in this materialistic society, we are not used to expressing our gratitude. However, I think this is something we should all embrace. No matter what we do in this life, or the next, we will never be able to repay our parents for what they have done for us. The time, the effort, the blood, the tears, the money. We will never be able to repay them, but for each of their gifts, we should thank them.
You may ask why a extremely wealthy family running an extremely lucrative business would set such "extreme" limitations on their youths?
The answer is quite simple: To keep them from being Spoilt.
In this day and age, everything, from clothes to books to toys to food, are readily made available for the children by their parents. It bears almost no resemblance to the "old days", where I heard that families, including the young children, had to plant their own crops to obtain food and a source of income. Due to this, I think, children take what they have for granted and demand for more from their parents without sparing even a thought for the amount of blood and sweat their parents have put in. Of course, parents do not usually speak out against their children, in an attempt to please their kids.
I am not saying that it is our parents fault, neither am I saying it is ours. I mean, how could immature kids like us appreciate what our parents were providing us? For example, I remember a year ago, my brother received an expensive action figure from my parents and thanked them enthusiastically. A week later, however, my sister reported that the action figure with its colour fading, floating atop the tremulous surface of the bathtub water, while my brother stood in my parents room later that night whining for a new toy.
I guess in this materialistic society, we are not used to expressing our gratitude. However, I think this is something we should all embrace. No matter what we do in this life, or the next, we will never be able to repay our parents for what they have done for us. The time, the effort, the blood, the tears, the money. We will never be able to repay them, but for each of their gifts, we should thank them.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
An interesting conversation
Today, while traveling home on bus 66, I chose a seat nearly at the back of the bus, since I was feeling a little down that I had forgotten to file one assignment into my Chinese file and delayed my submission.
By chance, I overheard a conversation between two youths who apparently just started work. One of them said something like, "you know ah, my friends told me yesterday that I did not act like a Singaporean". The other replied, "Aiyah, go to eat Mee Siam ans drink Kopi O lah." Then the former added on, "Chicken rice too." And that was it. End of a could-be-more-developed conversation.
Still, from this short but meaningful conversation, I would like to comment on their opinions on what the "being Singaporean" is. To them, the "being Singaporean" is following the same set of behaviour that all Singaporeans should follow. I think this has become some sort of culture for us. However, the culture I am referring to does is not race and religion. I am talking about behaviour and preferences. We have a deep rooted Singaporean Culture, an example of which is our supposed love for the Chili crab dish and Chicken rice.
Then again, does it stop there?
Personally, I do not think so. I think being a Singaporean just means that we need to have pride in our country. It is not so much of showing off to other countries that we have the best batch of educated students or that we have the most unique culture. I think as we grow up, we are influenced by the adults around us, who have already integrated into society as the "model Singaporean". I do not rally support this attitude. I mean, how can a country survive with exactly identical people, doing exactly identical things, living an exactly identical live and have an exactly identical preference? I am not denouncing the idea that Singapore should have a special culture, but the culture cannot control us. I do not think we should be judged based on the Singapore culture. We cannot criticise others for not acting like a Singaporean because in the end, it is us, the Singaporeans of today, who will have the say in what "being Singaporean" is.
By chance, I overheard a conversation between two youths who apparently just started work. One of them said something like, "you know ah, my friends told me yesterday that I did not act like a Singaporean". The other replied, "Aiyah, go to eat Mee Siam ans drink Kopi O lah." Then the former added on, "Chicken rice too." And that was it. End of a could-be-more-developed conversation.
Still, from this short but meaningful conversation, I would like to comment on their opinions on what the "being Singaporean" is. To them, the "being Singaporean" is following the same set of behaviour that all Singaporeans should follow. I think this has become some sort of culture for us. However, the culture I am referring to does is not race and religion. I am talking about behaviour and preferences. We have a deep rooted Singaporean Culture, an example of which is our supposed love for the Chili crab dish and Chicken rice.
Then again, does it stop there?
Personally, I do not think so. I think being a Singaporean just means that we need to have pride in our country. It is not so much of showing off to other countries that we have the best batch of educated students or that we have the most unique culture. I think as we grow up, we are influenced by the adults around us, who have already integrated into society as the "model Singaporean". I do not rally support this attitude. I mean, how can a country survive with exactly identical people, doing exactly identical things, living an exactly identical live and have an exactly identical preference? I am not denouncing the idea that Singapore should have a special culture, but the culture cannot control us. I do not think we should be judged based on the Singapore culture. We cannot criticise others for not acting like a Singaporean because in the end, it is us, the Singaporeans of today, who will have the say in what "being Singaporean" is.
Monday, March 1, 2010
E-learning: Interview with my grandfather(Interpersonal)
Well, I just completed a simple interview with my grandfather concerning hios views on Prejudice and Discrimination.
Interview:
JK: What do you think is prejudice in your opinion?
Grandpa: Prejudice is the root cause of misunderstanding. For example, in a multiracial nation like Singapore, it can create social unrest.
JK: What are your views on discrimination, then? How does it, well, begin?
Grandpa: Discrimination destroys fair play or equality, social equality, gender equality. It stirs up hatred among those who are discriminated against. Consequently, social harmony will break down. Discrimination often results from prejudice.
JK: Are there any instances in History where Prejudice or discrimination is shown?
Grandpa: Several decades ago, the American Blacks, due to cultural and social prejudice, were discriminated against in their work place, politics or even daily lives which happened even in the United States of America. 40 years ago though, when I was in school in the early 1970s in the USA, Black men on the streets seen with white women were beaten, sometimes to the death. However, even now, there was some unrest when President Barrack Obama ran for presidency.
JK: Is prejudice and discrimination wrong? In your opinion of course.
Grandpa: 你是不是在开玩笑？
Interview:
JK: What do you think is prejudice in your opinion?
Grandpa: Prejudice is the root cause of misunderstanding. For example, in a multiracial nation like Singapore, it can create social unrest.
JK: What are your views on discrimination, then? How does it, well, begin?
Grandpa: Discrimination destroys fair play or equality, social equality, gender equality. It stirs up hatred among those who are discriminated against. Consequently, social harmony will break down. Discrimination often results from prejudice.
JK: Are there any instances in History where Prejudice or discrimination is shown?
Grandpa: Several decades ago, the American Blacks, due to cultural and social prejudice, were discriminated against in their work place, politics or even daily lives which happened even in the United States of America. 40 years ago though, when I was in school in the early 1970s in the USA, Black men on the streets seen with white women were beaten, sometimes to the death. However, even now, there was some unrest when President Barrack Obama ran for presidency.
JK: Is prejudice and discrimination wrong? In your opinion of course.
Grandpa: 你是不是在开玩笑？
E-learning: Diary of Jem (Intrapersonal)
Dear Diary,
It isn't fair, is it? How could the Maycomb Jury convict Tom Robinson after all the evidence given? He was innocent, wasn't he? This... this is all nor right. It was Bob Ewell. He was the one, not Tom, not Tom Robinson. I can't accept this. I have lived here all my life. Sometimes life was hard, sometimes it was cruel but this! This is not just. I don't know what to be believe in anymore. How can I ever believe what anyone tells me now?
Atticus, how can this be possible? Answer me! Atticus!
Jem Finch
It isn't fair, is it? How could the Maycomb Jury convict Tom Robinson after all the evidence given? He was innocent, wasn't he? This... this is all nor right. It was Bob Ewell. He was the one, not Tom, not Tom Robinson. I can't accept this. I have lived here all my life. Sometimes life was hard, sometimes it was cruel but this! This is not just. I don't know what to be believe in anymore. How can I ever believe what anyone tells me now?
Atticus, how can this be possible? Answer me! Atticus!
Jem Finch
My learning profile
Woah...I will never know how the Birmingham Grid for learning works. Its results are right on the dot.
They are arranged from my best area:
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic
Kinaesthetic
Visual
Linguistic
Logical
Musical
There is no use to deny my failure in music. I cannot play a musical instrument without creating havoc, cannot memorise my notes through a rhythm without angering my sister and absolutely do not bother to try again. On the other hand, I am quite wary of others around me, proving that the analysis of my interpersonal skills is accurate. That is why, for all those who wanted to know, I do not hurl abuses at others, throw people for no good reason and keep an eye on my classmates behaviour.
Well, this was just a short analysis of the results from my point of view. Now, time to start on the real work.
They are arranged from my best area:
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic
Kinaesthetic
Visual
Linguistic
Logical
Musical
There is no use to deny my failure in music. I cannot play a musical instrument without creating havoc, cannot memorise my notes through a rhythm without angering my sister and absolutely do not bother to try again. On the other hand, I am quite wary of others around me, proving that the analysis of my interpersonal skills is accurate. That is why, for all those who wanted to know, I do not hurl abuses at others, throw people for no good reason and keep an eye on my classmates behaviour.
Well, this was just a short analysis of the results from my point of view. Now, time to start on the real work.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Singapore's National Identity defined by Singaporeans- Our Mother Tongue
Recently, there has been quite a debate going on over the teaching of Mandarin in Singapore, with less youths seeing the importance and the need to study Chinese. Minister Mentor Lee himself commented that nowadays, Mandarin had to be taught in such a way that it suited the youths, suggesting that an element of fun should be introduced into the current system of teaching. Be it Drama or Information Technology, teachers were advised to adapt their lessons to capture the interests of the student body. In addition, he noted that listening and conversation skills should be the primary focus before incorporating reading and writing into our education, reasoning that doing it the other way round or worse, together, could potentially put students off at a very young age. "Flexibility" in teaching Chinese was of utmost importance in this day and age.
Personally, I feel that changing the current system of studying Chinese will be similar to using a double-edged sword. This is due to the fact that while some students will benefit from the change, some would remain passive towards the Chinese Language and even take advantage of the system.
On the positive side, the transition of the education system from text-based to IT or Drama-based would grab the attentions of those eager to learn, giving them access to a greater basin of resources as well as articles written from the perspectives of intellectuals across the globe. This will undoubtedly contribute to their learning experience, expanding their intellectual horizons. Furthermore, introducing drama into the curriculum could help students gain more confidence in articulating their thoughts and words in Chinese, instead of using English in every circumstance.
On the negative side, this change would invite abuse from the students. As we all know, this the computer age, where the current generations of youngsters reign supreme. As a result, we know all the little tricks and tweaks to make our online venturing undetectable, which would give us the opportunity to cover up our history of computer gaming and idle social-networking when we were expected to do our work. The initiation of Drama in the Chinese curriculum could also have adverse effects. For example, students might fail to realise the point in participating in Chinese Drama and treat it as another one of the "useless and not counted in my academic score" activities in the curriculum. In turn, the new phase in teaching Chinese would just produce results similar or worse results than the current system.
In my opinion, students need to know the reason they are learning Chinese. If students think Chinese is useless, than no happen what new scheme is thought up by the ministry, no matter how interesting it might seem, it would all be for naught.
Understand our culture, embrace our heritage, glorify our language.
Personally, I feel that changing the current system of studying Chinese will be similar to using a double-edged sword. This is due to the fact that while some students will benefit from the change, some would remain passive towards the Chinese Language and even take advantage of the system.
On the positive side, the transition of the education system from text-based to IT or Drama-based would grab the attentions of those eager to learn, giving them access to a greater basin of resources as well as articles written from the perspectives of intellectuals across the globe. This will undoubtedly contribute to their learning experience, expanding their intellectual horizons. Furthermore, introducing drama into the curriculum could help students gain more confidence in articulating their thoughts and words in Chinese, instead of using English in every circumstance.
On the negative side, this change would invite abuse from the students. As we all know, this the computer age, where the current generations of youngsters reign supreme. As a result, we know all the little tricks and tweaks to make our online venturing undetectable, which would give us the opportunity to cover up our history of computer gaming and idle social-networking when we were expected to do our work. The initiation of Drama in the Chinese curriculum could also have adverse effects. For example, students might fail to realise the point in participating in Chinese Drama and treat it as another one of the "useless and not counted in my academic score" activities in the curriculum. In turn, the new phase in teaching Chinese would just produce results similar or worse results than the current system.
In my opinion, students need to know the reason they are learning Chinese. If students think Chinese is useless, than no happen what new scheme is thought up by the ministry, no matter how interesting it might seem, it would all be for naught.
Understand our culture, embrace our heritage, glorify our language.
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