The big hoo haa about blogging
Just recently (last week or so) there has been quite a debate over how harsh the govenment has been to bloggers who voice political views, in particular Mr.Brown. I don't blog about politics but I did reflect on this development so here goes...
The issue here is not a new one. It 's the usual "right to free speech" vs "responsiblity for what we say".
Personally I tend toward responsiblity becuase the top blogs reach thousands a day and they are a form of media whether we like it or not. It is a privialige to get a voice that reaches and gets to influence so many people. This blog gets 50-200+ people a day depending on whats being written and yet I feel thats a crowd big enough that I must be responsible in what I say.
Of course readership goes up when we write about the gripes of the common man in the country, but its always been the case since the beginning of governance right? People will always like to hear what pleases them. But what about the importance of a balanced view point? Lets be equally discerning of the writings of both the government and those who criticize them. Its only wise.
I am all for expressing ourselves in whatever special way that we are gifted in, for some people its writing and thats great. But the responsiblity for what we write comes in strongly. The example i like to use is from sports.
VERY famous sports stars like NBA's Kobe Bryant (accused of rape), EPL's wayne rooney(fighting all over), NFL's Randy Moss (purposely bumped a policewoman with his car + other law problems)... think about it... would you like your son's to grow up with their character? Would you like your daughter to marry a person like that?
But the attitude such celebrities give is "im just an athlete, enjoy my play but I never wanted to be a role model so as for my character, just ignore it."
Those guys are role models whether they LIKE IT OR NOT simply because ofthe audience they hold. Same with the top bloggers. Their attitude must be one that enriches people and sets a good example of how writing can be used to serve and help not just whine and moan about things.
BTW (and there is no way to be perfect), I feel the Singapore govenment does a good job. There are not many places in the world where I would let my daughter, or wife (future) come home alone by public transport at night and feel safe about it. This is FREEDOM.
Anyway most of the stuff that people say is "restricted" is uh... not very good for them. Lets see... more porn? more drugs? cheaper alcohol? More gambling? Leagalised prostitution? cheap cigarettes? Would more of those things make people feel more free? I KNOW they will make people feel more in bondage than ever becuase those things will make you their slave.
As for the complaints of the average man on the street, 3 things.
1. The flexible mindset of a person is so important, I mean "I will only do such and such a job anything else is not worth my time" ok that means - higher chance to be unemployed.
2. Being wise with money. So many people I know spend on stuff they really can't afford. bankrupt people buying 42 inch TVs on loan? Uh... of course will find money not enough. But there are people I know who don't earn much but live a very happy life
3. The complaining attitude. This one is a killer. There is -ALWAYS FOREVER ALL DAY TILL THE END OF TIME- something to complain about. We can choose instead to be thankful for stuff.
posted by Coach Jonathan Wong @ 7/10/2006 10:20:00 AM
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