Recently the law, or to be more specific, Section 377A of the law in Singapore, has been thrust into the spot-light. Mr Miyagi also wrote a post about Section 377A which I think is quite interesting and deserves a read. There is even a web-site to collect names and contact information to petition the government.
I didn’t want to comment about S377A at first, and my stand on 377A is that its a rather redundant law, but that there is no need to take it down. I saw a forum article written by a citizen and this is how it goes. Its quoted from the Straits Times.
Removing Section 377A threatens family unit
I SUPPORT the retention of Section 377A of the Penal Code – a law criminalising gay sex – to uphold our moral and family values.
The petition by Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong does not serve the interests of Singapore as a whole but only of one small sector.
In fact, the removal of this law will lead to the disintegration of our social fabric, the family unit, which the Government has been establishing pro-actively.
I believe that strong families will lead to a strong nation.
I fully support the Government in keeping Section 377A. Gross indecencies must be penalised.
For the survival of our nation and the welfare of the future generation, the petition by NMP Siew should be ignored.
Lim Poh Suan (Ms)
I have differing views though. In what way does taking down section 377A not uphold our moral and family values? The police does not actively prosecute gay couples who have sex. Gay couples are having sex, whether the law is there or not. They just do it in the privacy of their own bedrooms, and moral and family values will not be tainted unless they start actively recruiting people to join them. I believe that it is their individual right to decide on their choices, and in this instance, they have not compromised on our moral and family values.
I do not see how resolving this law paves the way for the disintegration of our social fabric, the family unit. I believe this is a gross exaggeration. Doing away with this law will not make gays come out and have sex on our mrts or buses. I repeat, the gays are already making love with their own partners. Is doing away with such a law promoting homosexuals? Are perfectly normal human beings going to turn gay because of this? Is the law preventing normal human beings from turning gay? I beg to differ.
Whilst I cannot conclude that gayism is something that exists the moment a person is born, I can concur that gayism does not appear overnight. The female loving bunch of us will continue to love females and not start to love males simply because the law is taken down. Besides, the police are not even prosecuting. The law is kind of redundant in a way.
The part on strong families will lead to a strong nation is redundant. Why? There is no argument in the writer’s point of view that states why gays will lead to less strong families, and hence the nation. Are we still putting on a bias attitude towards gays? Gays may like males, but they may not be sissies. They can be active, contributing Singaporeans and they can also be part of our defence team should anyone invade us.
The writer continues to say that gross indecencies must be penalized, but she fails to acknowledge that such “indecencies” have not been penalized and most probably will not. In fact, it is hard to proof that gays are having sex, unless you catch them red handedly, or they admit. A condom with sperm may mean that he was just jerking off.
“For the survival of our nation and the welfare of the future generation, the petition by NMP Siew should be ignored.” This sentence makes me wonder, will the survival of our nation be compromised? Will our welfare or our future generation’s welfare be compromised? Will there be danger? Unless the writer can sufficiently prove beyond reasonable doubt that it can materialize, it is unfair to reach such a conclusion.
We have to really think about this carefully. Will the removal of section 377A promote homosexuality?
I feel that, as long as the homosexual population do not come out and loudly proclaim their homosexuality and go around encouraging everyone to become homosexuals, then it should be all right. Most of us are uncomfortable with signs of homosexuality, thus they should not disturb the “peace” that we all have now. As long as the above conditions are met, homosexuals can have as much sex as they like and I won’t care.
Over the many years since the toilet seat was invented, when males and females live together, there has been an argument on what should the toilet seat status be. Should it be placed up? Or should it be placed down?
When men pee, they leave the toilet seat up so that there is more “area” or “allowance” to urinate on, such that they have lesser chance of dirtying the toilet seat. (Some idiotic men pee with the toilet seat and end up peeing on the toilet seat. That’s disgusting)
When females want to urinate, they need to sit down on the toilet seats to do so. Don’t come telling me about that latest invention where females can now pee standing up, because that is not the point.
Thus the age-old question is, should the toilet seat be left up or down? If its left up, the men benefits because they do not need to put the seat up just to pee. If its left down, the females benefits because they do not have to put the seat down to pee.
If you think about it mathematically, since shitting also involves sitting down, whether you are male or female (tarzen’s not included. They shit hanging). Thus it makes perfect sense to leave it down since the males need to shit too.
Females who have problems with their male counterparts leaving the seat up labels them as MCPs, or male chauvinist pigs. This label is insulting and derogatory.
Males, on the other end, see this growing trend of argument as a sign of “feminism”. Or one could also term, FCP or female chauvinist pigs. Since the point is that both sides do not want to stand down, they are both as chauvinistic as each other and are both pigs.
The issue could be resolved simply. There is no need for an argument, truly. In fact, just use your hands to change the toilet seating status when ever you want to pee or shit. Its really that simple. Only lazy people will argue over this lame issue.
Or actually, it could just be gentlemanly of us to leave the toilet seat down. However, do not use this gentleman point to argue, because you will just be a dumb and lame person.
Well its good news for me because an advertiser chose my site (finally) via Nuffnang. In fact, I nearly wanted to take down the ads since there doesn’t seem to be any activity. However, it shocked me to have 2 ads coming at once at 2 different periods of time.
I guess I will be blogging about the whole experience, so first time Nuffnangers can see what’s the experience like.
I’m happy now..Or should I be?
Anyway it seems too good, especially with all the Nuffnang posts out there about their 1 dollar deduction for postal fees etc. I actually posted a comment on a post and the boss actually remembered my blog. Do you think that’s the reason I suddenly get allocated 2 ads? Hmm.. I’ll never know.
Has it occured to you that people start to talk big when no one can recognize who they are? Well, sometimes I make that mistake too, but ever since I started commenting more, people have started to recognize me so I have to think twice when I say something.
I refer to the post written by A Tattooed Blogger and he has written about a post on Dr Chee. The title of the post is “A disease called Chee“. This post has generated quite a number of comments, just like my other post, and I have discovered that some people like to criticize the blogger and the best thing is they are named Anonymous.
These are the type that call people names but they dare not show their own face. Its really sad, but its true. The internet has given us some matter of privacy, such that we can flame others without revealing our true identity.
I have also made a comment, which perhaps people will disagree and flame, but I couldn’t care less. I guess I am still interested in discussion on such related issues, just that perhaps sometimes the discussion isn’t all that mature when name calling comes.
Well, anybody reading my blog consistently will know that there’s this recent “argument” in the comments section, and the whole thing is actually a gross misunderstanding. To be honest, most arguments occur when a party disagrees with whatever the other is saying, and if this party actually misunderstands what the writer is saying, then the whole thing will snowball.
Party A will continue criticizing the writer for his points, but yet the writer will keep thinking that there is nothing wrong since the criticism doesn’t seem to be able to apply to his points. It is in this way that misunderstandings occur, and the thing will become worst if there is a tinge of animosity detected in the comments.
Online, the world of words carry no tone. Tones are created when the reader reads the passage. Certain comments will sound offensive to some, but normal to another.
This recent spat has left me quite tired and speechless. To be honest, I got quite sick of trying to argue my point, and I got further demoralized when there are certain members of the public who became quite hostile against me. No one will read that comment because its in moderation and I deleted it.
However, this whole event has led me thinking that it is actually quite dangerous when I blog. In fact, things can be taken out of context in its entirety.
I feel that when reading a post, caution has to be exercised. When we comment, we should think about how the writer will feel. In my own opinion (mine entirely and you may have a different one, its ok), when I comment, I try to sound more humble and I do not question the writer’s post. When I disagree, I drop subtle hints in my passage by pointing out to alternative opinion and mentioning that what the writer says may not be wrong, but there is another opinion. I ask questions in the comment. I feel that by asking questions, you allow the writer to respond to it and he or she will respond to it better than outright criticism.
I also want to clarify that I do read Xiaxue’s blog, and I read it for entertainment. I should not be stereotyped, whether by XX’s fans or detractors. Fans may support and critics will always have their point. Whomever is right, I cannot and will not decide. I just read for entertainment and as a means of destressing. When I quote her blog, I do not use her blog to support my stand. More often than not, I link her because I find that the post is worth some though. It may be disagreement, and may be agreement, but that is nothing to do with the quality of my post.
I also find that sometimes what I blog about may not be what others read it as. If there is anything that you find wrong about my posts, do leave a comment and ask questions and make the tone milder. People do not take criticisms extremely well when it sounds offensive.
I also feel that we should avoid telling the writer that “if you cannot take criticisms then disable comments”. This is something that the blogger has rights to decide. In fact, this sentence sounds very offensive, like an attack on the blogger’s right. The blogger may have his own opinion on why he wants comments. Personally, I want comments to be a methods to discuss issues that may arise out of my posts, but I hope my comments would be of a friendlier tone. I do hope that people come to raise points and discuss, but I do not enjoy criticisms without any points to my post. It doesn’t really help the discussion.
The above is what I learnt and discover about myself in these few days. I must declare though, the above are reflections and not used as a means to criticize my critics.
I have selected to moderate comments, and I will not hesitate to delete comments because I learnt that I would rather delete comments than get into another broil like this again.
On a lighter note, when you comment, kindly not leave your nickname as a variation to my nick. It is a little disrespectful, but the main thing is that if you do not know why I name myself Ignorantsoup, then please do not tweak my nickname. Its quite funny to me when I think about the reason why I’m Ignorantsoup.
Well at the bottom of the first page lies a story of our dear Transport Minister saying that “Singaporeans should not politicise the issue”.
Are we politicising the issue? Not that I know of, or read of. Perhaps I haven’t seen any of those articles that politicise the issue, but the main stuff that I read of in the forums are of citizens raising their concerns, and most of them valid. I see it as feedback to the government, of which, it seems to be labeled as politicising the issue. I think that is sad.
The latest fare hike is 1 to 2 cents on October 1 2007, and a resident has suggested that the fares be reviewed once every four years before the GE. I’m not here to support or take down this suggestion. Our minister’s reply is that if it was done this way, people will ask the government to extend it again. Its true, we will always want lower bus fares wouldn’t we.
However, he quote that other countries’ have shown that when the government succumbs to this pressure, service standards will worsen.
The last fare raise is 1 to 3 cents last year. We have raised it last year and we are raising it again, however, service standards has worsen and it is not improving. Thus other countries’ experience do not necessarily apply to Singapore and should not be used. By this service standard’s argument, then are we liable to pay more each time when service standards become lousier by the minute?
It makes no sense to me.
It is typical of a monopolistic company (there is only 2 companies providing bus services and they ply on different routes) to have lousy service, since people have no choice but to take bus services since the other alternative, the car or the taxi is much too expensive. Yet we cannot allow more companies to come in to take the slice of the pie as routes will overlap and things will become inefficient.
The only form of assurance is the Public Transport Council which governs the fare increases.
Anyway, our transport system is labeled as good, of which i do not deny since we are relatively better as compared to other countries’. Yet, it is not good enough to compare to other countries, but we have to compare to ourselves. Should we allow service standards to worsen, and that if service standards are still relatively better to other places, it means that our public transport system is good? I doubt it.We should continually compare to ourselves.
If not, the top students of Singapore will always be good, as there is always someone lousier than them,but yet, they would have already dropped to a lousier standard. In education, we strive to be the best within our peers, shouldn’t be apply the same philosophy to our bus standards or any standards? After all, Changi Airport may be good as compared to the other countries, but it may not remain the best if it keeps thinking that good is enough.
I’m offended by a comment posted on this post about appreciating Singapore. The commenter came and criticize me to urge me to read BBC and what not to get more “world view”.
Well, its not that I do not like criticisms. I do in fact welcome criticisms as long as you can show me that you have a valid point to make. I do not appreciate people telling me what to read, as if I am a utterly ignorant frog in the well, whilst not contributing anything factual to the discussion.
The comment in question?
Someone sent me this link to read. Suffice it to say that when I read your praises for Xiaxue, I knew what to expect. Pls go read onlinecitizen, NYT and BBC to have a more open world view. My 80+ yr old mother used to be a loyal PAP supporter. She voted the opposition in the last election and expressed her happiness that at least one of her children emigrated. She wished more could do so. She’s seen how badly the gahmen has treated her citizens in the last few years. Enough said , go widen your world view first….All the best!
I don’t see how much the commenter has a wider world view than me. In fact, he has not told me which parts of my post showed that I am a frog in the well.
He has made some generalizations, of which I feel that it is my duty to convey my own opinion.
I feel that I should not be flamed as a xiaxue supporter. Just because I am a reader of her blog does not mean that I am ignorant and lack world view. I don’t see how my praise for Xiaxue makes people “know what to expect”. My post is about my feelings that we should appreciate Singapore and make it a better place instead of whining and whining. Ironically, thats what the commenter seemed to be doing. The exact thing I posted that people should not do.
Has the poster helped in the discussion? Not really. So what exactly is the bad things that the government is doing to its people? Not mentioned. All he mentioned is about his 80 year old mother who wished that more people could emigrate. I’m not saying his mother’s opinion is wrong. His mum has his own opinion and I have mine. They are just different. They do not mean she is right and I am wrong. Older people are not necessarily right.
“onlinecitizen, NYT and BBC” are worthy reads? I do not doubt them but I do not fully believe that they carry absolute accuracy either. Why should I listen to foreigners when I am staying here? If the issue in contention is about the British situation or the current Myanmar situation, then i believe I should read widely in those publications to gain more insight. However, this issue is about me saying that people should stop whining. Will I change my opinion if I read BBC? No. I am a loyal citizen of this country no matter who the government is.
Besides, please stop linking Singapore = PAP. It is not the same. When I blog about my love for Singapore, its Singapore the country and not the party. Whilst I do not have problems with the current administration, it has absolutely nothing to do with my blog post.
I want to make it known that my reading Xiaxue has nothing to do with the quality of my posts. I support Xiaxue for certain blog posts and I do not support her blindly. I do see the facts and I can see for myself that she is right in some aspects. If you do not like her, so be it. But do not demean me just because I am a supporter.
I read the post featured on RudeSingaporeans. The title of the post is discrimination. After reading it, I felt disgusted towards the woman mentioned in the story.
I have not met anyone like her myself who complain about other people’s actions openly. Most people I know will complain after the whole incident is over, but this woman voiced her own opinion out and the opinion is quite country-sist.
She labels a pair of kids as China people and scolded them openly. I have no problem with her voicing her own opinion, but she should not have used the word China in that sentence. It is a sweeping statement and it is quite biased.
However, there are a few stuff that I do not like about the woman.
1. Singaporeans should side Singaporeans?
I do not believe that. Yes we should support each other in competitions etc, but we should not blindly support. In fact, why should we support your biased opinion if our opinion is different from yours? If a Singaporeans commits a crime, should we side him if the victim is a foreigner?
2. We Singaporeans are number one
I feel that this is a stupid statement. Especially so when she claims that China people came and “spoil our image”. The fact is that this woman is spoiling OUR image as a multicultural and racial-safe country.
3. If we do not support her, this means that we are either not Singaporean, or married to a China Chinese
This is ridiculous and plain stupid. Its just like saying “If you do not buy my insurance policy then you are gay”.
4. Going to church signifies a good character
This is a big bullshit. Going to church every Sunday does not constitute good character. Neither does going to Church resolves you of all your sins. In fact, I think this quote from the bible says it best: “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Before she criticizes other people, she should check herself out first.
5. Pure Singaporeans support MM Lee, PM Lee and love Singapore. PRs don’t
This is another bullshit statement. Permanant residents do make Singapore their home, and regardless of the number of PRs who are here to benefit and not contribute, we should not use a sweeping statement to criticize every PR in Singapore. It doesn’t take a pure-blood to support and love Singapore. In fact, some pure-bloods are a disgrace to Singapore.
I hope God smites the woman for her rude and selfish ways. She should learn some manners.
Disclaimer: This post is actually quite bull-shit-ty. If you watch Bleach and can understand what I’m talking about then you can continue to read..if not, just forget that I ever wrote this.
Ignorantsoup is actually a shinigami. Or rather, Ignorantsoup is the name of my zanpaktou. Or the 2nd side of me. Ignorantsoup and I enjoy a cosy relationship and we work hard together to battle the hollows that come my way every week in the form of tutorials.
Ignorantsoup and I belong to a place called Soul Society where we live (study) and train.
Recently, Aizen-sama went over to the dark side, bringing with him 2 other captains of soul society and they created a new breed of hollows called the Arrancar. The Arrancar are tougher than the normal hollow and they have now appeared in my life. For the next 1.5 weeks, I will be battling Arrancar with Ignorantsoup in Karakura town (NUS).
First up, I have to fight an Arrancar who is especially good in mathematics and I have to destroy him by solving all the math questions he shoots at me. The second Arrancar is extremely good in physics. He knows how to accelerate himself by using an external force because he studies Newton’s Laws. The third Arrancar is a computer genius. He probably already scanned my moves and know me by heart. Its going to be a tough battle. The last Arrancar,the toughest of all and the shortest (3MCs only leh) is an Arrancar with an electrical type zanpaktou. I will probably barely survive.
Thus this week I will be subjected to the cruelest of battles, all for the battle in the coming winter when the Espada (final exams) come. Will I survive? Will I kill all the Arrancar with minimal injuries?
I will probably lose to the final one and barely make it, and I will desire to be stronger (like Ichigo). Then I will need to find a group of friends who are serious enough to train with me to conquer our inner hollow. If I manage to train hard, I may be able to make it in time to become a Vaizard when the Espada comes.
But in front of me is my adversary for these two weeks. I don’t have time to train now. All I have time for is:
Bankai…Separate Ignorantsoup…
P.S. Forgive me. I probably won’t have much time to blog in the midst of all these fights.
Hope you’re doing well. Just...