Monday, August 27, 2007
Personal reponse 6
Popular Bar Slammed for Cheeky Use of Stars & Crescent of S’pore flag
The New Paper
11 August 2007
-Singapore
“It’s in spirit of fun.”
“It’s an insult to nation.”
“Don’t disrespect flag.”
Rather varied set of views, I might add. I personally think that whilst the “cheeky use of stars and crescent” is all in all creative, I must admit that to a certain degree, it is a mockery of our Singapore flag. Call it conservatism, call it old-fashioned; I call it “respect”.
As Singaporeans, it is our obligation, no, duty to maintain a certain standard of reverence for our flag. Significant meaning belies the symbols on the flag, and the improper use of them can be damaging to Singapore’s image. I do not think that our flag, should be in any circumstance, be subjected to a form of ridicule.
Let us take into account the responses some have provided us with. Those that oppose the use of symbols regard the issue as an insult to the nation, that the nightspot operators did not use their common sense, and the entire incident in general is obscene. Whereas those that do not have any qualms about the incident add that it’s a “tongue-in-cheek” and not malicious attempt to desecrate the national symbol.
Singaporeans seem to have particularly conflicting views on this issue. Perhaps, we must contemplate an entirely different side of the issue, that of the nightspot operator. If we were in his shoes, would we do the same thing for the sake of advertising? We cannot deny that it is in fact a rather effective medium – the theme of sex appeal, to sell a product. In a bid to draw attention to this joint, had the operator crossed the fine line that distinguishes the acceptable from the unacceptable?
In our rapidly-progressing society that we have today, there would be however, a need to be more open and receptive. Singapore’s censorship on various issues is less stringent today than it was a couple of years ago. Censorship in itself, has many benefits, but in an effort to give our citizens a larger exposure, does censorship still have a stand in our society? Though I share a common view with the 83% of Singaporeans who polled, stating that ad had gone too far, we must consider the effects on our country in the long run. Not raising the issue when such incidents of disrespect of our flag occur, we are giving others the go-ahead that it is alright. On the contrary, it is far from “alright”. The marketing manager from Germany also added that they have a lot of worse things from where he comes from.
We cannot gauge the severity of this issue with other countries. Instead, we must seek ways to continually improve our image, and consider what is best for our country, our homeland. Whether we like it or not, our flag is our country, it represents us, and surely, it is deserving of utmost reverence.
Current affairs #6
POPULAR BAR SLAMMED FOR CHEEKY USE OF STARS & CRESCENT OF S'PORE FLAG
ANOTHER year older, all the wiser. So goes the slogan in small words under a close-up shot of a model's crotch and part of her legs.
By Esther Au Yong
12 August 2007, the new paper
ANOTHER year older, all the wiser.
So goes the slogan in small words under a close-up shot of a model's crotch and part of her legs.
What's unusual is that her striking red swimsuit or underwear is emblazoned with the crescent and five stars of our national flag.
Hmm, you may say.
Now take a closer look at the image, and you'll spot, peeking out from a corner of the swimsuit, a few strands of pubic hair.
What?! Was that intended?
Yes, according to a Loof marketing manager.
The advertisement was sent as an electronic direct mailer to at least 1,500 members of the pub's 'more private' mailing list.
It was part of the pub's publicity campaign for its National Day events.
The marketing manager, who declined to be named, said the ad was actually a continuation of last year's.
He explained: 'Last year, we did the same graphic but without the hair.
'Our tagline then was '41 years later, it still feels like the first time'.'
Then, the point of the ad was 'to show that the feeling of independence and being Singaporean was still as strong and fresh as it was 41 years ago'.
This year, 'the strands of hair were added to show that we're one year older and have in a way, hit puberty', said the manager.
He added that 'the ad was definitely not meant as an insult to the country or anyone'.
'I hope that the ad will be taken in the spirit of humour and fun,' he said.
However, most people The New Paper asked thought the ad was disrespectful and in bad taste.
Said an aerospace engineer who wanted to be known only as Mr Zoll, 40: 'The flag is meant to be prestigious, you can't compare it with underwear.'
Mr H M Tay, a 21-year-old student, agreed: 'It's a bit disrespectful towards national symbols, but more importantly, it's tasteless and slightly revolting.
'I don't like the whole idea of a national symbol being associated with unsavoury bits of a body in a highly-public medium.'
STREET POLL
In a quick street poll of 100 Singaporeans from all walks of life, 83 said the ad had gone too far.
The remaining 17 felt it was acceptable.
At least for some, the ad worked.
Said Miss W T Yeo, a 20-year-old student: 'I have not been to Loof, but now I see it as a fun place because of this tongue-in-cheek poster.
'They may have, in my opinion, crossed the line, but there's no denying their creativity.'
Programme executive Elsie Wong, 30, feels 'neutral' about the ad.
She said: 'I'm surprised though, someone is pushing the limits of advertising, and of all 'off-limits subjects' to challenge, they chose this (national symbols).
'I'm sure it will make a lot of people talk. But as far as advertising goes, it's a success.'
Dr K U Menon, director of the National Resilience Division at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica), said the ad does not breach the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act.
'The ad reproduces only some components of the flag. For example, it does not incorporate the red and white background together.'
However, he advised: 'Mica does not encourage such ads which treat the national flag with disrespect.
'The image of the stars and crescent against a red background is derived from the design of our flag.
'Symbols should be treated with some measure of dignity and we hope Loof will withdraw the ad on its own initiative.'
Offenders who are found guilty of breaching the act can be fined up to $1,000.
Business owners who wish to incorporate the flag in their publicity materials should take note that it should not be used for commercial purposes unless permission has been granted.
The flag should also not bear any graphics or have any words superimposed on it.
CAREFUL
Other nightspot operators The New Paper spoke to said they would generally be quite careful when dealing with such important symbols.
Said Miss Cheryl Khong, publicity manager of St James Power Station: 'Talk about making an impression! But I'm not so sure if the ad's recipients will take this in a positive light.'
Coincidentally, Powerhouse, one of the St James outlets, also put out an ad featuring the national flag and national colours of red and white. The e-mailer went out last week to promote its post-National Day event.
Miss Khong explained: 'We changed the colours on the Powerhouse logo to red and white, instead of its usual black and white.
'And we did use the Singapore flag as part of the visual, but we used it small and in its totality.'
Personal reponse 5
Don’t expect to just get probation
HOME The Straits Times
15 August 2007 (front page)
-judge to young offenders
“If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime,” as some might say. Crime is evident in any society – this is a sad reality we must all face. Crime in itself, is damaging to a society; and we must make it clear to each and every individual, that we do not tolerate this minority of miscreants that unravel the fabric our government has tirelessly weaved, in making Singapore what it is today.
Statistics show that Singapore is in fact one of the safest countries in the world. However, let us take a look at this particular issue, one not concerning murder, neither does it concern arson, but the often over-looked, teen robbery. I myself, was taken aback, upon reading the front page. Teen crime, though uncommon and usually small-scale, is not to be taken lightly, as I shall discuss subsequently. However, we must ponder, what could possibly be making teenagers bolder nowadays?
As mentioned previously, teen crime, if not addressed properly and firmly, can lead to severe consequences in the future. If this problem is not nipped in the bud, we then lose all hope in this teenager. Juvenile delinquent or not, teenagers are more prone to being corrected. I believe they deserve the opportunity to change, and society should not give up on this social misfit. In order to stop this brewing trend, we must first understand why teenagers resort to crime.
Teen crime can be seen as a call for help, a desperate plea for attention. Perhaps, such teenagers are neglected by their parents at home, and hence commit such crimes. As we can see, their crimes are usually not that serious for their intent was not the loss of lives, but for the mere sake of doing it. Another reason would be that of peer pressure in which this case, two teenagers were caught. The need to conform to a “gang”, or to be deemed “cool” among one’s friends, might be a likely cause of teen crime. Then again, we must empathize with this group of teens in need. Many a time has the cause been due to economic instability in the family, or perhaps a sole breadwinner fighting to support a large family, in which stealing (in this sense), would seem perfectly logical.
With respect to teen crime, I should think that they do not need our pity, nor the converse, despise. Instead, they need our help. All schools should provide counseling services to help attend to the needs of these teenagers who are often troubled. Needless to say, I would like to encourage all parents to sit down and talk to their children every so often, and let them know that they are with them every step of the way. I believe this article has sent a stern warning to every individual out there: Teenager or not, the law will deal with you accordingly.
Current affairs article #5
JUDGE TO YOUNG OFFENDERS:
Don't expect to get just probation
Warning issued as he sends 2 teen robbers to reform training centre
By Chong Chee Kin
YOUTH who run afoul of the law - even for the first time - should not expect to be given probation as a matter of course simply because of their tender age.
Justice V.K. Rajah yesterday put such wayward young people on notice that they could well be sent behind bars for crimes of 'gratuitous violence' or if they prey on the vulnerable.
His comments came as he gave his reasons for allowing an appeal by the prosecution against a pair of teen robbers - he overturned probation orders handed out in April on the two of them and packed them off for reformative training instead.
He said that the court would be remiss in its duty if, regardless of the kind of criminal offences committed, it sentenced young offenders to probation and signalled to prospective offenders that probation would 'almost inevitably' be all the punishment they can expect.
Offenders sentenced to probation are allowed to stay at home but under strict terms that include a curfew and attendance at counselling.
A step up from probation is a stint in a reformative training centre, where offenders are confined for between 18 months and three years and put through a regimen of foot drills, counselling, education and vocational training.
SERIOUS OFFENCES
'I simply cannot paper over these offences and lightly dismiss them simply as isolated youthful indiscretions...They were coldly calculated, carefully schemed and calmly executed.' - JUSTICE V.K. RAJAH, on the acts of two teen gang members, who had helped their gang prey on Geylang prostitutes. He overturned their probation orders and packed them off for reformative training.
Rehabilitative efforts conducted in such a 'more structured environment' will benefit the young offender and send an 'unequivocal sign' that the courts take an uncompromising view of crimes involving violence, said the judge.
The pair whose cases came before the court yesterday were Mohammad Al-Ansari Basri, 17, and Yusry Shah Jamal, 18, members of a gang of robbers who preyed on Geylang prostitutes.
On Aug 12 last year, Ansari and the gang picked up a 36-year-old foreign prostitute along Geylang Lorong 34, and drove to a quiet corner of Tampines, where one of the gang raped her.
Ansari got rid of her shoes and then passed her handbag to his accomplices. He also stood by while his accomplices assaulted the woman.
His share of the spoils: a pack of cigarettes and food, paid for with the money - over $600 - stolen from the woman.
Yusry played a similar role about four months earlier, helping the gang rob a 26-year-old foreign prostitute, who was also raped.
The other gang members will soon be dealt with on rape and robbery charges.
Justice Rajah said the courts were generally in favour of rehabilitating youthful offenders by putting them on probation, but it did not mean the courts should ignore the 'overriding consideration' of protecting the community.
He added that though the pair were not prime movers in the two cases, they were 'willing and conscious participants'.
A rehabilitative approach is the focus of the Community Court, set up last June to deal with cases involving offenders between 16 and 18, among others.
One of the court's major successes has been with youth offenders. In its first seven months of operation, youth offenders made up more than half of the cases handled and about 70 per cent of them were put on probation.
But probation should not be automatic, said lawyers who welcomed Justice Rajah's stand. Describing it as sensible, Mr Anand Nalachandran, said: 'Young people who commit an offence cannot expect to be put on probation automatically just because they are young.'
