In Passage 1, the author states that crime is more prominent in countries with the greatest income inequality. I agree with his point as it is applicable to Singapore. Singapore's income inequality has been reduced through means such as subsidies to th poor. At the same time, it is known that Singapore has a very low crime rate. This proves that countries with little income inequality has little crime rate. This claim is also supported by the author in passage 2.
In Passage 2, the author states that riots are all occuring in destitute neighbourhoods. I agree to his point to a certain extent as it is applicable to Singapore since Singapore does not have destitute neighbourhoods and have no riots in present day. This proves that the author's statement is somewhat true. However, it is flawed as not all riots occur in destitute neighbourhoods only. Riots may not occur only due to income inequality as there are other reasons like racial or political problems. Therefore, not all riots ovvur in destitute neighbourhoods only. Thus, i agree to th author's claim to a limited extent.
In conclusion, Singapore's cirme violence is low as it has low income inequality & has no destitute neighbourhoods. Both authors' claims supports each other and are applicable to my society.
25/07/10
Monday, July 26, 2010
AQ/Faris Hakim/10S403
The author in passage 1 says that society operates on the assumption that they, values, not only can be taught but must be. I disagree with the author because in a more liberal society, these values has been eroded. The values are being taught but it has not had any effect on the society. This can be seen from the reality show 16 and pregnant. Their society view it as a norm for an unmarried 16 year old getting pregnant. If this happens to a more conservative society such as those in Asia, the girl and her family would be deeply ashamed. Hence, i disagree with the author because not all societies operates on the same assumption. This idea is applicable to my society because Singapore is still largely considered as a traditional and conservative society. However, this may change in the coming years because Singaporean youths are becoming more liberal.
The author in passage 2 says that the basic problem is that there is an absence of a culture of shame. I agree with the author because as society strives to improve its economic and material well-being, much of these values are being ignored as they tend to hinder society's progress. This idea is not applicable to my society because Singapore is still considered a traditional and conservative society.
The author in passage 2 says that the basic problem is that there is an absence of a culture of shame. I agree with the author because as society strives to improve its economic and material well-being, much of these values are being ignored as they tend to hinder society's progress. This idea is not applicable to my society because Singapore is still considered a traditional and conservative society.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
AQ/ Toby Ong Zheng Shuo/10s403
The first passage states that murder and violence are higher in nations with the largest income inequality. This is most likely because of the large income gap in society will induce pressure on the poor as the poor will feel inferior as compared to the rich and thus will resort to violence especially when the rich looks down on them.In some societies, the rich lives separately from the poor creating two 'separate' countries as there is little interaction between both the parties. However, in the case of Singapore, there is not a problem regarding income levels as most of the working adults do not have a great difference in income and mostly all Singaporeans received secondary education thus they will learn moral values. Thus with secondary school education, Singaporeans can find jobs that can afford at least the basic necessities in life. Thus very little income problems will arise. Therefore, income inequality is a minor factor for violence and murder cases occurring in Singapore.
The second passage states that riots are geographically and socially circumscribed, with almost all occurring in destitute neighborhoods. Such communities suffer from poverty such that they do not have enough income to afford food and basic necessities. Thus these low income families might feel unfair that the government is not helping them and only focused on developing the country which will make the rich richer and the poor poorer. therefore resulting in riots as this is a way of expressing their anger to the government and hopefully the government does something to alleviate the problem. however, in the context of Singapore, the income gap is relatively low due to the enforcement and support given by the government. Thus it is unlikely that riots will happen in Singapore.
The second passage states that riots are geographically and socially circumscribed, with almost all occurring in destitute neighborhoods. Such communities suffer from poverty such that they do not have enough income to afford food and basic necessities. Thus these low income families might feel unfair that the government is not helping them and only focused on developing the country which will make the rich richer and the poor poorer. therefore resulting in riots as this is a way of expressing their anger to the government and hopefully the government does something to alleviate the problem. however, in the context of Singapore, the income gap is relatively low due to the enforcement and support given by the government. Thus it is unlikely that riots will happen in Singapore.
AQ/Ying Ting/10S403
In Passage 1, the author states that criminal violence could be due to a society's structure. For societies who are of a heterogenous structure, it is hard to bind people together and thus creates feelings of alienation among citizens. The author states the United States as an example, which he calls 'a nation of strangers', with a high level of homicidal violence. This view is becoming more and more applicable in my society, as Singapore has an increasing number of immigrants coming into our society. It is part of the government's plan to increase population to 6 million people in the near future, and more immigrants are allowed into our society. This changes our society's structure into a heterogenous structure, where percentage of immigrants in our society is considered high in relation to number of locals. Recently, there was a series of slashings in our society, which is more commonly known as the Kallang Slashings, where immigrant workers robbed and attacked random strangers. This has sparked up many discussions and debates on whether or not immigrants might pose a threat to our society's welfare. I feel that the sense of alienation among immigrants is increasing as more and more immigrants are entering our society, and there is discrimination among Singaporeans against these immigrants, which migth cause them to feel even more alienated and lonely in our country, thus affecting their psyches adversely. Thus, the issue of a heterogenous society causing feelings of societal alienation is becoming an increasing cause for concern in my society.
In Passage 2, the author thinks that increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not a solution to preventing riots and violence. He substantiates his point by saying that the riots and violence is due to the population being highly deculturalised and individualised. I disagree with the author, as in my society, such emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures has been effective in preventing riots and violence. I feel that the author is not being very fair in deriving such a conclusion. However, I feel that in all societies, the people in the society must be willing to embrace such emphasis and reforms. With increased understanding among race, religions and cultures, riots and violence can be decreased. I feel that a deculturalised society can in fact become more bonded if people are willing to embrace one another's cultures. By being appreciative of one another's culture, individuals will be willing to accept one other for who they are. This will lead to the society becoming less deculturalised and individualised. In Singapore, there was a 1964 Racial Riot which was triggered by a clash between a group of Malays and a Chinese policemen. The government has since taken steps to alleviate racial discrimination and misunderstandings, such as creating Racial Harmony Day. In recent years, there have been no racial riots in our society and younger generations of Singaporeans are more able to appreciate the cultural diversity in Singapore. This emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures has helped Singapore become a multi-racial and multi-religious society today. Thus, I strongly believe that such emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other religions can help in reducing violence in a society.
In Passage 2, the author thinks that increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not a solution to preventing riots and violence. He substantiates his point by saying that the riots and violence is due to the population being highly deculturalised and individualised. I disagree with the author, as in my society, such emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures has been effective in preventing riots and violence. I feel that the author is not being very fair in deriving such a conclusion. However, I feel that in all societies, the people in the society must be willing to embrace such emphasis and reforms. With increased understanding among race, religions and cultures, riots and violence can be decreased. I feel that a deculturalised society can in fact become more bonded if people are willing to embrace one another's cultures. By being appreciative of one another's culture, individuals will be willing to accept one other for who they are. This will lead to the society becoming less deculturalised and individualised. In Singapore, there was a 1964 Racial Riot which was triggered by a clash between a group of Malays and a Chinese policemen. The government has since taken steps to alleviate racial discrimination and misunderstandings, such as creating Racial Harmony Day. In recent years, there have been no racial riots in our society and younger generations of Singaporeans are more able to appreciate the cultural diversity in Singapore. This emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures has helped Singapore become a multi-racial and multi-religious society today. Thus, I strongly believe that such emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other religions can help in reducing violence in a society.
AQ/Gracy/10s403
In passage 1, the author states that murder and violence are higher in nations with largest income inequality. In countries where there is income inequality, societal prejudice arises. The rich may look down on the poor while the poor struggle to achieve a more equal income level with the rich often by dishonourable means. However, this is applicable to Singapore as our country's income inequality is low and this is explains for our country's low crime rate.
In passage 2, the author claims that crimes are more likely to happen in destitute neighbourhoods. I agree with the author's point. This means that crime arises more often places with poor living conditions. In poor living conditions, people are more desperate for better living conditions. However, they may not have the ability to improve their living conditions hence they may resort to dishonourable means. For example, South Africa, one of the world's least developed country with the lowest standards of living, has a crime rate that is extraordinarily high. This is applicable to Singapore as Singapore, being one of the most developed countries in the world, has low crime rate.
In passage 2, the author claims that crimes are more likely to happen in destitute neighbourhoods. I agree with the author's point. This means that crime arises more often places with poor living conditions. In poor living conditions, people are more desperate for better living conditions. However, they may not have the ability to improve their living conditions hence they may resort to dishonourable means. For example, South Africa, one of the world's least developed country with the lowest standards of living, has a crime rate that is extraordinarily high. This is applicable to Singapore as Singapore, being one of the most developed countries in the world, has low crime rate.
AQ----PAN JIEMING------10S403
In the first passage, the author made it very clear that murder and violence are higher in nations with largerincome inequality. This is partly true, as people sometimes do react to unfairness with extreme criminal actions. Take for instance, when the poor have no food and basic necessities for survival, the only thing they can do is to steal cheat and beg. The problem worsen when they notice how the rich has been wasting the food and enjoying themselves. When such thing happens, they may become frustrated at the unfairness of life and indulge in crime. Sure enough, this is an issue closely related to criminal violence. However, this is not so much of an concerning issue to my society in Singapore. First of all, Singapore has a very strong economy where there is rarely any economic crisis. Citizens are able to earn a living in the toughest World wide economic recession. Then, the government has given every citizen despite their differences the same welfare. Medisave, Medifund etc are given to all the citizens to ensure equal rights of every individual. So to the poor, basic necessities like healthcare and education are ensured. Funds are set up to help the needy as well. Therefore, in Singapore, this issue isn't such a concern compared to other country in world.
In the second passage, the author claims that "the riots are geographically and socially very circumscribed: all are occuring in about 100 suburbs, or more precisely, destitute neighbourhoods". This is a reaction from the cultural minority when they feel that they are unfairly treated. It is likely due to the social and economic exclusion to the different minor race which cause the riots. The issue here is that it is hard to achieve racial harmony. The minority race or culture always feel discriminated and wanting to be treated fairly. However, the majority may not think its necessary. When the tension between the different cultural group builds up, a little spark is all it takes to start a riot. Similarly in Singapore, a multiracial society, have a history of riots between the Chinese and Malay due to tension and misunderstanding. This is indeed an issue of Singapore's concern. That is why, the government are adopting all kinds of measures to promote racial harmony. The country will fall if it faces internal struggle each day. Thus it is important and necessary to keep Singapore harmonious.
In conclusion, there are many issues relating to criminal violence, economic and social especially. It is important to solve these root of the problem in order to lower crime rates. It is the responsibility of every government to ensure fairness and safety in the nation.
In the second passage, the author claims that "the riots are geographically and socially very circumscribed: all are occuring in about 100 suburbs, or more precisely, destitute neighbourhoods". This is a reaction from the cultural minority when they feel that they are unfairly treated. It is likely due to the social and economic exclusion to the different minor race which cause the riots. The issue here is that it is hard to achieve racial harmony. The minority race or culture always feel discriminated and wanting to be treated fairly. However, the majority may not think its necessary. When the tension between the different cultural group builds up, a little spark is all it takes to start a riot. Similarly in Singapore, a multiracial society, have a history of riots between the Chinese and Malay due to tension and misunderstanding. This is indeed an issue of Singapore's concern. That is why, the government are adopting all kinds of measures to promote racial harmony. The country will fall if it faces internal struggle each day. Thus it is important and necessary to keep Singapore harmonious.
In conclusion, there are many issues relating to criminal violence, economic and social especially. It is important to solve these root of the problem in order to lower crime rates. It is the responsibility of every government to ensure fairness and safety in the nation.
AQ/Tan Ping Hao/10s403
I feel that both the first author's point of murder and violence being higher in nations with the largest income inequality and the second author's point of riots and crime occuring in destitute neighbourhoods are not very applicable to the Singaporean context in our present society.
In the first passage, the author states that "murder and violence are higher in nations with the largest income inequality." This may be because the large income gap in society creates pressure for the poor as they fight for survival. In some countries, the poor and rich live in seperate societies even though they come from the same country, and form a hierachy. People from the upper caste are able to receive education, unlike the lower caste who can't afford it. Thus, while the upper caste are educated on both academics and moral values, the lower caste are only educated on how to survive using their own abilities. Thus, when faced with pressure, these people may end up resorting to violence and even crime when faced with desperation for wealth and survival. An example of a country like this is South Africa, where the lower caste have to fight tooth and nail for survival. However, since there is very little or no income disparity in Singapore, this is not very applicable to the Singaporean context. Though it is true that the income levels across various occupations in Singapore differ, everyone is subjected to at least secondary school level education and are taught moral values from young. Everyone in Singapore thus has the ability to hold jobs that allow them to live adequately. Thus, income and economic disparity is eliminated. Therefore, it cannot be used as a reason for violence and murder cases occuring in Singapore, if any.
In the second passage, the author claims that "the riots are geographically and socially very circumscribed: all are occuring in about 100 suburbs, or more precisely, destitute neighbourhoods". This could be because the poor feel that it is unfair and they had received biased and ill treatment by the rich, for example, discrimmination, so they form riots as a form of resisting and to win back their rights. Again, I feel that this is inapplicable to the present Singapore society as "destitute neighbourhoods" are a minority, or rarity, in Singapore. Singapore, being a prosperous country, enjoys a high standard of living. The government also offers help to those Singaporeans who need financial aid. Thus, it is nearly impossible to have destitute neighbourhoods in our country. Furthermore, the Singapore government has also set strict rules and regulations regarding riots in Singapore, following the aftermath of disasterous riots like the Maria Hertough riot. Thus, rioting in Singapore is never seen in the present, so this author's point cannot be applied to the Singaporean context.
In the first passage, the author states that "murder and violence are higher in nations with the largest income inequality." This may be because the large income gap in society creates pressure for the poor as they fight for survival. In some countries, the poor and rich live in seperate societies even though they come from the same country, and form a hierachy. People from the upper caste are able to receive education, unlike the lower caste who can't afford it. Thus, while the upper caste are educated on both academics and moral values, the lower caste are only educated on how to survive using their own abilities. Thus, when faced with pressure, these people may end up resorting to violence and even crime when faced with desperation for wealth and survival. An example of a country like this is South Africa, where the lower caste have to fight tooth and nail for survival. However, since there is very little or no income disparity in Singapore, this is not very applicable to the Singaporean context. Though it is true that the income levels across various occupations in Singapore differ, everyone is subjected to at least secondary school level education and are taught moral values from young. Everyone in Singapore thus has the ability to hold jobs that allow them to live adequately. Thus, income and economic disparity is eliminated. Therefore, it cannot be used as a reason for violence and murder cases occuring in Singapore, if any.
In the second passage, the author claims that "the riots are geographically and socially very circumscribed: all are occuring in about 100 suburbs, or more precisely, destitute neighbourhoods". This could be because the poor feel that it is unfair and they had received biased and ill treatment by the rich, for example, discrimmination, so they form riots as a form of resisting and to win back their rights. Again, I feel that this is inapplicable to the present Singapore society as "destitute neighbourhoods" are a minority, or rarity, in Singapore. Singapore, being a prosperous country, enjoys a high standard of living. The government also offers help to those Singaporeans who need financial aid. Thus, it is nearly impossible to have destitute neighbourhoods in our country. Furthermore, the Singapore government has also set strict rules and regulations regarding riots in Singapore, following the aftermath of disasterous riots like the Maria Hertough riot. Thus, rioting in Singapore is never seen in the present, so this author's point cannot be applied to the Singaporean context.
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