MIDNIGHT!/ Thursday, July 05, 2007
Singer believes that freedom of expression is essential to any democracy and therefore should not be limited. On the other hand, Szilagyi believes that more focus should be placed on social responsibility.
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, which author’s view do you think should be adopted?
Write a response of at least 300 words and 2 content paragraphs, and include materials from both articles as well as your own knowledge and experience.
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, I feel that Szilagyi’s view should be adopted where the citizens should practice self-censorship in order to maintain the racial harmony here in Singapore. Singaporeans should always be mindful of what they say to avoid stirring up any hostile reactions from another racial group. An example is the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, there was no malice in the intention of publishing it, however the lack of sensitivity led to worldwide outburst from the muslim community. In this time and age where the muslim community are already recieving bad publicity due to the Islamic terrorist attacks being ever more frequent, it is extremely crucial to ensure the racial harmony is not disturbed in a country as small as Singapore where the people are her only resources.
On the other hand, the use of freedom of speech can not be ignored either in order for a democratic nation to be successful. A view is not “fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed,” it will become “a dead dogma, not a living truth”. Freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people find offensive. We must be free to deny the existence of God, and to criticize the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and Buddha, as reported in texts that millions of people regard as sacred. Without that freedom, human progress will always run up against a basic roadblock.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that a sense of social responsibility should be practiced more than freedom of speech in Singapore. Even though every individual may have their own opinions and views on certain things, it is important that they keep certain things to themselves and to use the freedom of speech with responsibility in order to not stir up racial distrust or tensions in Singapore which is very susceptible to racial disorder.
Damnit, it ain't meant to be.
5:52 AM <3
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