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 Singapore, there are several existing cultures and religious that are very different from each other. Such difference will naturally lead to higher possibilities of conflicts due to issues like freedom of speech and censorships in the society. However, I agree with Szilagyi that the freedom of expression is vital to any democratic society but the main focus should be placed on social responsibility.
People depend very much on mutual communication hence people should not be restricted from expressing their thoughts and emotions. True enough, this is also one of the main factors contributing to the racial conflicts that surface since forever. The press often report news that people of a certain race often splurge harsh comments that will stir negative emotions within intolerant people of a different race, resulting in tensions between the two parties and hence a communal conflict. Thus majority of the public will generalize and pointedly claim that freedom of expression is the sole cause of the frequent outbreaks of racial riots. In Singapore, communal tensions are often high, even as of today. Will things change? I personally agree with Szilagyi that freedom of expressions can be adopted only if social responsibility exists. If the press is mindful of and take precise note of what they are saying, there will not be a situation whereby the opposite party can blame you for saying anything offensive. Hence it is evident that people in our society should be accountable for what thoughts or emotions they want to express and publicize.
According to the article, Szilagyi mentioned that ‘Freedom of speech has never been a static value, and the responsibilities of the press evolve with every new social and political development around the world – requiring the limits of media output to be subjected to constant review. The press needs to serve the ever-evolving public interest, and it needs to do so by focusing on responsibility, and not solely on freedom.’
I cannot agree anymore with Szilagyi. Indeed, the press can adopt a freedom of expression so that they have a wider scope of news to report to the public. However, they should be mindful and make a conceited effort to make morally sound comments in their news reports and articles, and practice more social responsibility so that outbreaks of communal riots will never every occur in the multi-racial Singapore.
posted by Phoebe @ 6:17 AM
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