QotW8: Politics..

New Media

With the advent of blogs, moblogs, podcasts and vodcasts, news are now efficiently reaching the audience. As a form of new media, blogs can be a channel for political news or agendas. As such, the Singapore government has decided to take on a 'light touch' approach to regulating the Internet. However, such medium too can bring about controversies. When it comes to politics, people have to be careful of what they say or write.

By definition, democracy is 'rule by the people'. Democracy allows the poeple to voice out their opinion. Control is limited and freedom of speech is widely practiced.

The blog that i came across discusses heavily on topics regarding the Singapore government.

Blog Title: a little fish finding her way in the world
Blog URL: http://charissaishere.blogspot.com
Blogger's Occupation: citizen blogger
Blog's DOB: 24/10/2006
Technorati Rank: 156, 018

A citizen blogger, Charissa takes on a less formal tone when blogging about politics. She even put up a disclaimer, letting readers know that her posts are just her own views and does not intend to insult anyone.

One entry that was written discusses the extent to which freedom of speech will reach here in Singapore. She reviewed the forum that went on at NUS titled "Freedon of Speech - How far can we go?" Interestingly enough, she finds that freedom of speech may exist here in Singapore but is not greatly encouraged.

However, I feel that what really matters is not the real examples, but how Singaporeans feel and perceive the environment to be like. Even if they are opening up, the society (through laws, defamation law suits, the existence of ISD, fearful friends and family etc) seem to continue playing a part in stifling freedom of speech. For example, family who "advice" their child/brother/sister to not "talk too much" about politics online (Charissa, 2007).

In another paragraph, she stated that freedom of speech is much more limited among the politicians than the citizens. The reason being that it is the politicians themselves that are bearing the brunt of the regulations.

Politicians are suppose to represent the people's opinions and try to initiate social, economic and political changes (hopefully for the betterment of Singapore). If they find it difficult to maneuver around the restrictions, then how are they suppose to articulate their views and champion causes beneficial to Singaporeans? (Charissa, 2007).

Charissa does not feel the need to side anyone or any parties. Her entries are merely opinions and discussions. Like what she said in her profile, she would rather Singaporeans rid themselves of the thought that they are not able to make a difference. I feel that even though citizens are more daring in putting up thought about politics, there is still a void that needs to be filled. People are not doing much to make a change.

I believe that blogs make way for greater democracy. The ability for individuals and smaller groups with fewer resources to present their points of view to a large number of people is much more viable (Thornton, 2002). Opinions are heard and views are put across. But i still feel that there is some kind of control that restrict citizens from making a change.

PM Lee also revealed the government’s distrust for the free-wheeling world of cyberspace. He told Singaporeans that “if you read something on the Straits Times or CNA (Channel NewsAsia) you must know it is real“, unlike what is on TalkingCock. He warned Singaporeans to be “sceptical” and not believe everything they read, as “there will be half truths and untruths which will circulate, and you won’t know which is which” (The online citizen, 2006). With such comments, there is a tinge of animosity towards blogs that put up political views, especially those that are contradicting. Well, that is my opinion at least. And i feel that that is a form of control put subtly.

In order for democracy to furhter emphasized, i think that the governmetn should at least take into considerations views that are put up and not dismiss them entirely.


References

Charissa - A little fish finding her way in the world. (2006). Retrieved March 23 2007, from http://charissaishere.blogspot.com

The Online Citizen. (2006). Review-The Politics of Singapore's new Media in 2006. Retrieved March 23 2007, from http://theonlinecitizen.com/2006/12/31/review-the-politics-of-singapores-new-media-in-2006/

Thornton, A. (2002, October). Does Internet Create Democracy. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/thesis_2002_alinta_thornton.doc