Why?
For starters, Kway Teow Man wrote that he is neither pro- nor anti-Government. This, I find appealing since I myself choose not to align myself with any inclination towards any sides. It is nice to know that Kway Teow Man respect's the opinions of others and does acknowledge the presence of critics. I get the sense that he is non-judegemental.
He informs the readers that he is a Char Kway Teow Man in Ang Mo Kio by day and a political correspondent wannabe by night. Giving us the impression that he's the 'everyday' man. It is so much easier to relate to what he is saying if other's feel some kind of affinity.
Blog’s Title: The Kway Teow Man
Blog's URL: http://kwayteowman.blogspot.com/
Blogger’s Name: kwayteowman/
Blogger’s Occupation: Citizen Blogger + Chef and also Towkay
Blog’s Date of Birth: 3rd December 2005
5. Technorati Rank: Unfortunately, none. Maybe he will gain recognition through this post? :)
His approach is a mix of formality and a tinge of casualness. There are instances where he describes what is happening in the local political sphere. For example, commentary on the 2007 Budget, the issue on Medisave. I noticed that he mentions other political bloggers occasionally. Incorporating his thoughts with theirs to provide some form of assertion.
In this blog entry (I took a snippet), Kway Teow Man was talking about the elections and how it went down. Although very blunt when offering his views on the opposition party, he was candid when discussing about how Singaporeans do not really care about the long term effects of the elections which is SO true. I cannot help but smile when he used the word, 'Garmen' and list our generally passive attitude towards the way we are living in Singapore. Basically, sitting back and hoping to be spoon fed. We are at peace when everything is made easy for us. How true!
KwayTeowMan
Question. Do blogs allow for greater democracy in Singapore?
The meaning of the word 'democracy' itself is relative. Democracy is the rule of the people (Democracy, 2007). Political blogs provide an outlet for individuals who feel like they have something to say but are not able to vocalise it in their daily lives, fearing that they might offend others or get into trouble. 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).
As much as I like to think that the emergence of blogs have helped paved the way for greater democracy in Singapore, that does not mean it is actually generating radical changes to the way our country function. Why the cynicism? Perhaps it is the lack of 'voice' I am hearing. True, there are more bloggers airing their views. The problem is, are their thoughts and opinions being heard? People reading your blog is nothing compared to others taking what you said in your blog and formulating it into a discussion. A change is what that makes the difference.
Perhaps, there will be a shift in how blogs are accepted and viewed by the mass.
According to an article in The Straits Times (2006), the next general election could feature more political news and freer discussion on the Internet, as the Government plans to ease up its watch over political happenings in cyberspace. It intends to review the way it manages new media, and adopt what it called a "lighter touch approach" at the next polls.
Until something that was written in a blog ignites mass reaction from others (something like the effect of The War of Worlds), I remain skeptical. I do hope more individuals are coming up with blogs that tell the truth. Freedom of speech is not easy. Most people are afraid to say what they truly feel. Their fears are understandable. It is always safer to keep your mouth shut. However, in order for Singapore to gain greater democracy, the people need to speak up. I think I shall start. Once I decide on what I want to say, that is.
References
Democracy. (2007, March 23). In Wikipedia, The Free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
Koh, L. (2006). Blogs and podcasts may get more leeway at next GE. The Straits Times. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=47025
Thornton, A. (2002, October). Does Internet Create Democracy. Retrieved March 23, 2007 from http://www.zip.com.au/~athornto/thesis_2002_alinta_thornton.doc
1 comment:
Hello Aliah,
The KTM is quite surprised that you chose to write about his blog among the hundreds(?) out there. The KTM has also been sleeping in recent weeks and has not written anything for many weeks.....
Since you have written about the KTM's blog, permit the KTM to share his views.
"Kway Teow Man wrote that he is neither pro- nor anti-Government".
Moral of the story one: dun happily accept what people write. Sometimes they may not know what they are saying. :-)
Perhaps the KTM will explain what this sentence really means. What it means is that the KTM does not work by choosing a side, i.e. pro- or anti-PAP, and decide to support the views of either camp.
It does turn out however that one could say that the majority of his views are pro-establishment, so the KTM is most certainly not claiming to be neutral by a long shot. It is impossible to both have a view and to be neutral.
Why is the KTM somewhat pro-establishment? Dunno leh, just turns out to be so. :-P Some will claim the KTM is some anonymous PAP ninja. People are free to speculate. :-)
"I get the sense that he is non-judegemental".
Actually the KTM finds it hard to agree with this statement. KTM has opinions about almost everything and will spout his views in quite a brutal and blunt way. The word is probably not "non-judgemental", but that the KTM does try to be somewhat objective in the way he rights. But seriously, it is impossible for anyone to be completely objective. We have inbuilt bias and perspectives that we cannot deny.
"True, there are more bloggers airing their views. The problem is, are their thoughts and opinions being heard?"
You are so right. Some people have claimed that blogs are going to bring about major political changes. The KTM thinks that blogs are overrated.
Permit the KTM to share with you his observations that led him to such a conclusion:
(i) Many (most?) people aren't really looking for truth on the Internet. They are looking for others who will validate what they want to think.
(ii) Most are not interest to read serious stuff and think (which explains why blogs like XX are most popular). MSM will still remain king for while to come.
(iii) Current signal to noise ratio on the blogosphere is too low. Takes too much effort to find stuff worth reading.
What is true however is that the Internet/blogs has changed the rules of the game somewhat. While lacking the ability to influence significant changes in mindsets, it does one of two things:
(i) spread scandals at a phenomenal rate, c.f. Tammy NYP and WSM
(ii) during Election time, it evens out the odds for the Opposition parties (thanks to one-sided coverage by the MSM).
Freedom of speech is not easy. Most people are afraid to say what they truly feel. Their fears are understandable. It is always safer to keep your mouth shut.
Well said. The fear is not so much about getting hauled up by ISD, but the fear of saying the wrong thing and looking stupid. Also, some people just have nothing to say or not much of an opinion of their own to begin with. :-)
However, in order for Singapore to gain greater democracy, the people need to speak up.
Do remind the KTM, what exactly is democracy again? And how is it related to whether people open their mouths?
Once I decide on what I want to say, that is.
Well said. People should speak up, but they should also learn from you and think about what they want to say, why they want to say what they say and whether what they say really makes sense before they open their gaps. Otherwise they will reduce the already low signal to noise ratio of the blogosphere even more. :-(
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