The prosperous eighth

So, two more days before the end of the week and things have been going smooth in school so far, hopefully it stays this way! This week in COM 125, internet and politics. Wow, what a combination. When placed in the right hands, internet and politics can make such a positive impact on society, when in the wrong hands, well, I dare not imagine.

According to Wikipedia, politics is 'the process by which groups of people make decisions'. This shows how broad the word 'politics' is and although we usually like to associate politics with the decisions and actions of governments and world leaders, politics can also take place in a more micro-level like in school, in the workplace and even at home, (actually MOST probably at home!). The core of politics is communication, so if the internet enhances the efficiency and quality of human communication, then internet and politics can be said to be a perfect marriage.

Take the 2008 American presidential elections for example. Never have a presidential election in America been so internet savvy. The election campaign in all camps have made use of the connectivity of emails, interactive websites and blogs to raise awareness, spread news and get donations. Smart move. Because not only is it cheaper than getting TV and radio air-time, using new mediums automatically connects with a younger more tech savvy population. By making use of a medium that is personal, target audiences feel more connected and more empowered in making their voices heard and ultimately letting them feel that they can make a change and pursue their dreams, which is so important when garnering support.

Back in Singapore, our country is fortunately/unfortunately not as politically active. Even if our next election were to be more net-connected, I doubt it will change our political scene unlike our U.S. counterparts. One main reason I feel is because politics is out of the circle of concern in most Singaporean youths. Unlike schooling, job market and family and friends, politics finds itself far off the concern circle. I find that quite ironic as it is because of politics itself, that we can actually have a peace of mind to be concerned about school and find jobs. Because our government place efficiency and achievements above time-consuming political debates and arguments, that is why we can be more concern of school and work than in politics. That is a double edge sword as it leads to a society that is apathetic in the fields of politics but at the same time, allows the society to concentrate in working on the goals that propel a small nation like ours forward. This is a choice that has already been made before my time and judging our position with our Asian neighbors, its actually not a bad choice at all.

But change is the only constant and as mediums like the internet allow young Singaporeans to see the world and to educate themselves faster, the youth of our nation might want a system that focuses less on hardware and more on heart-ware, one that is less economy oriented, and more people oriented. I hope I can live long enough to experience such a change, hopefully, the benefits out-weigh the costs. The future is uncertain, but I guess that is why life is worth living. Till next time, live well!