Sunday, September 16, 2007

Is same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?

In this age of globalisation, marriage is only a religious or merely sentimental, emotional type of personal domestic relationship. Consequently, there is no compelling reason for the state to value one as more significant than any other. However, in reality, it does not seem to suggest so for the social value of same-sex marriage. It is a highly controversial issue on whether it should be allowed or whether it is practical at all.

Economically, this perhaps would be the most significant reason for same-sex marriage to be practical. Especially in this age of globalization where countries are functionally integrated and interdependent, legalizing same-sex marriage would most probably bring millions of dollars worth of revenue into city and state coffers. New York Comptroller, Bill Thompson, estimates legalization of gay marriage would result in a boost of $142 million to the city and $184 million to the state in the first three years following the enactment of such a law. This is due to spending by both in and out-of-state couples as well as their guests, coupled with the fact that New York is a major tourist destination with 44 million foreign and American tourists each year according to New York City Statistics. Furthermore, due to the legalisation, it is highly lucrative for Economically More Developed Countries as not only homosexual foreign talents would be induced to contribute to the economy by working for the state, they would be attracted to migrate there. In this way, same-sex mariage is practical for the growth of the economy.

Socially, it is practical to remove discrimination from marriage laws so no family is treated as second-class and so marriage itself is resilient and relevant enough to meet the challenges of the new century. Apparently, marriage has changed to reflect changing social values, and should change again if it is to reflect society’s growing understanding and acceptance of same-sex relationships in the age of globalisation. Still, marriage remains important in modern Australia, not because it is unchanging, but precisely because it has kept pace with social change. Furthermore, countries where same-sex couples can marry, like Canada, Belgium or Spain, prove the point. After a long decline, the number of heterosexual couples marrying in those countries has increased, in part because allowing same-sex couples to wed has made marriage a more relevant and contemporary institution. Ending discrimination benefits couples and marriage itself. Most importantly, it benefits the society.

Looking from the perspective of children, there seems to be no difference between how heterosexual and homosexual couples raise them. Psychologists tell us that what makes the difference is the love and commitment of the parents, not their gender. The differences have been shown again and again to be insignificant. Decades of research has shown same-sex relationships are as enduring as those of heterosexuals are just as important in providing support and care, and that children raised by same-sex couples are as well-adjusted as their peers. Hence, gays are as capable of loving children as fully as anyone else. So why not allow partners in same-sex relationships both legal equality and an opportunity to officially celebrate and affirm their union?

However, same-sex marriage is impractical in this age of globalization. In the long term, there are repercussions on the country’s social order. Section 377A of the Singapore Penal Code states that any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years. If the law is abolished, legalizing gay marriages will open the door to all kinds of insane behaviours. It would be difficult to draw the line on the identities of marriage partners. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage license. It would be overwhelming a bisexual wish to marry a homosexual. Consequently, there might be cases of strikes and movements in a bid to legitimise all types of marriages. Certainly, this is not ideal for the security and stability of the country. Inevitably, the economy would be adversely affected due to turned off investors.

Culture is what marks us as human; it is what distinguishes us and allows us to distinguish ourselves from other animals and, in this age of globalisation, from intelligent machines. In establishing a societal-cultural paradigm all human societies have focused on the two great events of every human life: birth and death. Marriage is a central part of the culture in a secular society — values, attitudes, beliefs — that surrounds birth. Hence, the legal recognition of marriage is important. Same-sex marriage would damage the reproductive symbolism of marriage – the inherent procreativity. Although there are new reproductive technoscience which opens up unprecedented modes of transmission of life, without it, we would have no means of delivering life through sexual reproduction, as compared, for example, through asexual replication (cloning). Hence, same-sex marriage would unavoidably change and eliminate this function of marriage.

In the final analysis, people should accept that the primary purpose of marriage is to give social and public recognition to an intimate relationship between two people, and, therefore, to exclude same-sex couples is discrimination. Furthermore, everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, have human rights. As long as the union of two parties is legal, and would increase the social welfare in the long term, same-sex marriage is considered practical. However, it does take into account which country the issue is dealing with as different nations have different sets of cultural values and beliefs which would affect people’s acceptance of same-sex marriages. The fact that many are not willing to accept this same-sex marriage as their perception of gay relationships being immoral and unnatural says more about them than it does about gay marriage.
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Monday, September 10, 2007

Research

Globalization and Culture

Globalization - a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world.

Culture - complex of learned behavior patterns and perceptions


What Is Globalization? -- http://www.globalization101.org/What_is_Globalization.html

What is Culture?
- http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm

-http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cfsi-icse/cil-cai/what_is_culture-.asplvl=3

-http://racerelations.about.com/od/skillsbuildingresources/g/culturedef.htm

Gorbachev Made Me Buy It (from mdm loh) - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/fashion/26ROW.html?ex=1343102400&en=a9089f23b75d1f63&ei=5090&partn

Culture and Globalization -- http://www.globalization101.org/issue/culture/

Why globalisation fails to deliver -- http://observer.guardian.co.uk/global/story/0,,764039,00.html

How does globalisation affect culture?Is it ‘Americanisation’? -- http://www.globalisationguide.org/07.html

In Praise of Cultural Imperialism? Effects of Globalization on Culture -- http://www.globalpolicy.org/globaliz/cultural/globcult.htm



Environment & Biodiversity, Sustainable Development

Environment - the air, water, soil, and plant and animal life - is constantly changing as natural processes and human actions affect it.

Biodiversity - Biodiversity is the variety of all living things, life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms; the different plants, animals and micro organisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form

Sustainable Development -- balancing the fulfillment of human needs with the protection of the natural environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future

Biodiversity -- http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/Biodiversity.asp

Introduced Species:The Threat to Biodiversity & What Can Be Done -- http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.html

Agroforestry and the Maintenance of Biodiversity -- http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/bichier.html

Ecotourism and Its Impact on Forest Conservation -- http://www.actionbioscience.org/environment/lowman.html

The Ecological Impacts of Agricultural Biotechnology -- http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/altieri.html

Biotechnology in Crops: Issues for the Developing World -- http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/oxfam_spinney.html

Sustainable Development -- http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Development.asp

Sustaining Life on Earth -- http://www.cbd.int/convention/guide.shtml


Terrorism and War

According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), terrorism is use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom.

Terrorists often use threats to:
-Create fear among the public.
-Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism.
-Get immediate publicity for their causes.

Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.

What is Terrorism? -- http://www.terrorism-research.com/

War on Terror -- http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/WarOnTerror.asp

The politics of war -- http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-dustup14sep14,0,6733061.story?coll=la-opinion-center

Why Bush could be a fan of terror -- http://observer.guardian.co.uk/waronterrorism/story/0,,1278644,00.html

Bush Loses Advantage in War on Terrorism -- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58293-2004Jun21.html

US Attack on Iran: Leak, Lie or Scam? -- http://www.conspiracyplanet.com/channel.cfm?channelid=80&contentid=4682&page=2

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Monday, August 27, 2007

Research on Other Forms of Discrimination

Lookism
- a discrimination or prejudice based on a person's physical

Ageism
- a form of stereotype and prejudice against individuals or groups due to their age

Disablism
- discrimination against disabled people
- discriminatory, oppressive or abusive behaviour arising from the belief that disabled people are inferior to others

Xenophobia
- a form of prejudice against strangers
- fear and dislike of strangers/foreigners or members of other races, ethnic groups or nationalities other than one’s own

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“If people became ill, it is largely their own fault.” How far do you agree? (A’ Level 02’)

Being ill is an inevitable and complex issue one has to face as an individual. Due to a lack of sufficient attention to one’s health, man is susceptible to illness and disease. Not only people suffer from infirmity, they are not in a state of completely physical, mental and social well-being. However, is the role of an individual the only factor which is responsible for good health? I beg to differ.

People should be responsible to one’s health through their food consumption. If people do not control their diet and consume without discipline, the fault lies within the individual when the consequence of being ill arises. Take fast foods for example, people may consume it for the benefit of convenience or just for the aim of satisfying their food cravings. When people are unable to resist their overwhelming desire, they would most often overindulge which would be a bane to their health. According to Food and Drug Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, reports that trans fat, like saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, raises the levels of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol and lowers the levels of HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol. Furthermore, triglyceride levels and lipoprotein levels increase. This in turn escalates the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Hence, it is one’s responsibility to resist their cravings and search for alternatives like steamed or grilled skinless chicken which is healthier. When people become ill eventually due to their choice as well as the failure to change their diet, it is their own fault.

Not only is the above factor, personal lifestyle choice is also one reason which contributes to people getting ill. The lack of healthy habits as well as having an inappropriate pace of life will impact one’s health adversely. According to data from the American Heart Association, there is a cause and effect relationship between smoking and coronary heart disease. Moreover, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, smoking makes blood flow restricted due to the buildup of small fatty deposits, or plaques, on the artery wall. Thus, smoking has been linked to atherosclerosis - clogging of the arteries. Once the buildup has become significant, it may cause heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms and angina. Furthermore, findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) on risk factors suggest that sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the world. Physical inactivity increases all causes mortality, doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and obesity. It also increases the risks of colon and breast cancer, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety. Hence, people should adopt a healthy, active lifestyle coupled with regular exercises which would be beneficial to their health in the long run. Therefore, it is people’s fault when they become ill due to the choice of the way people want to lead their lives.

On the contrary, it is not entirely people’s fault when they become ill as environmental factors play a part in this. The environment which people lives in is beyond their control although they can play their role as responsible citizens by protecting the environment like not littering and polluting. What the government decides for the country and its people is largely out of the citizens’ control to change any highly authorized decision. For instance, the WHO has reported that many governments simply cannot afford to perform their essential public health functions. Funds are presently inadequate and new solutions are being explored, but countries must remain in the driver’s seat. In this way, when citizens are not attended to when the need arises. Furthermore, when industries operate and hence, emit pollutants and waste, they cause air, water, and noise pollution. Inevitably, people’s health would be affected and could thus get frequent asthma attacks, breathing problems. In these cases, are people still at fault that they become ill when things are beyond their control?

The most controversial factor affecting people’s health is poverty. With globalization, the economic gaps between developed countries and developing countries widen. Why do poverty still surface in some Economically More Developed Countries then? The WHO has accounted that more developing countries now have pockets of wealth that attract the lion’s share of spending on health. More wealthy countries have growing urban slums and shanty towns, often populated by immigrants, which drain health resources and strain the social welfare system. In addition, developing countries are experiencing a dramatic rise in chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and asthma. Hence, these diseases thrive in impoverished settings, and they deepen poverty, leaving people to live in a vicious poverty cycle. People simply cannot help it when the country they are living in is incapable of providing the essential health care required. Therefore, it is not people’s fault that they become ill.

In the final analysis, there is no doubt that when people become ill due to a matter of choice, it is their own fault. As stated by Virgil, the greatest wealth is health. Just like what Carrie Latet has said, “If you don’t take care of yourself, the undertaker will overtake that responsibility for you.” However, the incrimination should not lie on the people when conditions are beyond their control.
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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Response to April 16, 2007 TIME magazine’s article: ‘Dad’s Dilemma’ by Liam Fitzpatrick

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1606878-1,00.html

Evaluation:

On the issue of parenting, Fitzpatrick has reported that fathers all over Asia share that sense of guilt over their inability to balance work and parenthood. However, it was an epoch-shifting change for the role of a father. Responsibilities of the sole breadwinner could be ceased the moment he crossed the threshold of his home, but today, with the emancipation of women, he has to stimulate their children intellectually and emotionally just as much as mothers do. Therefore, incentives and assistance are provided by the governments to encourage fathers to make the dramatic shift. Most importantly, Fitzpatrick brought out the point that dealing with the myriad commitments, being ingenious in time management, accepting that being a parent means being responsible for both the material and emotional welfare of your children is the new way of Asian fatherhood.

Analysis:

In today’s Asian societies, fathers find it extremely hard to be fully involved with their children because of several factors. One of them is their hectic and busily-scheduled working lifestyle. Due to business commitments, fathers would often at times be summoned for business trips to foreign countries. Hence, this rips off the quality time which the fathers could have spent with their children. As mentioned by Fitzpatrick, when stress goes up for a father, it affects not only the quantity of time he spends with his children but the quality. I agree with Fitzpatrick because the abilities to rationalize and prioritize between work and family diminish with the deep job commitments, fear of getting retrenched as one’s career responsibilities increase with age and the belief that slogging as hard as possible equates to quality life for the family.

To eventually close up the relationship gap between fathers and children, a higher authority should take the initiative to make a change. As suggested by Fitzpatrick, it is the boss who leads by example, the person who can convince men to spend more time with their families. When Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) or department heads try to balance their own lives, instead of merely urging subordinates to do so, then everyone benefits. Any change in attitude works best when the tone at the top stipulates what the corporate culture will be. On an individual scale, each father can improvise ways to boost the time they spend with his children like gathering the courage to negotiate with his boss to adjust his working hours or have a less demanding job to perhaps get home in time to have lunch with his children. Each and little insignificant effort can amount to a radical change eventually.

Relation to Singapore’s context:

Due to Singaporeans being so methodical and conscientious in their professional lives, as expressed by Fitzpatrick, the firms and the government has introduced incentives to encourage men to balance between work and family – to spend more time with their children. At International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), 70% of the 3000 mostly male employees regularly participate in the firm’s “mobility program”, which lets them work from home as long as they can be contacted via email or phone. In addition, fathers are allowed to work twenty-two half-days in every six months if they use that extra time for family purposes. Furthermore, the government has implemented the five-day work week since January 2005 in a bid to allow more quality time for the whole family. Also, establishments, especially the larger ones, grant paternity leave to their male employees. Most importantly, in a meritocratic Singapore, there are monetary bonuses which place emphasis on family ties for workers so as to relief their stress and burden from supporting the family.

With more involvement in the family, fathers are much closer to their children, work productivity and efficiency increases. This is because men who play a fuller role at home often find it energizing and cheering rather than an additional cause of exhaustion. Thus, they are able to focus and contribute during work at a much higher rate than before.

In the final analysis, this has not only made the achievement of the 5Cs – Cash, Credit card, Car, Condo, Career - the criteria which determine the social wealth of Singaporean so that family will have a higher quality of life, more effective, another C – Children, can be added to the list. Both Singapore and its people benefit in the long run. Why not?
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Thursday, August 16, 2007

“The mother of revolution and crime is poverty." (Aristotle) Do you agree?

Poverty is a state if people’s income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to exclude them from having an acceptable standard of living. As a result of inadequate income and resources, people may be excluded and marginalized from participating in activities which are considered the norm for other people in the modern globalizing society of today. I agree to Aristotle’s quote to a small extent as revolution and crime are not the only consequences of poverty. Furthermore, these issues are somehow interconnected.

Revolution and crime can result due to the actions of governments that led to the poverty of many. The government may not deliver their promises to its people due to it being corrupted. Hence, when the citizens find that their message is not being brought across to the upper levels, they take their own actions. Furthermore, Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations states: “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.” This gave people the incentive to do evil.

Just like the people of Russia resented the autocracy of Tsar Nicholas II and his corrupt government. He was out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the Russians. Moreover, there were few opportunities for fair advancement of peasants and industrial workers. Economically, widespread inflation and food shortages in Russia contributed to the revolution. This further strengthened Russia's view of Nicholas II as weak and unfit to rule. Ultimately, these factors, coupled with the development of revolutionary ideas and movements, like the peaceful march which led to the 1905 Bloody Sunday massacre, led to the Russian Revolution in 1917.

However, not only does poverty leads to revolution and crime, greed, desire and ignorance contribute. An aspect of what greed and desire can make one do is corruption which is mentioned in the example above of the Tsar. Corporate crime, like evasion of taxes, fraud, ignoring environmental regulations, violating labour rights, results in United States. In the US, Benjamin Barber, professor of Political Philosophy estimates that corporate crime costs the country about $200 billion a year. Events after September 11, 2001, have highlighted massive corporate failures and controversies all the way up to the President. In the New York Times, July 29, 2002, Barber highlights that even in the most freest of societies, the United States, corporate influences have been so strong as to undermine fundamental democratic principles. This is shown here, “But business malfeasance ... arises from a failure of the instruments of democracy, which have been weakened by three decades of market fundamentalism, privatization ideology and resentment of government.... The truth is that runaway capitalists, environmental know-nothings, irresponsible accountants, amoral drug runners and antimodern terrorists all flourish because we have diminished the power of the public sphere. By privatizing government functions and refusing to help create democratic institutions of global governance, America has relinquished its authority to control these forces.”

No doubt that poverty plays a role in causing revolution and crime; we should not disregard the fact that the situation today is a vicious cycle. For instance, older Singaporeans might find it difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of Singaporeans and level with the nation’s economy status. Even though there is meritocracy in Singapore, they find it hard to excel due to their low literacy level as well as the decrease in their capability of learning new knowledge. Inevitably, they might find it unfair because of unequal job opportunities. There are an increasing number of poor people who are missing out on the benefits of economy growth. Take for example, cleaners who can range from thirty-five to sixty years old, their incomes are not proportional to the increase in the nation’s income. A monthly income of $550 can even fall to a $400 in Singapore. Despite Singapore’s booming economy, why do these circumstances keep on surfacing?

Sometimes, desperation can make one do the unthinkable. In a feat to overthrow the government so that the people themselves can rule the country and decide what and how much they can possess, crime and revolution results, making the country’s economy fall due to instability which turns off foreign investors and tourists – the two key engine towers of Singapore’s booming industries. Thus, this in turn leads to poverty. This vicious cycle is never-ending. In addition, ghettos or places where crime thrives are ‘ghost towns’ to foreigners. For example, crime rates are soaringly high in Middle-Eastern countries like Pakistan and Iraq. Foreign investors and visitors would be discouraged to visit due to the fear of danger. In this way, these countries suffer economically, leading to escalating poverty.

Poverty is explained by individual circumstances or characteristics of poor people. Some examples are: amount of education, skill; health, handicaps, age; work orientation, time horizon (the interval during which an investment program is to be completed); discrimination, together with race, sex, etc. Generally, there is no correct explanation of poverty. It is determined by case and generic effect. For instance, poverty is explained by general, economy-wide problems, such as inadequate employment opportunities, inadequate overall demand (macro problems, macro policy), low national income (Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Product) usually in Economically Less Developed Countries. I would say that poverty is caused by one set of forces (general, economy-wide problems) but distributed according to the individuals.

In the final analysis, it would do poverty a real injustice if it were to be accused of being the sole factor of causing revolution and crime. Perhaps, shouldn’t people of today’s globalizing world take a step back and reflect on whether they themselves are the real culprit of this created mess?
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Sunday, August 5, 2007

Evaluation & Analysis of Passages with Application to Singapore’s Context

Author A's Passage

Discrimination against one’s sexuality has been a timeless sociological trend. If a man were queer, he would never dare to reveal his sexual orientation in public. He would instead choose to live in the shadow of his true identity, even going so far as to get married and start a family.

Often the legislation of a country does not recognize the rights of homosexuals because same-sex partnership is a violation of essential biological determination – that a man and a woman are required to procreate and form a child.

Same-sex marriage would also cause social disorder as a result of its violation of time-honoured traditions, since the fabric of society has long been held together by the institution of male-female marriage, followed by the reproduction of offspring from that union. Homosexual unions would require adoptive procedures, artificial insemination and sperm donor programs. All these are economically unsound and would drain the resources of the government.


Author B's Passage

Discrimination against one’s sexuality is a basic violation of human’s rights. It suggests that he right to marry or love another is controlled by the state. Two people should have the absolute freedom in deciding whoever they chose to live or start a family with.

Often the legislation of a country encroaches on the rights of individuals to form partnerships and start their own families. It can be argued that heterosexual couplings would not always mean more stable marriages as this has yet to be proven scientifically.

It can also be argued that because homosexual couples have to take great efforts to adopt a child, they would value their families a lot more than biological parents, reducing the rate of divorce, child-abuse and social dysfunction. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, and the gay community tens to be close-knit, since they have to stick together for mutual help and support. Children raised in this environment of open-need and acceptance would benefit positively.

1. EVALUATE the 2 passages.
2. COMMENT on each author’s view, adding your own (quote pertinent words or phrases where applicable)
3. RELATE to your country’s context


1. Both passages are relatively similar in their structure and presentation of ideas. The first paragraph in Author A’s passage shows the consequence of sexual discrimination which is “If a man were queer, he would never dare to reveal his sexual orientation in public…choose to live in the shadow of his true identity.” Furthermore, it showed how unacceptable unrecognized sexual preferences are. Correspondingly, paragraph one in Author B’s passage pointed out that there are no freedom rights. This is seen here, “basic violation of human rights”, “right to marry or love another is controlled by the state”.

The second paragraph in Author A’s passage showcases that the reason for homosexuality to be unrecognized is due to the ‘essential biological determination’ that only a sexual intercourse between a man and a woman is possible to form a child. Similarly, in Author B’s passage, it identifies that there was a right but this right is gradually robbed away by restrictions enforced by the country on choosing sex partners.

In the last paragraph of Author A’s passage, it showed the consequences as well as disadvantages of having homosexuality which is going against the traditions that are acceptable for a long time. The cons are cost are incurred by the country which would in turn ‘drain the resources of the government’. Likewise, in Author B’s paragraph, it states that responsibility as well as advantages of homosexuality which includes “reducing the rates of divorce…social dysfunction”, “children raised in this environment of open-ness and acceptance would benefit positively. These paragraphs depict the pros and cons of homosexuality.

Although the presentation of ideas is similarly, both passages have a subtle difference in the arguments as well as in the flow of ideas.


2. In Author A’s passage, to show the repercussions of the everlasting sec discrimination, he provided an example which could relate to the readers the severity of the consequences. This showed that the author related the consequences of sex discrimination with shame, thus avoidance. I believe this is indeed truthful as that particular person would feel rejected as there is no place for him in the modern society like Singapore. The general public looks at him differently, treating him like some abnormality. Nonetheless, an adverse impact in the form of great stress and pressure would be exerted upon him, making him run and escape from reality.

Concurrently, in Author B’s passage, there is much credibility in the claim that sexual discrimination is a ‘violation of human rights’, ‘controlled by the state’. This is because indeed the author also believes in it, as seen from here ‘people should have absolute freedom’. Furthermore, the Home Affairs Ministry in Singapore has indicated that Section 377A of the Penal Code (S377A) will be retained. This surfaced how serious sexual discrimination should be treated. S377A prohibits the commission of gross indecency by one male person with another male person. Although intimate acts like sodomy is an unhealthy act that carries higher risks of sexually transmitted infections, and hence should be disallowed for gays, it is itself highly discriminatory as many lesbians and heterosexuals also engage in sexual acts that guys perform. Therefore, even multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore violated and robbed the basic human rights of citizens.

In the second paragraph of Author A’s passage, the view that “same-sex partnership is a violation of essential biological determination – that a man and a woman are required to procreate and form a child” as a reason for the government not to ‘recognize the rights of homosexuals’ is too vague. If the Malays and Indians are not to be discriminated against in this multi-racial country, then this principle should be extended to the gay community as well. Minority rights like homosexual rights are fundamental rights which must be protected. The government ought to play an active role in returning the rights to homosexuals or others with different sexual orientation. Basic civil rights are a necessary part of an open and thriving multicultural and cosmopolitan Singapore. Perhaps, even racial harmony and sexual harmony can integrate. Probably, the reason behind the sex discrimination are that the public is stereotyping, being afraid that something is different, hence making them feel insecure. To feel safe and secure, people thus discriminate.

On the other hand, in the second paragraph of Author B’s passage, the argument that ‘rights of individuals’ are ‘encroached’ showed that he felt there was a right but was taken away by the government. This projected restrictions on choosing sex partners, regardless the issue of homosexuality and heterosexuality. However, the author seems to hint that the country restricts homosexuals as he argued, doubting the credibility of heterosexuality, shown here, “heterosexual couplings would not always mean more stable marriages” but defending homosexuals in the third paragraph, stating the advantages of homosexuality, like ‘value their families a lot more than biological parents’, ‘children raised in this environment of open-ness and acceptance would benefit positively’. However, it is not always true that homosexual couples will value their families more and ensure a better life for the children because separation or divorce is unpredictable. It is inaccurate to assume that ‘the gay community tends to be close-knit’. Are gays and homosexuals not human beings that will quarrel and fight?

Lastly, in the third paragraph of Author A’s passage, the author expressed that “same-sex marriage would also cause social disorder as a result of its violation of time-honoured traditions”. Furthermore, he emphasized the reason was “male-female marriage, followed by the reproduction of offspring from that union”. However, I felt that this reason is insufficient and should be coupled with the fact that the question should be whether it is right or wrong to continue suppressing the voices and acts of the homosexual community.

In the final analysis, it is the rights of a community who want their lifestyles decriminalized, and they never should be made criminals simply for who they are. If this intolerance is imported into multi-racial Singapore, this will result in social division. The fundamental question is not whether one finds homosexuality morally offensive, it is whether the concept and practice of non-discrimination, like sex, should be extended to all.
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