Writing about social issues can be a tricky affair. In dealing with human perceptions and feelings, always be aware that it cannot be defined by absolutes. No psychologist will attempt that for fear of losing credibility. Yet students pen their thoughts about social attitudes and human actions as if they have divine insight into every urge that shapes the human spirit. On a bad day, Maslow's hierarchy is used as a convenient means to cover up for lack of maturity in writing about these issues with an informed mind or with quiet authority. Even established bloggers resort to careful hedging of their views to better support their points. Am sure few of you are complete strangers to Au's blog. This specific entry is a good example of the need to introduce ideas with care. Note the use of trends, comparisons, qualifiers and universal concepts to write about issues which are very difficult to ascertain let alone, prove in reality. Au is too much of a character to withhold his voice and so, the stand is a strong one-
https://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/rich-but-feeling-empty-exhausted-and-alienated/#more-11392
Continue to develop a heightened awareness of this writing skill as you move into October month when lessons end and students are expected to submit well-chosen and written essay to seal their confidence for the final lap.
As we cross into mid-election week, the sentiments expressed in these 4 entries may also bear common faith to all that you have heard in rallies so far- how critical it is for governments to fulfil their roles well and the kind of existential tensions or gaps that can result when power and policies are exercised or executed without full consideration of deeper needs that people have.
The many slogans crafted by political parties are partial attempts to win us over...framed with the stand that political leadership ought to contribute to people living a more fulfilling and purposeful life, in terms of our collective security, freedom and welfare. Of course, it's easier said than done. Perhaps that's why democracies evolve over time, developing ways and surfacing new arguments or fiery personalities to motivate us to move in the best direction possible.
The last article traces how the political scene has changed since 2011.
In everything, even in Chee's speech, there is intelligent 'hedging' at work, careful avoidance of premature remarks and absolute statements, all in the drive to communicate well so as to get their message across to us in an effective way.
It is the same training ground for you each time you pen an essay or AQ response in the season to come.
Let's observe, read, listen, critique and learn...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWKEaX1uQwU
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/normalisation-political-cyberspace-2011-ge
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