About Rose: I grew up in Singapore, lived in Melbourne but currently call London home. I love gastronomic adventures, especially while travelling. I stated writing at 17 to remember how it all began.
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24 July 2007
tuesday; 11.19am
I had settled myself on the couch earlier this morning with a cup of tea and muffin thinking that a couple of hours of mindless tv would do good for my throbbing head, sore throat and ears that seemed to be stuffed with cotton wool. I chanced upon CNN's youtube presidential debate hosted by Anderson Cooper for the democrats and tuned in. By the end of the programme I had realised how extraordinary the medium of youtube videos were in this series of debates. It was pointed, personal and allowed a connection between the younger and perhaps politically less-inclined Americans with the democratic Presidential candidates. The mixed responses from each senator/ governor with each youtube video made it much more easy and difficult all at the same time on deciding which candidate may be a better president.
Apart from marvelling at their public speaking abilities- hilary clinton's tact and accuracy in addressing an issue or barack obama's way of turning each dissent on its head and really identifying the root of the problem- why should I care? I'm not American, I'm a Singaporean who has been living in Australia for the last 3 years and if anything I should be engaging in issues regarding the next Aust federal election or Singaporean politics (or lack thereof). What I think of the next American presidential election doesn't materially matter because I'm not part of the demos that has a say- I don't carry a vote.
Thing is, the US is (for now at least) the world hegemon and its policies (esp foreign ones) affects the world. To be ignorant of its position and its inclinations would be folly especially when the consequence of its defence and economic policies are far-reaching and, personally, more so when public international law is something I'm going into. And yet, perhaps finishing up the copious amount of readings that await me might be a better use of my time. But what happens outside law school, my social calendar or family does matter, a hell of a lot.
The point is, I'm now left knowing that most people who may or may not be reading this don't really care. I feel that people are becoming more insular about the world around them whether they choose to be ignorant or simply don't know where to begin. We seem to live in a global culture where people seem more compelled to find out the latest celebrity news and I'll be the first to admit that it's a guilty pleasure of mine as well but a failure to understand or at least make an attempt to understand issues beyond totalling up/ exhibiting you purchases on your latest shopping spree or speaking of your latest clubbing experience is something that doesn't sit well with me. I'm not saying that doing the aforementioned is wrong, only doing it, I feel, is. At the same time there is no need to walk around with the latest economist in hand and wave it around in front of people's faces because that would be quite pompous really. And it's not some bourgeois concern to take interest in the political instability in the world/ climate change/ darfur/ iraq-iran-syria/ healthcare. Take your pick on any number of issues that you can relate to and begin having a global perspective in your life.
I feel the only way the world is going to change is if we invest ourselves in global issues so that we may take ownership of the moral imperative for us do something. Start off with making iGoogle your browser mainpage, add web feeds/tabs connecting you to CNN/ BBC/ CNA/ Reuters/ NYT/ whatever really. Glance through the headlines each morning and click whichever strikes you. It's not a monumental task- no one's asking you to take down Lord Voldermort and fight off death eaters or destroy horcruxes. And if you don't like what I've said, tell me why, convince me otherwise- reason, rationalise and attack my arguments because the "you suck" or "pompous git" responses hardly warrant a reply. And come on, it's not all serious and complicated. It can be light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek and even.. (dare i say it?) funny--
"The candidates also were asked whether they sympathized enough with the plight of the American worker that they would work in the White House on minimum wage. Mr. Dodd said no, he would not, given that he had two young daughters to send to school. Mr. Edwards? “Yes.” Mrs. Clinton? “Sure.” Mr. Obama? Yes, adding, “We can afford to work for the minimum wage because most folks on this stage have a lot of money.” “I don’t,” Mr. Dodd replied. “You’re doing all right, Chris,” Mr. Obama said, though he added, “You don’t have Mitt Romney money.” Mr. Biden jumped in: “I don’t have Barack Obama money either.”"-- source: the new york times
So take a chance on the world around you and go beyond the trappings of your own life. Form an opinion and be (more) interested. I may disapprove of what you will say but like Voltaire, will defend to the death your right to say it. Because some things are worth fighting for.
"how many times must a man look up before he can see the sky? yes and how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? yes and how many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died? the answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind" -blowin' in the wind, bod dylan