We had our first lecture for Media Law and Ethics today by Prof Cherian George and Prof Pieter Aquilia. I don't understand why, but as we delve further into the practice of the media professions, the "climate of fear" heightens. One of my "before-lunch" topics with Jiamin and Jinhe was "disilusionment regarding the practice of journalism". Jinhe was recounting how one of her friends who was very passionate about being a journalist decided against it after attending the series of lectures. She said she was disillusioned by her disillusioned friend.
"Slander" and "libel" have always been in my dictionary, but I now understand the techinical definitions and the grounds for contention. Yet, this new-found knowledge isn't a form of consolation. Instead, I feel further impeded by the limitations of the pen and the paper. It seems that you can't put all your bubble thoughts on paper, someone will burst it eventually if the bubble isn't the colour he/she wants it to be. Same applies for the rest of the lectures.
Jinhe and me went for Sylvia Lim's forum on "The Constitution, Democracy and Opposition Politics" and something Jinhe said struck me quite hard.
I was trying to prove something that Prof Cherian taught in class. So I asked Jinhe: "Since this is for educational purpose, does that mean that if I blog about what Ms Sylvia Lim says, it won't be considered libel?"
And Jinhe replied: "Aiyah, don't blog about politics lah!"
Well, is that the demonstration of the legendary "climate of fear"? I don't know, it could well be an off-the-cuff remark. But seriously, we often do come across such apprehension and contemplation before we perform an act of seemingly "going against the government". Impediment on active public dialogue, I would think so.
Anyway, having not read the Singapore Constitution, I was slightly lost. Qi Min presented a really cheem question I couldn't catch. But I love Prof Ho and ...his hair. Haha. He sure has really black hair on top of that intelligent brain of his. The questioning of whether the post of Minister Mentor and Senior Minister in the Cabinet was constitutional was something new. Never thought of it before.
I've always openly supported PAP, since I find the opposition usually very wayang and incompetent in many ways. But, today's talk, well, though it didn't convert me, I was convinced that there are alternatives to PAP, and we should always provide them with the platform to voice their opinions. I do like Sylvia Lim's casual yet confident style, and she did impress me as a competent female leader. We should listen to what the opposition has to say sometimes, and make an informed decision. What do you think?
I think during the speech, she mentioned a phrase which was quite memorable, "running away with the mandate". Think hard about what it really means.
P.S: I say again, I don't think I will be a politician. Being a journalist still beats that.
finished rambling
6:30 AM <3