Patriotism.
i was just reading some of the articles that Sheng sent out. and, well, as anyone would expect, given the craze and the approximate 50% dominance of theTV's programs, there's sure to be one on the olympics.
i was thinking to myself, it's sure to be about drug control, or the adoption of drugs in atheletics. otherwise, it would regard the notion of representation. locally born and locally bred atheletes etc. close, but not quite.
it was discussing National Broadcasters, often keen to profit from the combination of competition and nationalism, supplement international coverage with reports on specific 'home country' athelets and their achievments. its baseline was "Remeber that what you're watching is not just atheletes competing , but a carefully planned and managed television product designed to keep you interested by reinforcing where your allegiances should lie."
it was a really nice intelligent piece.
the article started off with some quote by one of those Olympic scholars. she said "international sport can be a substitute for war, as a physical prowess becomes a measure of a nation's standing on an international stage." i remember discussing this with mark during case-set not too far back. Some question, what than about those countries which arent really established in sports. the media always has it ways. it can adopt the stance of New Zealand where they decide to emphasise on the hardwork put in and how the olympics was such an experience and despite failure, they truly gave their best and have no regrets. in otherwords, they use ethics to hype up its show. another recent example is the american gymnast who rose 3 positions to championship in one act. media attention focussed mainly on his training.
anywz, this article led me into thinking about the content of patriotism. what exactly is it? if patriotism can be instilled within us through camera and reporter, than doesnt that imply that patriotism can be somewhat 'manufactured'
i have seen pretty patriotic people around and it puzzles me to comprehend so. locally, there's the AC ppl. man they love their schl. why? beats me. on the global level, the americans, the french and even the british, they certainly potray nationalistic characters. but why do people feel so much for their country. is it earned by their medals? their reputation? their significance in society?
when we talk about patriotism, we often associate it with love. for institution or country. thus, since, love being a universal concept, it can translated to the parrallel of the love between 2 individuals. in a utopia, any couple's reason for marriage would never be due to talent. sadly, in the world we live in, people do marry for wealth, fame and looks. and likewise the love for one's nation is also inherently tied up with what the country has to offer. if the US were to be stripped of all its wealth and power and Sudan emerging overnight, would the Americans still sing the star bangled banner and wear Pro-US T-shirts? it is still possible.
i was reading the papers and marvelling at how the JiaWei incident stirred up a tinge of national pride within me. not just me, but many others as well. another occasion was the school's softball team. the day they won, (i'll refrain from using we) the whole school turned ablaze. Goh Yong Han's rhetoric had a part to play as well - "2001 - Raffles Institution. 2002 - Raffles Institution. 2003 - again, RI. 2004 - *deep breath* Catholic High!" the whole school was on ablaze with cheers. i juz sat there together with other prize collectors staring at the crowd. even the school's worst rebel stood up to applaud. how? beats me.
it is often said that people need some sort of victory to rally behind. but why? even if a country has nothing to offer, shouldnt we still be proud of our country for being the country it is? i daresay i'm proud of my team (definately not the school, the school had nothing to do with our achievments). even if we had been won nothing and all our training gone to waste, even if we never improved and yet alone become reputable debaters, i'd still love this team. i know it for a fact because we have always loved functioning as a debating ream. and i mean always, since the end of sec2. nevermind the personal qualms that we had, we still loved the team. maybe thats why i treasure my badge so, only if it didnt carry that upside down triangle.
than there's the issue of choice. the olympics is actually debating whether they should make the competition a non-country-to-country one and let it plainly be a gathering of the word's best atheletes every 4 years. if u understand the athelete-trade going on, u'd understand why the Olimpic Committee has even considered such a policy. if atheletes can choose which country they want to represent, than the country is serving them other than the other way round. JiaWei's case is different. she was china born but slecting from young. tho i resent that act, it isnt really JiaWei's fault. she didnt have th freedom of choice than. now she's grateful to Singapre, having been bred here. if y ou could choose who you want to be proud of, than there's no genuine patriotism. its a form of gratitude that u'd express to where-ever you've been brought up, regardless of where-ever tha place is.
i know i'm not making much sense and just throwing random ideas at the keyboard. shucks. my spelling had better improve.
juz found out my phone's magnetic. dad saidi was just reading some of the articles that Sheng sent out. and, well, as anyone would expect, given the craze and the approximate 50%dominance of theTV's programs, there's sure to be one on the olympics.
i was thinking to myself, it's sure to be antout drug control, or the adoption of drugs in atheletics. otherwise, it would regard the notion of representation. locally born and locally bred atheletes. close, but not quite.
it was discussing National Broadcasters,often keen to profit from the combination of competition and nationalism, supplement international coverage with reports on specific 'home country' athelets and their achievments. its baseline was "Remeber that what you're watching is not just atheletes competing , but a carefully planned and managed television product designed to keep you interested by reinforcing where your allegiances should lie."
it was a really nice intelligent piece.
at first, i thot media groups were paid by governments to induce its audience into nationalsim, since that often increases support in policies that have macro-benfits, but little micro-benefits. increased audience did come across my mind as well, but what really was on my mind was that, if the media can instill inside any one of us a sense of patriotism for whatever motive, doesnt that imply that patriotism can be in actual fact 'manufactured'?
the article started off with some quote by one of those Olympic scholars. she said "international sport can be a substitute for war, as a physical prowess becomes a measure of a nation's standing on an international stage." i remember discussing this with mark during case-set not too far back. Some question, what than about those countries which arent really established in sports. the media always has it ways. it can adopt the stance of New Zealand where they decide to emphasise on the hardwork put in and how the olympics was such an experience and despite failure, they truly gave their best and have no regrets. in otherwords, they use ethics to hype up its show. another recent example is the american gymnast who rose 3 positions to championship in one act. media attention focussed mainly on his training.
anywz, this article led me into thinking about the content of patriotism. what exactly is it? if patriotism can be instilled within us through a camera and reporter, than doesnt that imply that patriotism can be somewhat 'manufactured'
i have seen pretty patriotic people around and it puzzles me to comprehend so. locally, there's the AC ppl. man they love their schl. why? beats me. on the global level, the americans, the french and even the british, they certainly potray nationalistic characters. but why do people feel so much for their country. is it earned by their medals? their reputation? their significance in society?
when we talk about patriotism, we often associate it with love. for institution or country. thus, since, love being a universal concept, it can translated to the parrallel of the love between 2 individuals. in a utopia, any couple's reason for marriage would never be due to talent. sadly, in the world we live in, people do marry for wealth, fame and looks. and likewise the love for one's nation is also inherently tied up with what the country has to offer. if the US were to be stripped of all its wealth and power and Sudan emerging overnight, would the Americans still sing the star bangled banner and wear Pro-US T-shirts? it is still possible.
i was reading the papers and marvelling at how the JiaWei incident stirred up a tinge of national pride within me. not just me, but many others as well. another occasion was the school's softball team. the day they won, (i'll refrain from using we) the whole school turned ablaze. Goh Yong Han's rhetoric had a part to play as well - "2001 - Raffles Institution. 2002 - Raffles Institution. 2003 - again, RI. 2004 - *deep breath* Catholic HIgh!" the whole school was on ablaze with cheers. i juz sat there together with other prize collectors staring at the crowd. even the school's worst rebel stood up to applaud. how? beats me.
it is often said that people need some sort of victory to rally behind. but why? even if a country has nothing to offer, shouldnt we still be proud of our country for being the country it is? i daresay i'm proud of my team (definately not the school, the school had nothing to do with our achievments). even if we had been won nothing and all our training gone to waste, even if we never improved and yet alone become reputable debaters, i'd still love this team. i know it for a fact because we have always loved functioning as a debating ream. and i mean always, since the end of sec2. nevermind the personal qualms that we had, we still loved the team. maybe thats why i treasure my badge so, only if it didnt carry that upside down triangle.
than there's the issue of choice. the olympics is actually debating whether they should make the competition a non-country-to-country one and let it plainly be a gathering of the word's best atheletes every 4 years. if u understand the athelete-trade going on, u'd understand why the Olimpic Committee has even considered such a policy. if atheletes can choose which country they want to represent, than the country is serving them other its gotta do with the way radio waves are transmitted. not really bothere'd with the mechanics behind all that. even if physics prac is on monday.
when will i ever find shore.
Acknowledging what it was
and Accepting that it will never be.
moving on.
moving on before the little foxes spoil the vine.
moving on before the smallest issues snowball into matters feared of and unwanted.
moving on before its too late
that has never been the question.
the question has always been how.
how does one seperate the inseperable.
how does one balance the welfare of two opposed minds.
how does one check himself.
my mind knows how.
my heart tells me so.
my vision has gained sight.
i am ready.
i am back.
i am he.
not alone.
not by myslef.
i have He
"I will lay me down
At Your feet in worship
And listen to the sweetest sound of all
Oh God You are my God
How my heart it longs for You
I'm thirsty for Your presence in my world
I cry out night and day for more
To hold the majesty of You
My God You Stand Alone
And I worship at Your throne
I will look to see Your power and glory
Jesus Lord of all "
"I WILL LOVE YOU LORD MY STRENGTH
I BELONG TO YOU
I WILL BLESS YOU WHILE I LIVE
AND I WILL LIFT MY HANDS UP IN YOUR NAME
JESUS, YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME
LORD JESUS, YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY
YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY
JESUS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN
NAILED TO THE CROSS FOR ME DIED
AND ROSE AGAIN
YOU REDEEMED ME TO THE FATHER
BY YOUR BLOOD
YOU CLEANSED ME FROM ALL SIN "
"You're all i want, You're all i need, oh Jesus
Take more of me
So I can be more like You Jesus
And I hold on to You
Whatever I go through
You're here with me
My Saviour, my King
My evreything, oh Jesus You Are
The reason I live, forever I'll give
My all to You
Open my eyes so i can see who You really are
Open my ears so i can hear Your tender voice
And I'll trust in You, whatever I'll go through
You guide my path, each step i take
You lead me Lord, in Your arms I'll stay "
Sorry.
I did what i had to.
lookout.
on guard.
i was thinking to myself, it's sure to be about drug control, or the adoption of drugs in atheletics. otherwise, it would regard the notion of representation. locally born and locally bred atheletes etc. close, but not quite.
it was discussing National Broadcasters, often keen to profit from the combination of competition and nationalism, supplement international coverage with reports on specific 'home country' athelets and their achievments. its baseline was "Remeber that what you're watching is not just atheletes competing , but a carefully planned and managed television product designed to keep you interested by reinforcing where your allegiances should lie."
it was a really nice intelligent piece.
the article started off with some quote by one of those Olympic scholars. she said "international sport can be a substitute for war, as a physical prowess becomes a measure of a nation's standing on an international stage." i remember discussing this with mark during case-set not too far back. Some question, what than about those countries which arent really established in sports. the media always has it ways. it can adopt the stance of New Zealand where they decide to emphasise on the hardwork put in and how the olympics was such an experience and despite failure, they truly gave their best and have no regrets. in otherwords, they use ethics to hype up its show. another recent example is the american gymnast who rose 3 positions to championship in one act. media attention focussed mainly on his training.
anywz, this article led me into thinking about the content of patriotism. what exactly is it? if patriotism can be instilled within us through camera and reporter, than doesnt that imply that patriotism can be somewhat 'manufactured'
i have seen pretty patriotic people around and it puzzles me to comprehend so. locally, there's the AC ppl. man they love their schl. why? beats me. on the global level, the americans, the french and even the british, they certainly potray nationalistic characters. but why do people feel so much for their country. is it earned by their medals? their reputation? their significance in society?
when we talk about patriotism, we often associate it with love. for institution or country. thus, since, love being a universal concept, it can translated to the parrallel of the love between 2 individuals. in a utopia, any couple's reason for marriage would never be due to talent. sadly, in the world we live in, people do marry for wealth, fame and looks. and likewise the love for one's nation is also inherently tied up with what the country has to offer. if the US were to be stripped of all its wealth and power and Sudan emerging overnight, would the Americans still sing the star bangled banner and wear Pro-US T-shirts? it is still possible.
i was reading the papers and marvelling at how the JiaWei incident stirred up a tinge of national pride within me. not just me, but many others as well. another occasion was the school's softball team. the day they won, (i'll refrain from using we) the whole school turned ablaze. Goh Yong Han's rhetoric had a part to play as well - "2001 - Raffles Institution. 2002 - Raffles Institution. 2003 - again, RI. 2004 - *deep breath* Catholic High!" the whole school was on ablaze with cheers. i juz sat there together with other prize collectors staring at the crowd. even the school's worst rebel stood up to applaud. how? beats me.
it is often said that people need some sort of victory to rally behind. but why? even if a country has nothing to offer, shouldnt we still be proud of our country for being the country it is? i daresay i'm proud of my team (definately not the school, the school had nothing to do with our achievments). even if we had been won nothing and all our training gone to waste, even if we never improved and yet alone become reputable debaters, i'd still love this team. i know it for a fact because we have always loved functioning as a debating ream. and i mean always, since the end of sec2. nevermind the personal qualms that we had, we still loved the team. maybe thats why i treasure my badge so, only if it didnt carry that upside down triangle.
than there's the issue of choice. the olympics is actually debating whether they should make the competition a non-country-to-country one and let it plainly be a gathering of the word's best atheletes every 4 years. if u understand the athelete-trade going on, u'd understand why the Olimpic Committee has even considered such a policy. if atheletes can choose which country they want to represent, than the country is serving them other than the other way round. JiaWei's case is different. she was china born but slecting from young. tho i resent that act, it isnt really JiaWei's fault. she didnt have th freedom of choice than. now she's grateful to Singapre, having been bred here. if y ou could choose who you want to be proud of, than there's no genuine patriotism. its a form of gratitude that u'd express to where-ever you've been brought up, regardless of where-ever tha place is.
i know i'm not making much sense and just throwing random ideas at the keyboard. shucks. my spelling had better improve.
juz found out my phone's magnetic. dad saidi was just reading some of the articles that Sheng sent out. and, well, as anyone would expect, given the craze and the approximate 50%dominance of theTV's programs, there's sure to be one on the olympics.
i was thinking to myself, it's sure to be antout drug control, or the adoption of drugs in atheletics. otherwise, it would regard the notion of representation. locally born and locally bred atheletes. close, but not quite.
it was discussing National Broadcasters,often keen to profit from the combination of competition and nationalism, supplement international coverage with reports on specific 'home country' athelets and their achievments. its baseline was "Remeber that what you're watching is not just atheletes competing , but a carefully planned and managed television product designed to keep you interested by reinforcing where your allegiances should lie."
it was a really nice intelligent piece.
at first, i thot media groups were paid by governments to induce its audience into nationalsim, since that often increases support in policies that have macro-benfits, but little micro-benefits. increased audience did come across my mind as well, but what really was on my mind was that, if the media can instill inside any one of us a sense of patriotism for whatever motive, doesnt that imply that patriotism can be in actual fact 'manufactured'?
the article started off with some quote by one of those Olympic scholars. she said "international sport can be a substitute for war, as a physical prowess becomes a measure of a nation's standing on an international stage." i remember discussing this with mark during case-set not too far back. Some question, what than about those countries which arent really established in sports. the media always has it ways. it can adopt the stance of New Zealand where they decide to emphasise on the hardwork put in and how the olympics was such an experience and despite failure, they truly gave their best and have no regrets. in otherwords, they use ethics to hype up its show. another recent example is the american gymnast who rose 3 positions to championship in one act. media attention focussed mainly on his training.
anywz, this article led me into thinking about the content of patriotism. what exactly is it? if patriotism can be instilled within us through a camera and reporter, than doesnt that imply that patriotism can be somewhat 'manufactured'
i have seen pretty patriotic people around and it puzzles me to comprehend so. locally, there's the AC ppl. man they love their schl. why? beats me. on the global level, the americans, the french and even the british, they certainly potray nationalistic characters. but why do people feel so much for their country. is it earned by their medals? their reputation? their significance in society?
when we talk about patriotism, we often associate it with love. for institution or country. thus, since, love being a universal concept, it can translated to the parrallel of the love between 2 individuals. in a utopia, any couple's reason for marriage would never be due to talent. sadly, in the world we live in, people do marry for wealth, fame and looks. and likewise the love for one's nation is also inherently tied up with what the country has to offer. if the US were to be stripped of all its wealth and power and Sudan emerging overnight, would the Americans still sing the star bangled banner and wear Pro-US T-shirts? it is still possible.
i was reading the papers and marvelling at how the JiaWei incident stirred up a tinge of national pride within me. not just me, but many others as well. another occasion was the school's softball team. the day they won, (i'll refrain from using we) the whole school turned ablaze. Goh Yong Han's rhetoric had a part to play as well - "2001 - Raffles Institution. 2002 - Raffles Institution. 2003 - again, RI. 2004 - *deep breath* Catholic HIgh!" the whole school was on ablaze with cheers. i juz sat there together with other prize collectors staring at the crowd. even the school's worst rebel stood up to applaud. how? beats me.
it is often said that people need some sort of victory to rally behind. but why? even if a country has nothing to offer, shouldnt we still be proud of our country for being the country it is? i daresay i'm proud of my team (definately not the school, the school had nothing to do with our achievments). even if we had been won nothing and all our training gone to waste, even if we never improved and yet alone become reputable debaters, i'd still love this team. i know it for a fact because we have always loved functioning as a debating ream. and i mean always, since the end of sec2. nevermind the personal qualms that we had, we still loved the team. maybe thats why i treasure my badge so, only if it didnt carry that upside down triangle.
than there's the issue of choice. the olympics is actually debating whether they should make the competition a non-country-to-country one and let it plainly be a gathering of the word's best atheletes every 4 years. if u understand the athelete-trade going on, u'd understand why the Olimpic Committee has even considered such a policy. if atheletes can choose which country they want to represent, than the country is serving them other its gotta do with the way radio waves are transmitted. not really bothere'd with the mechanics behind all that. even if physics prac is on monday.
when will i ever find shore.
Acknowledging what it was
and Accepting that it will never be.
moving on.
moving on before the little foxes spoil the vine.
moving on before the smallest issues snowball into matters feared of and unwanted.
moving on before its too late
that has never been the question.
the question has always been how.
how does one seperate the inseperable.
how does one balance the welfare of two opposed minds.
how does one check himself.
my mind knows how.
my heart tells me so.
my vision has gained sight.
i am ready.
i am back.
i am he.
not alone.
not by myslef.
i have He
"I will lay me down
At Your feet in worship
And listen to the sweetest sound of all
Oh God You are my God
How my heart it longs for You
I'm thirsty for Your presence in my world
I cry out night and day for more
To hold the majesty of You
My God You Stand Alone
And I worship at Your throne
I will look to see Your power and glory
Jesus Lord of all "
"I WILL LOVE YOU LORD MY STRENGTH
I BELONG TO YOU
I WILL BLESS YOU WHILE I LIVE
AND I WILL LIFT MY HANDS UP IN YOUR NAME
JESUS, YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
YOU ALONE ARE HOLY
NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME
LORD JESUS, YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY
YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY
JESUS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN
NAILED TO THE CROSS FOR ME DIED
AND ROSE AGAIN
YOU REDEEMED ME TO THE FATHER
BY YOUR BLOOD
YOU CLEANSED ME FROM ALL SIN "
"You're all i want, You're all i need, oh Jesus
Take more of me
So I can be more like You Jesus
And I hold on to You
Whatever I go through
You're here with me
My Saviour, my King
My evreything, oh Jesus You Are
The reason I live, forever I'll give
My all to You
Open my eyes so i can see who You really are
Open my ears so i can hear Your tender voice
And I'll trust in You, whatever I'll go through
You guide my path, each step i take
You lead me Lord, in Your arms I'll stay "
Sorry.
I did what i had to.
lookout.
on guard.