At the age of 18, I think she should be mature enough not to
write in such a rude, condescending and arrogant manner. An
argument is made so that both parties would gain a better
understanding of the issue. It's purpose is NOT for parties to
insult each other or to make themselves feel intellectually or
morally superior than the other. It's hard to have a rational and
civil discussion when the argument is written in a way that
provokes alot of hatred and anger. It will detract the focus on the
issue itself and place more focus on the messenger and the way it
was presented instead. With that said, however, when I do a
self-analysis of myself, I find it hypocritical of me if I were to
criticize Miss Wee's views when I share more of her views than that
of Mr Derek's.
*puts on flame retardant suit*
When I bought my Creative mp3 player, I didn't buy it because it
was made from a local company. I bought it because it was cheaper
and had more features that I liked. So if a foreign company
produced a better product, I would choose that one. And if Ms Wee's
personality is a reflection of the behavior of local
highly-educated females, then I think it is ok for Singaporean
males to marry down or to marry foreign women. You can't force
people to choose local women or women of a certain age. Even if you
think it is wrong, the one that is criticized should the person or
society not the government.
Most importantly of course, is that I am a huge EPL fan. I don't
support local soccer. My favorite club is Arsenal, a team that is
made up of players from all over the world and whose management
only offers a 1-year contract to players above 30. As a result
talented players like Robert Pires and Patrick Viera has left. But
on the other hand, it allowed younger talent like Cesc Fabregas,
Van Persie and Theo Walcott to blossom. However, I do think that a
right mix of experience and youth is vital to the team. Young
Walcott can learn alot from Captain Henry even though Henry is not
English. I think it is ok to discriminate against age depending on
what job it is. You don't really want a coach that is too young or
player that is too old.
Wenger has changed Arsenal's football from the traditional English
long ball to a more attacking minded, attractive passing football.
He has also instilled practices that are non-English. No more
improper diets or heavy drinking. The foreign players has also
learnt from the English player's physical, never-give-up attitude.
Wenger has been criticized for not fielding more English players
but the local English players are overpriced. Carrick for 18.6m
pounds? That's crazy. Furthermore, if you look at Ashley Cole, just
because they are English does not mean that they are more
loyal.
So how do you solve the problem of English players not being able
to get into the 1st team? Do you blame the foreign players or do
you look at the youth system to see why the English players are not
as technically gifted as their foreign counterparts? Why are very
few English players playing overseas? Sure, the FA can make it a
requirement for teams to field lots more English players. But that
would make EPL less of a success and make it hard for English clubs
to compete in the Champions League. So, really, a more appropriate
title for Mr Derek's argument would be the Future of Singaporeans
because the Future of Singapore will be bright.
