I often let it slip casually, in way of introduction that I am a tech retard. So it ought not to be surprising if my idea of Forums, online ones that is, were mostly a place that geeks hung out and inflated their egoes by going “I’ve got a quad core!” (I actually have no idea what a quad core really is. I have wiki though). However I have come to realise my perception of Forums have been not completely correct, but for an almost blind guess, its fairly accurate of a majority of the Forums. There is however a whole underworld almost of social-politcal Forums. I shan’t try elaborating my thoughts about them, because it would be too tedious. I have come across very few lucid arguments though, and a fair majority of them (especially STOMP…what is it with their obsession of people eating in trains…) actually unnerve me enough, that I would love to dismember the forum participants. I have however learned a few things from them. None of which has made me feel very good. These observations are based on Forumers, who I hope do not represent the average Singaporean. The points below take into assumption however that our society thinks as they do.
- There really is a problem between Singaporeans and “Foreign Talent” (or FTs as they are known, by the acronym loving people we are)
Truth be told, I was shocked by this realisation. I knew people mention it in the press. I however thought it was just a gripe, because that is what Singaporeans do. I never thought it a real problem. Than it smacks me right in the face. On Forums you see this everywhere. Any chance of posting a derogatory comment in the way of a “FT” and they will. Often you see threads degenerating into a massive pool of Anti-Ft swill.
Alright this did not come across as much of a shock. I know it is there. It is hard for anybody to declare themselves truly colour blind. However most people exercise restrain, if not because of a better upbringing (this is an assumption that on the basis that restrain on sensitive manners is a virtue) because of the fear of repercussion. Have we not heard the ever common “Shhh…not save here, so many *insert racial group*s”. Perhaps people feel safer behind a pseudonym and a traceable IP address…
God creeps up ever so often. Whether in a real discussion or whether in one of those random “rank in importance to you..” threads. The bit that scares me is the multitudes that implore with much pride and an almost vulgar satisfaction that they are atheist or thing that god ranks at position 9999999999999999 on their list of important things.
The contrary, the incessant preaching, the lack of tolerance of other people’s views and the general tarnishing of religion as a vassal for people’s blind agendas and a propagator of hate. Technically, the worry here is intolerance as opposed to being overwhelmed by god. Hopefully, these forumers do not represent the Singaporean view. And I have hope for that. Tongue in cheek…J.B’s new party intends to use forums and blogs to promote his brand of politics, and he has a penchant for attracting the rather extreme. I would like to thing, that Forumers, are his main targets.
