1. Solutions to global warming are aplenty, and the main idea is to reduce energy consumption and look for alternatives such as renewable sources of energy. As individuals, we can do our part to curb global warming by taking public transport instead of cars to reduce carbon footprint, turn on fans instead of air-cons, and use more energy-efficient appliances such as energy-saving light bulbs. The result may seem insignificant at first, but when everyone does that, the result will be amplified and it is an important step towards reducing global warming. Using biodegradable materials can reduce the need for incineration which will produce ashes as well, and this will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which will global warming. Another method would be for countries to come together, collaborate and discuss about the possibility of high taxation to manufacturing companies whose factories are the main culprits of pollution. This will encourage those factories to develop more sustainable and environmentally-friendly technology to manufacture their products and avoid over-dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Singaporeans can play an active role in saving the planet by using the 3Rs, namely reduce, reuse and recycle. Besides this, there are also campaigns which are set up to inform citizens about the importance of going green, such as NTUC Fairprice’s initiative of going green by encouraging shoppers to purchase reusable bags from their franchise which will reduce the need to use plastic bags which are non-biodegradable. Singaporeans can also do their part at home by using energy-efficient appliances, rice water to water plants, water from washing machine to clean their toilets et cetera. In this way, they can truly know the importance of going green and that they can indeed play a part in it.
3. In HCI, we can organize competitions, especially quizzes which will appeal more to the students such as a Fact or Fantasy quiz, which will test the abilities of students to identify the facts about global warming and effects of going green. A CCA such as gardening and environmental activists can be set up and this will enable the students to know more about global warming and what we can do to curb it. If these CCAs cannot attract enough students, then this can be made into a compulsory part of the curriculum, such that it can engage all students.
University of Cambridge
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Diary Entry
Dear diary,
I cannot believe that I have done such a thing – to allow my sister to drive! She is now arrested, and a criminal record can never be erased! Why should women be arrested for driving in this kingdom? The law which bars women from driving is simply ridiculous! My sister wanted to fight for the rights of women under this oppressive rule, and of course as her brother, I ought to support her, thus yesterday I decided it was appropriate for her to be at helm and accompanied her onto the streets to protest. However, a great commotion ensued and we were soon surrounded by police. In the end, perplexingly, they arrested my sister but let me off! I just cannot understand. Why is my country so prejudiced against women? Women are definitely as able as men!
As I calmed down and reflected upon the incident, I could not help but question why Saudi Arabia bars women from driving, while other countries do not. Religion certainly was the greatest factor, but in terms of religion, most countries in the Middle East have Islam as their official religion. This only succeeds in proving the absurdity of this law because those countries do not bar women from driving! Why is my country so unique and much more oppressive than others? I just cannot understand!
Now, I am facing an increasing doubt of faith in my religion. I even thought of going against the government. However, what position am I in to do so? It will only result in a similar outcome which is failure, am I right? I am saddened and frustrated over the fact that nothing can be done to achieve equality in the country. I am now at a loss, but I must not collapse for I will have to bail her out later. I must put on a strong front to cheer her up amidst adversities, but I am struggling to accomplish that! Please tell me what to do! Please!
I cannot believe that I have done such a thing – to allow my sister to drive! She is now arrested, and a criminal record can never be erased! Why should women be arrested for driving in this kingdom? The law which bars women from driving is simply ridiculous! My sister wanted to fight for the rights of women under this oppressive rule, and of course as her brother, I ought to support her, thus yesterday I decided it was appropriate for her to be at helm and accompanied her onto the streets to protest. However, a great commotion ensued and we were soon surrounded by police. In the end, perplexingly, they arrested my sister but let me off! I just cannot understand. Why is my country so prejudiced against women? Women are definitely as able as men!
As I calmed down and reflected upon the incident, I could not help but question why Saudi Arabia bars women from driving, while other countries do not. Religion certainly was the greatest factor, but in terms of religion, most countries in the Middle East have Islam as their official religion. This only succeeds in proving the absurdity of this law because those countries do not bar women from driving! Why is my country so unique and much more oppressive than others? I just cannot understand!
Now, I am facing an increasing doubt of faith in my religion. I even thought of going against the government. However, what position am I in to do so? It will only result in a similar outcome which is failure, am I right? I am saddened and frustrated over the fact that nothing can be done to achieve equality in the country. I am now at a loss, but I must not collapse for I will have to bail her out later. I must put on a strong front to cheer her up amidst adversities, but I am struggling to accomplish that! Please tell me what to do! Please!
Activity 1 - Women's Rights
1. I am very unimpressed with the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia. Saudi women should be allowed to drive, vote and be granted other freedoms just like women in other countries. This is explained by the fact that women are often exposed to dangers when they interact with strangers outside their homes, however I believe that this is a baseless argument and rather ridiculous, since adults are able to protect themselves. Prejudice is certainly present and like men, women should be given equal rights and be subjected to the same treatment as men, not to be deprived of certain rights.
2. I believe that the use of social media has been an advantage to the women in Saudi Arabia because it allows messages to be propagated and received by a much larger audience. In this way, the women in Saudi Arabia can garner support of people around the world, which will aid in the changing of certain policies which deprive rights of Saudi women or even the abolishment of certain laws which are deemed prejudicial. This can be seen from the fact that Ms Sharif managed to garner the support of 12000 people on her Facebook page. The government and religious leaders will then be pressured into making changes so as to appease the majority of the population.
3. The problem of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia can be solved by involving both the government and religious leaders when putting laws in place. When making laws, they should look from both the humanitarian and religious points of view and make sure they do not clash. Both parties should also reach a consensus before passing a law and consider the possible consequences it may result in. rights of women be secured. Lastly, they should be aware of the fact that laws are flexible, not absolute and changes should be made to them when necessary. Only then can this problem be solved.
2. I believe that the use of social media has been an advantage to the women in Saudi Arabia because it allows messages to be propagated and received by a much larger audience. In this way, the women in Saudi Arabia can garner support of people around the world, which will aid in the changing of certain policies which deprive rights of Saudi women or even the abolishment of certain laws which are deemed prejudicial. This can be seen from the fact that Ms Sharif managed to garner the support of 12000 people on her Facebook page. The government and religious leaders will then be pressured into making changes so as to appease the majority of the population.
3. The problem of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia can be solved by involving both the government and religious leaders when putting laws in place. When making laws, they should look from both the humanitarian and religious points of view and make sure they do not clash. Both parties should also reach a consensus before passing a law and consider the possible consequences it may result in. rights of women be secured. Lastly, they should be aware of the fact that laws are flexible, not absolute and changes should be made to them when necessary. Only then can this problem be solved.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Reflection On Research
My first impression of Shakespeare was that he was a famous poet and playwright who was able to produce complicated masterpieces and play around with English words expertly, effortlessly and with precision. Knowing well the obstacles that could cross my path when reading the Merchant of Venice (it comprised of Old English), I was not exactly looking forward to it. However, perusing through summaries of all scenes and glossary aided in my understanding of each one of them, and that had enabled me to grasp the main idea and identify some of the major themes of the play. Through this research, I also knew how England was during the Elizabethan Era and some of the trends which were prevalent in the society at that time. Shakespeare was not just famous for the Merchant of Venice, but other plays as well such as Hamlet, The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.
There is indeed a huge difference between the Elizabethan Era and the world we live in today. Back then, there was a hierarchy, which meant that everyone at any level of society was very likely to remain there forever, so would his/ her children. People could not easily rise to a high position of power through means such as education. Now, we can improve our social status by perseverance, hard work and attaining degrees, and the system of hierarchy is barely existent in our society. At that time, people often had mistaken beliefs and misconceptions. They lacked scientific knowledge, and only after the Renaissance did they start to seek for answers to questions on their own instead of relying on hearsay. For example, people back then believed that a sick person could be cured by having the ‘bad blood’ taken out of him using leeches, but ironically, instead of curing them, it led to their respective demises! We can prevent this from happening because in the world today, we have sufficient knowledge of the sciences and remedies to such illnesses.
Even though Shakespeare’s works were produced in the 1600s, his works are still highly relevant and can be applied to modern day context. Some of the examples are his quotes, racism and Christian teachings. Most of Shakespeare’s quotes, such as “Love is blind; and lover cannot see” are still widely used today. As for the topic of racism, it is still existent in the world that we live in, and we can do our best to prevent being racist against others. The Christian teachings in the Merchant of Venice can still be used today to remind people of the right moral values that they should possess. Therefore it is evident that Shakespeare’s works are still relevant to the modern day context.
There is indeed a huge difference between the Elizabethan Era and the world we live in today. Back then, there was a hierarchy, which meant that everyone at any level of society was very likely to remain there forever, so would his/ her children. People could not easily rise to a high position of power through means such as education. Now, we can improve our social status by perseverance, hard work and attaining degrees, and the system of hierarchy is barely existent in our society. At that time, people often had mistaken beliefs and misconceptions. They lacked scientific knowledge, and only after the Renaissance did they start to seek for answers to questions on their own instead of relying on hearsay. For example, people back then believed that a sick person could be cured by having the ‘bad blood’ taken out of him using leeches, but ironically, instead of curing them, it led to their respective demises! We can prevent this from happening because in the world today, we have sufficient knowledge of the sciences and remedies to such illnesses.
Even though Shakespeare’s works were produced in the 1600s, his works are still highly relevant and can be applied to modern day context. Some of the examples are his quotes, racism and Christian teachings. Most of Shakespeare’s quotes, such as “Love is blind; and lover cannot see” are still widely used today. As for the topic of racism, it is still existent in the world that we live in, and we can do our best to prevent being racist against others. The Christian teachings in the Merchant of Venice can still be used today to remind people of the right moral values that they should possess. Therefore it is evident that Shakespeare’s works are still relevant to the modern day context.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)