Assignment 1: Blogging task in response to the two articles.

In the context of Singapore's multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, i believe that Szilagyi's view should be adopted.

According to Singer's point of view, freedom of expression is essential to any democratic countries and should thus not be limited. I agree to this point of view only to a small extent. I feel that it is very true that without any freedom of expression in one country, there will be no discussions held and thus no agreements reached between the people. This would mean that the people are somewhat 'forced' to accept and follow blindly what the government decides to do on various issues. It is just like what Singer has stated that if a view is not "fully, frequently, and fearlessly discussed," it will become "a dead dogma, not a living truth." A country without unity would then be unable to improve and remain in a stagnant situation.

However, things should have a limit, and in this case, freedom of expression is no exception. If there are no restrictions on freedom of expression, it could bring chaos to a multi-racial country like Singapore. More often that not, freedom of expression would encourage the people to voice out their honest opinions about issues which might turn out as criticisms to other racial groups or communities of people and offend others. Without any limits, the people would gradually tend to have a habit of speaking out immediately what they thought of in their minds without much consideration. These reckless acts would then cause disagreeements, quarrrels, fights or even in severe cases, racial riots.

Hence, i feel that only with Szilagyi's view of having more focus placed on social responbility would ensure peace within the different groups of people in a country like Singapore. With more focus placed on social responsibility, it does not mean that the public cannot voice their opinions freely anymore. They just have to do it while exercising more caution. This is also a form of respect for others and is the key in maintaining harmony between people. I feel that the country have been so peaceful for many years is because of the social responsibility and maturity in thinking that most Singaporeans have.

Just like what Szilagyi has mentioned that "There is no doubt that freedom of speech is an essential foundation of any democracy", we just have to practise more social responsibility at the same time in order to continue progressing together as one nation.

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