Perception

Recently, the news on "Malaysian Model Faces Caning For Drinking Beer" became very controversial. A news article adapted from The Times Of India said "Six cane strokes await the waitress who served beer to Malaysian part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno." The first controversy which this case have sparked was that whether Kartika, a mother of two should be caned in the first place as some people perceived that caning is too harsh a punishment for a case like hers. Secondly, she stirred a controversy by insisting that she be caned in public in the presence of her family members and the media. The case hit international headlines and human rights and women's bodies have appealed for doing away with this mode of punishment to a woman. For some, they perceived caning as too hard a punishment for a woman. Others think that she deserved to be caned as she did not abide to the Syariah Court's Law which states that drinking is forbidden in Islam. Those in favour of caning under Islamic laws, have commended Kartika for her "remorseful attitude" and willingness to accept her punishment. Some people have the perception that physical punishment is more effective in making the perpetrator to be remorseful and learn from their mistakes. Hence, discouraging them from doing the crime again. Others think otherwise. Well for non-Muslims or even some Muslims, they don't see why she has to be punished to such an extent(caning). They view it as a minor issue as to them, drinking is a norm.
The issue on drinking depends on individuals. Different people may have different perception on it. This perception varies due to different cultural/religion background, social networks such as habits of family and friends. If one is brought up in a family who drinks, he or she does not think that it is wrong to drink. However, one thinks otherwise if he is brought up in a pious family or a family who does not think that drinking is right. For example in Islam, drinking is forbidden. Hence, it is considered to be a major issue if a Muslim drinks in Malaysia. Furthermore, Malaysia is an Islamic state and it is considered to be disrespecting the religion if a Muslim drinks.

In my opinion, to cane or not to cane is an issue between one's self and God. I feel that she should be served with kind advice instead of physical punishment. Generally, I think there should be a balance between physical punishment and non-physical punishment such as giving advice and lending a support. Carrying out physical punishment or non-physical punishment alone helps only to a certain extent. Hence, both types of punishment should go hand in hand for the punishment to be effective. However, it depends on the situation as well. So to cane or not to cane?

language barriers

I came across an article on Channelnewsasia.com which says "Government sets up S$10m fund to promote social integration" dated on 16 Sep 2009 1748 hrs (GMT + 8hrs). In the article, it says that, "The aim is to get locals and new immigrants to expand their social circles to include each other. For instance, more new citizens and permanent residents (PRs) could be included in community festivities, such as celebrations of ethnic festivals and the National Day Parade. Children could also have meals together with their new friends in school, and there could be more English classes for those unfamiliar with the language at work."

Well, from the article, it shows how important language is. Looking at our local context, Singapore stresses the need for both locals and immigrants to improve on their language skills, especially the English language so as to provide effective communication. It can be frustrating at times when both parties do not understand each other. For example, have you ever met a foreigner who said or did something you found highly offensive, yet they were clueless? Cultural differences are all-too-common, however, by learning a foreign language and expanding your interest in its culture you will broaden your point of view of others. Hence, it will also aid you to rid yourself of barriers preventing exciting possibilities. Exclusionary language, bypassing which causes misunderstanding due to misinterpretation, using slangs and jargons and polarisation are some of the examples of language-based barriers to communications. Hence to avoid such misunderstandings, we have to learn each others languages and at the same times, we are able to learn about each others cultures. Another example is imagine yourself travelling to another country. Learning the basics of a foreign language will equip you with enough skill to experience the pleasure of traveling to the land of those speaking it. Many cultures believe that their customs or traits are the right way and the best way. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The customary beliefs and traits of cultures differ greatly which often leads to misunderstandings. Exploring a foreign culture will lead to a better understanding of its people, and you will realize that it is only different, not necessarily a inferior way of life.

In my opinion, overcoming language-based barriers by learning each others language for instance, is important as it enables communication to be smooth and effective. This will then reduce misunderstandings that might possibly happen. Especially so in Singapore as we live in a multi-racial society. Learning each others languages and cultures help promotes social cohesion. Furthermore, the Singapore government is promoting foreigners to come to work and stay in Singapore. Hence, language is a very important tool to provide effective communication.

Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

signs

Do you have twelve minutes to spare? This video which was introduced by a friend and it was taken by the very famous Youtube.com called "Signs" got me intrigued. Communications as i know not only consists of verbal communication but also non-verbal communication such as body language. "Signs" shows a form of non-verbal communication which uses papers as a medium of communication. This video if i am not mistaken uses the transactional model whereby there is simultaneous exchange between communicators. For example, when the man wrote a question shows it to the women, the women replied back using papers as well almost immediately. In my opinion, this type of communication is not very typical and it may be similar to passing notes to one another in class. However, it is very rare for people from another building and also another floor to exchange notes using windows to communicate to the other person. I find that very interesting. It is also very "romantic" and "sweet" if you are able to find your soulmate in that kind of way.

However, there are limitations in this form of communication as well. There exist time lapse when communicating. Also, there's the factor of noise which consists of physical, psychological and social factors that influence communications. For example, in the video when the man wanted to reply back to the women, the women was called by the boss and she had to go. The boss represents the social factor. This type of communication may also lead to several problems when the people communicating meet up face-to-face. This is because initial acts of communication will influence subsequence acts of communication. They will get so use to such non-verbal communication that it may be awkward when communicating in real life. This may be seen in the video whereby when the couple meet up, they were so stunned and didnt know what to say to each other. The women then proceeded to show the word "Hi" that she wrote on a piece of paper.

Despite the limitations that exist in this type of communication, I feel that we should give this type of communication a try. Maybe across the hallways in schools or another person from a housing block close to you and who knows what will happen. Maybe new friendships will be formed or maybe you will find your soulmate just like in this video. You'll never know.