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Effects of media on kids

In April, an advertisement by the Singapore Health Promotion Board was aired on television as part of the anti-smoking campaign. The public had expressed their concern over the issue, on the possible negative effects it can bring to young children. The advertisement was then rescheduled to be aired only after 8pm.

It is understandable as to why the public especially parents are showing much concern over an advertisement like this. In this particular advertisement, there are some gruesome and unpleasant scenes which can be rather disturbing to young children. There is a possibility for them to develop nightmares. Instead of worrying about them, parents can seize this opportunity to educate their children on the harmful effects of smoking.

Their concern shows that parents are well aware that advertisements do have an effect on people, whether it is positive or negative. Moreover, they are also indirectly manipulating people, and it can be classify as a good or bad cause.

We must admit that this advertisement is indirectly manipulating people for a good cause. The government is trying to educate the public on the detrimental effects of smoking and attempt to deter people from developing this bad habit of smoking. The government are constantly promoting its anti-smoking efforts such as putting a restriction on smoking in public places like coffee shops and hawker centres. But the success rate has not been quite ideal. It may be due to such reasons that they decided to take a new approach of airing a gruesome advertisement on the most commonly used medium of entertainment – television.

On the other hand, ads can be indirectly manipulating people for a bad cause. A report in Newsweek had stated that American kids are watching a staggering number of television advertisements for candy and junk food in the United States. It is believed these advertisements are exacerbating the national obesity problem. According to statistics, they are exposed to 21 food ads per day. As such, kids tend to be persuaded to consume more candy and junk food which cause the problem of obesity.

Advertisements do take an effect on children. The effect is becoming more pervasive as television has become one of the most commonly used medium of entertainment. Hence, we should be prepared to face any possible effects that can be brought to our life through this medium of entertainment.

With reference to www.onestopofopinions.blogspot.com

posted by Si Hui @ 3:15 PM 0 Comments

Freedom of expression

Singer believes that freedom of expression is essential to any democracy and therefore should not be limited. On the other hand, Szilagyi believes that more focus should be placed on social responsibility. In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, which author’s view do you think should be adopted?

As quoted from Singer, “freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people find offensive”. I disagree with that. Though freedom of speech may be essential to democratic regimes and should be encouraged, it should come along with some restrictions. It should not include the freedom to say what many people find offensive. Being democratic does not mean that it should not be damaging the social stability of the regime. Instead, one should be more sensitive and try to put oneself in other people’s shoes. I agree with Szilagyi that it is not possible to ensure the freedom of expression of all its citizens and protecting the collective interests of society. In my opinion, I think it is more essential to protect the collective interest of the society. We should not let those individual judgements affect the overall welfare of the society.

It is more important for the people or media to take on social responsibility especially in countries which are sensitive to racial issues. An example will be Singapore. Singapore is a multi-racial and religious country which has been placing great emphasis on promoting racial harmony. Though we promote democracy and the media is able to act on freedom of expression, but the media should not be discussing about racial issues like addressing media messages to a specific racial or culture group. Different racial groups will be offended if we are to comment on their religion which they believe in and hold dearly to themselves. Social and political tensions can be inflamed through the transfer of messages. Singapore has been putting in much effort to prevent such possibilities. Everyone has the responsibility to maintain social stability instead of creating possible conflicts. Hence, we should not be undermining the racial peace we have been trying to maintain.

posted by Si Hui @ 11:54 AM 0 Comments