Teaching the lesson on women in politics to the Hwa Chong students also provided an incredible opportunity for Ms. Relator and I to learn more about the upcoming elections in Singapore.
As a one-party parliamentary government, Singapore's electoral system is incredibly different than the U.S. two party system, and unapologetically so. The Prime Minister recently explained in great detail why a one-party system is most suitable for Singapore.
Most Americans don't realize that in a parliamentary system there are often not fixed election dates (like we have in the US with our first Tuesday after the first Monday in November). I was confused our first few days in Singapore because I kept hearing on Channel News Asia (the largely government run television station) that the PAP (People's Action Party-- the main political party) had announced its new candidates-- yet no one could tell me when the election would be.
A few days later an election day was announced, May 7th. By the American concept of elections, this seemed like very little time to conduct a campaign. However, like everything in Singapore, this short turn around to the election date is purposeful and pragmatic, as it greatly reduces the cost of campaigning and the campaign fatigue that voters sometime experience in America (not that getting tired of the campaign would be issue in Singapore, since voting is compulsory).
One of the most interesting anecdotal things Mrs. Relator and I came across in examining the role of women in politics and probing the Singaporean students for their opinions on the upcoming election was the controversial candidacy of Tin Pei Ling, the youngest woman candidate ever from the PAP. A quick google search revealed a number of youtube parody videos mimicking Ms. Tin, very reminiscent of Sarah Palin's candidacy for Vice President in the states. Students were divided on why exactly Tin Pei Ling's candidacy was under such criticism-- was it her age? her gender? her immaturity? her intellectual shortcomings? They were nearly unanimous in the view that she was not a good candidate.
It will be interesting to see how the election in Singapore unfolds after we depart. Undoubtedly, the PAP will maintain power, but how many seats will the Opposition Parties obtain, and how will this shape the future of Singapore?
While it is not surprising that there is a lot of political satire in the United States media, I was intrigued to hear that it was common in Singaporean society. In general, Singaporean society is viewed as uptight, i.e. the punishment for drug use. However, upon further reflection it is clear why there are videos mocking Ms. Tin, the controversial candidate. Like the United States, Singapore is a democratic country which gives its' citizens the ability and right to express themselves as individuals.
ReplyDelete“Nathan H. (Rodgers 8)”
It is interesting that women in Singapore have even less political power than in the U.S. I also think the internet has a huge impact on politics because of the way information and gossip can be spread. The youtube videos could have a negaitve effect on her campaign but the content of the videos could be false.
ReplyDeleteJessica A (rodgers 2A)
It's interesting how we don't know how others can plan with little time and less hassel such as voting. yet, we still have not accepted it in our society, to do something so fast paced. and youtube does point out negative things in funny ways, though it does hurt a candidates chances.
ReplyDeleteA one party system is certainly a change from a two party. I imagine that with a one party system things can go much more efficently and they can get alot more done compare to the us, where it takes us forever to do anything, and we might not do anything at all after all that time. The fact that campaign time is short and the required voting do both seem like intesting ideas that would actually help the country be more involved. Can't say theres much of a difference with women in politics though.
ReplyDeletezac schulz
It's interesting to see how elections in differnt countries are so weird compared to the ones here in America.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a lot more complicated. It also seems like it's something that's forced opon people.
Ian VanBuren Rodgers 3
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting that there are controversial women in politics in Singapore, similar to Sarah Palin or Hilary Clinton in the US. I guess that overall, women are beginning to jump on to new opportunities that are given to them in the 21st century. Soon, I think that men and women will hold similar positions in politics and other jobs.
It's very interesting that other countries also face prejudices when different types of people are brought into politics. Like in the United States, a new woman brought into politics faced unnecessary hatred. Without any knowledge of how they could help their countires, both Sarah Palin and Tin Pei Ling were brushed off and made fun of.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that there is a correlation between Sarah Palin and Tin Pei Ling's candidacy. Since both candidates wish to be the first females to take their respective positions, it is safe to assume that they are receiving much of their criticism due to their gender. Being the first in anything will always recieve strong media criticism. Daniel Z. (Rodgers 3)
ReplyDelete