Social Issues – Page 3

In today’s knowledge based economy, what you earn equals what you have learned. Do you agree?

I. Introduction

Hook: As the global economy shifts towards valuing knowledge and skills, the correlation between education and earnings becomes increasingly significant.
Background: Brief overview of the knowledge-based economy and its emphasis on education and skills.
Thesis Statement: In today’s knowledge-based economy, earnings largely depend on one’s education and skills, but other factors such as socio-economic background, networking, and market demand also play crucial roles in determining income.

II. Supporting View 1: Education and Skills Directly Influence Earnings

Topic Sentence: Higher education and specialised skills directly correlate with higher earnings in the knowledge-based economy.
Example 1: In Germany, individuals with advanced degrees in STEM fields earn significantly higher salaries compared to those with only secondary education.
Example 2: In Singapore, the government’s focus on upskilling and continuous education has resulted in higher earnings for professionals in tech and finance sectors.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples demonstrate the clear link between education/skills and earning potential, supporting the argument that what you earn depends on what you have learned.

III. Supporting View 2: Demand for Knowledge and Expertise

Topic Sentence: The growing demand for specialised knowledge and expertise further emphasises the link between learning and earning.
Example 1: In South Korea, the tech industry’s rapid growth has created a high demand for skilled software developers, leading to lucrative salaries for those with the right qualifications.
Example 2: The biotechnology boom in Switzerland has resulted in high-paying jobs for individuals with specialised degrees in biotech and life sciences.
Analysis: Examine how these examples illustrate that industries prioritising knowledge and expertise reward individuals with relevant educational backgrounds and skills.

IV. Opposing View 1: Influence of Socio-Economic Background

Topic Sentence: Socio-economic background significantly affects earning potential, sometimes outweighing educational achievements.
Example 1: In India, socio-economic disparities mean that individuals from privileged backgrounds often have better access to quality education and job opportunities, leading to higher earnings regardless of their skills.
Example 2: In the United Kingdom, a report by the Sutton Trust indicates that individuals from affluent families often secure higher-paying jobs through connections and social capital, even if their academic achievements are not exceptional.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples show that socio-economic background can have a substantial impact on earnings, challenging the notion that income is solely dependent on education and skills.

V. Opposing View 2: Role of Networking and Market Demand

Topic Sentence: Networking and current market demand for certain professions also play crucial roles in determining earnings.
Example 1: In Japan, the tradition of lifelong employment with large corporations often means that networking and company loyalty can lead to higher earnings, sometimes more so than individual qualifications.
Example 2: The fluctuating demand in the gig economy, prevalent in many European countries, means that earnings can vary widely regardless of education, with market demand for certain skills dictating income levels.
Analysis: Explore how these factors demonstrate that while education is important, other elements such as networking and market dynamics also critically influence earning potential.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While education and skills are crucial determinants of earnings in the knowledge-based economy, socio-economic background, networking, and market demand significantly influence income, suggesting a multifaceted relationship between learning and earning.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the importance of recognising and addressing the various factors influencing earnings to create a more equitable and meritocratic economic landscape.

Tourism is unnecessary. To what extent do you agree?

I. Introduction

Hook: In the era of climate change and globalisation, the necessity of tourism is increasingly questioned.
Background: Brief overview of the tourism industry’s role in the global economy and its environmental and cultural impacts.
Thesis Statement: While some argue that tourism is unnecessary due to its environmental impact and cultural commodification, it remains a vital industry that fosters economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding, demonstrating that its benefits outweigh the drawbacks when managed sustainably.

II. Supporting View 1: Environmental Impact

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that tourism is unnecessary because it significantly harms the environment.
Example 1: The environmental degradation caused by mass tourism in popular destinations like Venice, where over-tourism has led to pollution and the destruction of local ecosystems.
Example 2: The carbon footprint of air travel, which contributes to global warming and climate change, as highlighted by studies from organisations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Analysis: Discuss how these examples demonstrate the substantial negative impact of tourism on the environment, supporting the argument that it is unnecessary.

III. Supporting View 2: Cultural Commodification

Topic Sentence: Tourism often leads to the commodification of cultures, undermining their authenticity and value.
Example 1: The transformation of indigenous practices into tourist attractions, which can strip cultural traditions of their original meaning and context, as seen with the Maasai tribes in Kenya.
Example 2: The proliferation of “Disneyfication” in historic cities, where cultural heritage sites are altered to meet tourist expectations, diminishing their historical significance, as observed in cities like Prague.
Analysis: Examine how these examples illustrate the cultural costs of tourism, arguing that such commodification diminishes its value.

IV. Opposing View 1: Economic Growth

Topic Sentence: Tourism is a critical driver of economic growth and development, particularly in developing countries.
Example 1: The economic boom experienced by countries like Thailand, where tourism significantly contributes to GDP, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Example 2: The role of tourism in revitalising rural and economically disadvantaged areas, such as the Scottish Highlands, where it supports local businesses and communities.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples highlight the economic benefits of tourism, demonstrating its necessity for economic sustainability.

V. Opposing View 2: Cultural Exchange and Global Understanding

Topic Sentence: Tourism promotes cultural exchange and global understanding, fostering peace and mutual respect.
Example 1: Educational and cultural exchange programmes, such as study abroad opportunities, which enhance intercultural competence and global awareness among students.
Example 2: Community-based tourism initiatives, like those in Costa Rica, which allow tourists to engage with local cultures in meaningful ways, promoting sustainable practices and mutual respect.
Analysis: Explore how these examples show the positive impact of tourism on cultural understanding and global cooperation, underscoring its value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While tourism faces criticisms for its environmental and cultural impacts, its role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and global understanding affirms its necessity, provided it is managed sustainably.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need for sustainable tourism practices that mitigate negative impacts while maximising benefits, ensuring that tourism remains a valuable and necessary part of global society.

Poetry has little to no value today. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an age dominated by digital media and rapid communication, poetry often seems like a relic of the past.
Background: Brief overview of poetry’s historical significance and its current status in modern culture.
Thesis Statement: Despite claims that poetry holds little value in contemporary society due to its perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, it continues to offer profound cultural, educational, and emotional benefits that validate its enduring significance.

II. Supporting View 1: Perceived Irrelevance

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that poetry is increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Example 1: The decline in poetry book sales and readership statistics, such as reports from the Publishers Association highlighting lower sales figures compared to other genres.
Example 2: The reduction of poetry in school curriculums in favour of more utilitarian subjects like STEM, as evidenced by changes in the UK’s National Curriculum.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends reflect a societal shift away from valuing poetry, contributing to the perception of its diminished importance.

III. Supporting View 2: Diminishing Readership

Topic Sentence: The readership of poetry is diminishing, leading to questions about its relevance and value.
Example 1: Surveys showing that a smaller percentage of the population regularly reads poetry compared to other forms of literature, such as novels or non-fiction.
Example 2: The closure of several renowned poetry magazines and journals due to lack of subscriptions and financial support, indicating waning interest.
Analysis: Examine how these examples highlight the challenges poetry faces in maintaining a significant presence in contemporary literary culture.

IV. Opposing View 1: Cultural and Educational Value

Topic Sentence: Poetry continues to offer substantial cultural and educational value in modern society.
Example 1: The success of initiatives like National Poetry Day in the UK, which celebrates poetry’s role in culture and education and engages people of all ages.
Example 2: The incorporation of poetry into therapeutic and educational programmes, such as Poetry Therapy, which uses verse to promote mental health and literacy.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate poetry’s ongoing relevance and its ability to enrich cultural and educational experiences.

V. Opposing View 2: Emotional and Social Impact

Topic Sentence: Poetry remains a powerful medium for emotional expression and social commentary.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, whose works resonate with wide audiences and address pressing social issues.
Example 2: The use of poetry in social movements and protests, such as the #MeToo movement, where poetry has been employed to articulate experiences and inspire change.
Analysis: Explore how these instances demonstrate poetry’s capacity to connect with people emotionally and drive social discourse, underscoring its lasting value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While poetry faces challenges related to perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, its cultural, educational, and emotional contributions affirm its continued importance in modern society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to recognise and support poetry’s unique ability to enrich human experience and foster deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world.

Giving people a voice only makes matters worse. What are your views?

While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy, accountability, and social change, suggesting a complex impact.

I. Introduction

Hook: Free speech is both celebrated and criticised.
Background: Overview of the benefits and drawbacks of giving people a voice.
Thesis Statement: While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy, accountability, and social change, suggesting a complex impact.

II. Supporting View 1: Conflict and Division

Topic Sentence: Giving people a voice can lead to conflict and division.
Example 1: In 2016, Brexit debates divided the UK deeply.
Example 2: In 2021, protests in Myanmar led to violent clashes after the military coup.
Example 3: In 2019, Hong Kong protests caused severe social and political tensions.
Analysis: These examples show that free expression can escalate conflicts and divisions.

III. Supporting View 2: Spread of Misinformation

Topic Sentence: Free speech can result in the spread of misinformation.
Example 1: In 2016, false news about the EU influenced the Brexit referendum in the UK.
Example 2: In 2020, false information on COVID-19 spread widely in India, causing panic.
Example 3: In 2018, fake news on social media led to lynchings in Indonesia.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate how misinformation can worsen situations when people have unchecked freedom of speech.

IV. Opposing View 1: Promotes Democracy

Topic Sentence: Giving people a voice promotes democracy and accountability.
Example 1: In 2011, the Arab Spring saw citizens demand democratic reforms across the Middle East.
Example 2: In 1994, South Africa’s end of apartheid was influenced by voices demanding equality.
Example 3: In 2020, Belarus protests called for fair elections and democracy.
Analysis: These examples highlight how free speech can drive democratic change and accountability.

V. Opposing View 2: Enables Social Change

Topic Sentence: Free speech enables significant social change.
Example 1: In 2015, Tunisia’s peaceful protests led to a democratic constitution.
Example 2: In 2006, the Chilean student protests achieved education reform.
Example 3: In 2017, the #MeToo movement spread globally, challenging sexual harassment.
Analysis: These instances show that giving people a voice can lead to important social changes.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy and social change, indicating a complex impact.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balance the benefits and risks of free speech to harness its positive impact.

Discuss the value of beauty in the 21st century.

The 21st century has brought about unique perspectives to the concept of beauty.

I. Introduction

Hook: In today’s world, beauty is more than skin deep; it shapes perceptions and opportunities.
Background: Brief overview of how beauty standards have evolved and their current status in the 21st century.
Thesis Statement: The value of beauty in the 21st century remains significant as it influences personal identity, social interactions, and economic dynamics, despite arguments suggesting that it can perpetuate superficiality and discrimination.

II. Supporting View 1: Influence on Personal Identity

Topic Sentence: Beauty plays a crucial role in shaping personal identity and self-esteem in the 21st century.
Example 1: The impact of social media influencers on self-perception, such as the rise of body-positive influencers like Ashley Graham.
Example 2: The cosmetic industry’s growth, exemplified by the global success of brands like Fenty Beauty, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in beauty standards.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples show the importance of beauty in personal empowerment and confidence.

III. Supporting View 2: Economic Dynamics

Topic Sentence: The beauty industry significantly contributes to the global economy, reflecting its value in contemporary society.
Example 1: The booming beauty and skincare market, with companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder generating billions in revenue annually.
Example 2: The influence of beauty standards on employment and marketing, as seen in industries like fashion and entertainment where appearance often correlates with success.
Analysis: Examine how these economic factors underline the sustained relevance and value of beauty in modern times.

IV. Opposing View 1: Perpetuation of Superficiality

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that an emphasis on beauty fosters a culture of superficiality and unrealistic expectations.
Example 1: The negative psychological effects of photo-editing apps and filters, leading to issues like body dysmorphia and low self-esteem.
Example 2: The proliferation of cosmetic surgeries, such as the rise in procedures among teenagers influenced by social media standards.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends suggest that the pursuit of beauty can be harmful, promoting shallow values over substantive qualities.

V. Opposing View 2: Discrimination and Inequality

Topic Sentence: The value placed on beauty can lead to discrimination and social inequality.
Example 1: Workplace discrimination based on appearance, where attractive individuals are often preferred for jobs and promotions, creating a bias against those who don’t meet conventional beauty standards.
Example 2: The beauty bias in media representation, where certain races and body types are underrepresented, perpetuating racial and body-image discrimination.
Analysis: Explore how these examples highlight the negative consequences of beauty standards, reinforcing social hierarchies and exclusion.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While beauty holds significant value in the 21st century through its impact on identity, social interactions, and the economy, it also brings challenges such as superficiality and discrimination.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Reflect on the need for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the positive aspects of beauty while addressing its potential drawbacks.

Young people today have little to no skills to meet the challenges of the future. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an ever-evolving world, the readiness of today’s youth to face future challenges is a topic of heated debate.
Background: Brief overview of the skills traditionally deemed necessary for future success and the changing landscape of required competencies.
Thesis Statement: While some argue that young people today lack the necessary skills to meet future challenges due to deficiencies in traditional education and life skills, others believe that the adaptability, technological proficiency, and innovative thinking of the younger generation equip them well for the future.

II. Supporting View 1: Deficiencies in Traditional Education

Topic Sentence: The current education system often fails to equip young people with essential skills needed for future challenges.
Example 1: A study by the National Center for Education Statistics showing declining scores in critical thinking and problem-solving among high school students in the U.S. and Europe.
Example 2: Employers’ frequent complaints about graduates lacking basic skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples highlight the shortcomings of the traditional education system in preparing students for the real world.

III. Supporting View 2: Lack of Life Skills

Topic Sentence: Many young people today are deficient in basic life skills that are crucial for future success.
Example 1: The increasing reliance on technology for simple tasks, leading to a decline in practical skills such as cooking, financial management, and basic repairs.
Example 2: The rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people, often linked to a lack of coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
Analysis: Examine how these trends suggest that young people may struggle to navigate everyday challenges and maintain mental well-being.

IV. Opposing View 1: Technological Proficiency and Adaptability

Topic Sentence: Young people today possess high levels of technological proficiency and adaptability, which are crucial for future challenges.
Example 1: The success of young entrepreneurs in the tech industry, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, who have revolutionized their fields through innovation.
Example 2: The rapid adoption and adaptation to new technologies, such as the widespread use of coding skills and digital literacy among teenagers and young adults.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate the younger generation’s readiness to thrive in a tech-driven future.

V. Opposing View 2: Innovative Thinking and Problem-Solving

Topic Sentence: The younger generation’s innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities prepare them well for future challenges.
Example 1: The rise of social movements led by young activists, such as Greta Thunberg with climate change and Malala Yousafzai with education, showcasing leadership and advocacy skills.
Example 2: The development of groundbreaking solutions to global issues by young inventors, like Boyan Slat’s ocean cleanup project.
Analysis: Explore how these initiatives demonstrate young people’s capacity to tackle complex problems with creativity and determination.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While concerns about deficiencies in traditional education and life skills are valid, the adaptability, technological proficiency, and innovative thinking of young people indicate that they are well-prepared to meet future challenges.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasize the importance of fostering both traditional and modern skills in education to ensure a well-rounded preparation for future challenges.

The world today has diluted the concept of good and bad. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an era marked by rapid social change and technological advancement, traditional notions of good and bad are often questioned.
Background: Overview of how moral and ethical standards have evolved over time, particularly in the context of globalization and digital media.
Thesis Statement: In the contemporary world, the concepts of good and bad have become increasingly diluted due to cultural relativism and media influence, yet some argue that these changes reflect a more nuanced understanding of morality and ethical complexity.

II. Supporting View 1: Cultural Relativism

Topic Sentence: The rise of cultural relativism has led to a dilution of universal moral standards.
Example 1: The varying attitudes towards practices such as arranged marriages or corporal punishment across different cultures, which challenge the idea of a single moral truth.
Example 2: The global debate on LGBTQ+ rights, where acceptance and legality vary widely, demonstrating conflicting views on what is considered “good” or “bad.”
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate the impact of cultural relativism on diluting clear-cut moral judgments.

III. Supporting View 2: Media Influence

Topic Sentence: Media influence has contributed to the blurring of the lines between good and bad.
Example 1: The portrayal of anti-heroes in popular TV shows and movies, like Walter White in “Breaking Bad,” which complicates the audience’s sense of morality.
Example 2: The spread of misinformation and fake news through social media platforms, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood and good intentions from bad.
Analysis: Examine how media representations and the digital information landscape have complicated traditional moral categories.

IV. Opposing View 1: Nuanced Understanding of Morality

Topic Sentence: The perceived dilution of good and bad reflects a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of morality.
Example 1: The increasing recognition of mental health issues, leading to more compassionate responses to behaviors previously judged harshly, such as addiction or crime.
Example 2: The rise of restorative justice practices, which focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation rather than punishment, promoting a more complex view of justice.
Analysis: Discuss how these developments indicate a shift towards a more sophisticated and empathetic approach to moral judgments.

V. Opposing View 2: Ethical Complexity in Globalization

Topic Sentence: Globalization has introduced ethical complexities that necessitate a reevaluation of good and bad.
Example 1: The ethical dilemmas surrounding global trade practices, such as the use of sweatshops or exploitation of labor in developing countries.
Example 2: The environmental impact of technological advancements, where progress and innovation often come at the cost of ecological harm, creating complex moral decisions.
Analysis: Explore how these global issues require a more detailed consideration of ethics, challenging simplistic notions of good and bad.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While it appears that the concepts of good and bad have become diluted in today’s world due to cultural relativism and media influence, this can also be seen as a progression towards a more nuanced and complex understanding of morality.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasize the importance of continuous dialogue and critical thinking in navigating moral and ethical challenges in the contemporary world.

Only educated people should have the right to vote in elections. What is your view?

The US Presidential election in 2016 shocked everyone. This was because a billionaire businessman who never held political office had been elected to the most powerful position in the world. Furthermore, his win stemmed from ethnic antagonism, strict immigration controls, sexism and hate mongering. Such results lead to the question: should only educated people have the right to vote? There are people who agree that only educated people should vote as they can make rational decisions. On the other hand, there are those who believe that voting should be accessible to all as everyone has their own set of beliefs. Agreeing with the latter view, it can be contended that everyone should have the right to vote regardless of education because equality in political decisions is necessary and helps us in identifying issues that are prevalent in the society.

Voting rights should not be limited to educated people as everyone’s vote counts. Voting has been an important democratic right. In a democracy every single vote is important because it represents the people. Voting right if given only an educated group means that we are ignoring the voices and opinions of thousands who are uneducated. In developed modern democracies people have the right to vote equally because votes are the collective beliefs and opinions of the populace. In countries like the United Kingdom and Singapore, voting rights have been endowed upon all of voting age. Thus, it is important that everyone is given equal rights to vote regardless of education because that is the true essence of democracy.

Those who argue that educated people should be the only ones to vote believe that they are politically literate. However, there is no truth in this argument. Though education is an important tool in giving us wider perspectives on various social subjects. However, just because a person is educated does not mean that he is politically knowledgeable. Even educated people find the subject of politics complicated and lack knowledge on political matters. On the contrary uneducated people are more likely to understand political matters than the educated people. This can be seen in countries like India where uneducated voters play an important role in the elections. The second issue lies with the ambiguousness of the term educated. Would a person from high school be considered educated enough to vote? In schools or colleges no one studies in-depth politics, thus it should not be a factor in allowing someone to vote. Therefore, education does not translate into political knowledge or awareness which means that everyone should have the right to vote in elections.

A true democracy allows all people to vote and brings forth the issues of social importance. Giving voting rights to only one group is a form of inequality. Voting rights given to all regardless of educational qualifications allows representation of all people and not just a selection of people. For example, despite controversial views of Trump on immigration and trade, Americans chose him because he spoke of issues that affected people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. His statements of restoring America to greatness struck a chord with many Americans that eventually led to him winning the elections. However, there are many opposed and still oppose the Trump administration. Democracy is the power due to which various political and social issues can come to the front. If only educated people are allowed to vote only issues affecting them will get highlighted and the uneducated will be completely disenfranchised. This can lead to conflict and tensions within the society and can also lead to prejudice and violence. Thus, it is important that everyone is allowed to vote regardless of educational background.

In conclusion, allowing only one group – the educated people – to vote than the uneducated people is discriminatory and should not be allowed. Favouring the educated over the uneducated goes against the basic tenets of democracy which asks for equality to be practiced. Voting should be allowed for all because it helps highlight the issues of all the groups involved and not just the elite. In a nutshell, allowing everyone to vote is a step in the right direction towards equality.

Young people today never had it so good. Is this true of Singapore?

There is a widely held view that Singapore’s youth has grown up in sheltered, comfortable environments and enjoy high standards of living – a far cry from the struggles and hardship that the older generations had to overcome.

The young never had it so good. There is a widely held view that Singapore’s youth has grown up in sheltered, comfortable environments and enjoy high standards of living – a far cry from the struggles and hardship that the older generations had to overcome. While this view is not an unreasonable one, we must also consider the fact that youths today face challenges in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain. The prevailing set of challenges in the political, economic and social domains may be radically different from those in the past, but they are no less daunting and pernicious. It would be superfluous to agree that young people in Singapore lead easier lives than ever before.

Proponents of the view that young people have never had it so good until today point to the abundant education opportunities made available to youths today. It is undoubtedly true that compared to past generations, youth enjoy far greater access to learning in today’s day and age. In Singapore’s context, the government has gradually introduced a greater number of education bursaries and scholarships offered to students from less-privileged backgrounds to ensure that the education system remains a meritocratic one that rewards those who work hard, while not denying access to those who may not afford education. This is a vast improvement from the past where it was not uncommon for young people to skip school because of the need to stay at home to look after their siblings or to work in order to contribute to the monthly household income. In recent years, the government has created diverse education routes and pathways. The musically or artistically inclined can now choose to pursue their secondary education in the School of the Arts (SOTA), while budding athletes can opt to enrol in the Singapore Sports School. In this sense, today’s education landscape in Singapore has made life for young people much more accessible and empowering. If strictly measured by this yardstick, then we can say that young people never had it so good.

Apart from better education opportunities, young people in Singapore today enjoy higher standards of living compared to the generations that came before them. Rapid urbanisation and modernisation in the last few decades have witnessed attap-roof houses and family farms being replaced with high-rise flats, high-technology buildings and manicured streets lined with trees that are regularly pruned to prevent overgrowth. While communal public toilets, non-air-conditioned buses and potholes on muddy roads form a bulk of the memories of many older generations in Singapore, many Singaporean youth today cannot imagine sleeping without air-conditioning or deprived of the many creature comforts they have now. Many, as such, view the young people today as a mollycoddled bunch who are unable to survive physical hardship and discomfort. In addition to increased standards of living, the increase in spending on luxury and branded items amongst the young in Singapore today lead many to regard this as evidence that youth today have a much easier life as compared to before.

However, when one takes into account the circumstances and the new set of challenges that our young people have to face, the perspective that young people never had it so good before appears one-dimensional. In the economic sphere, the vicissitudes of what has been termed the ‘roller-coaster global economy’ has led to much fear and anxiety over jobs, inflation and economic uncertainty. The oldest millennials born in 1981 would have entered the workforce at a time when the global economy was suffering from an unprecedented collapse of the financial sector, and research by the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis go as far as to suggest that these millennials might be unable to accumulate sufficient wealth for retirement. Younger millennials born in the 1990s and 2000s have to contend with economic uncertainties like the US-China trade war, the implications of climate change on supply chains, and rapid unprecedented rates of technological disruption to traditional industries. This is a vast contrast to the situation in Singapore’s early days of economic development in the 1960s and 1970s which saw the creation of large numbers of jobs in the rapidly growing manufacturing industry, and strong and sustained economic growth rates. Young people in Singapore today thus face greater pressure to remain competitive and employable, contrary to the perception that they lead smooth-sailing lives with their whole lives charted out for them. From an economic perspective, young people today never had it so good.

Additionally, while young people today are generally more educated than past generations, the overall increase in education standards means that there are greater expectations to do well academically and it is even more difficult for one to stand out amongst a sea of university students, especially when 4 in 10 Singaporean youth will eventually be degree holders. Moreover, the influx of foreign talents in recent years has raised the bar for many graduates, making it more competitive in getting jobs. As a result, young people, despite being given more education opportunities, now face greater difficulty in getting their desired jobs, and often have to make do with jobs that do not match their qualifications or aspirations. A recent research study conducted by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute suggest a pernicious, worrying underbelly of underemployed millennial graduates, some of whom are earning less than $2,000 a month from their full-time jobs despite their education qualifications. This suggests that young people in Singapore may not necessarily be better off compared to past generations when we take into consideration the increasingly competitive and uncertain job landscape in which they have to survive and thrive in today.

In our world which is increasingly fraught with fear, insecurity and uncertainty, the young are living in a Singapore that is beset with novel challenges that previous generations did not have to grapple with. As the famous historian R G Collingwood once said, “every new generation must rewrite history in its own way”. In this light, when assessing this or any generation, both the positive and the challenging aspects must be taken into account. Therefore, notwithstanding the better education or job opportunities available to this generation, it would be inaccurate to say that the young in Singapore never had it good if we understand also the myriad issues surrounding today’s generation.

The pen is mightier than the sword. Do you agree?

Words have become the balm that has been used to soothe the masses, not violent intervention.

The pen is mightier than the sword is a metonymic adage that has been used for centuries. While many have advocated the power of the sword, it cannot be denied that the pen holds significant power as well. The written word has transformed socioeconomic and political landscapes. Thus, it remains true that the written word is more powerful than the strength of weapons.

Forceful or armed intervention helps a totalitarian or dictatorial government to intimidate the masses into submission. The use of force or intimidation does not require deep reasoning. According to supporters of violence, violence is better because it gives immediate results and destroys opponents. An example of this can be Jamal Khashoggi who was killed in a rogue operation because he criticised the policies of Saudi Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed, through his column in the Washington Post. Similarly, in Northwest China, libraries burnt books that did not align religiously and politically to the communist ideologies of the PRC party. These incidents show how people fear the power of the pen and use the “sword” mercilessly to silence them.

Though it might seem that the “sword” holds significant power, the profound impact of the pen should not be forgotten. For example, in China, Mao Zedong was deeply influenced by the writings of Karl Marx. The impact of Marx’s view led to the communist revolution in China. Similarly, many books and written words have provided us look into deeper ideas like colonialism and post-colonialism. For example, Edward Said’s book Orientalism evaluated and criticised western beliefs about oriental people and formed an important ground for post-colonial studies. Adolf Hitler’s autobiographical book, Mein Kampf, disseminated his ideologies to a large audience. Therefore, the pen has the power to influence human thought and behaviour inefficient ways without violence.

Supporters of violence often argue that words mean nothing if a nation cannot protect itself from external military forces. For example, literature did not help to stop violence against Black Americans. Thinking retrospectively, literature was of little use when the German military invaded Poland or when Malaysia was attacked by the Japanese forces. One could surmise that when military power is strong, words are of little use. Military forces in this instance can destroy societies and culture and also replace the existing literature with something new.

The power of the pen has morphed into the power of social media. Governments have been formed and finished by the swift stroke of the keyboard. In modern times, the pen manifests itself as Twitter feeds, Instagram posts and some even suggest, Tik Tok videos. The power of the pen is seen in hashtags that give further boost to causes and challenges that societies want to surmount. The Arab Sping, Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter and the MeToo movement area all examples of how the pen has been able to show its mettle in the form of words, and actions. The world is less violent now and conflicts mostly regional.

Even today, the pen is mightier than the sword. Many problems of the world find a solution in the written word and do not require the display of might. In the end, might can only oppresses and can only lead to superficial success and sooner or later will find itself challenged by the written word. Words have become the balm that has been used to soothe the masses, not violent intervention.