Session 2

In session 2, we discussed the dimensions of global dominance as well as some of the characteristics of a “Rising Star” and a “Falling Star”. The term Eurocentrism was also touched on as much of the world's history today is told from a European standpoint. In part 2, the dimensions of development were brought up and we discussed in depth what the meaning of human development actually is. We also had a few oral presentations by the students.

The characteristics of a “Rising Star” and a “Falling Star”, I felt were very relevant in todays context. A “Rising Star” is a country with an open perspective, is optimistic and keen to invest in new ideas. At the pace that the world is changing at today, it is very important to be willing to take in new ideas and adapting as one would see fit. This theory put across by Dr Shahi is relevant to not only countries, but people as a whole. Productivity still is a very key component in businesses today, however more emphasis is put on innovation as well. Therefore the characteristics of a “Rising Star” are very relevant to everyone in society today.

In the second part of class, the discussion was focused on the rich and poor children of society and whether they would have equal chances of pursuing education. Taking Singapore as an example, I personally feel that although there are a significant number of avenues for both the rich and poor children to excel in, the richer children of society would still have an advantage in the later stages of education. As a child progresses through Singapore's education track, the costs that would be incurred for a poorer family would be greater. Instead of moving on to a tertiary education and putting even more strain on the family's finances, parents from poorer families would rather their children look for jobs and ease their burden. This would then lead to a situation where it would be harder for a child who comes from a poor family to break out of the poverty cycle. Assuming that a higher education level would lead to people landing better jobs and in turn having a higher salary.

Lydia's presentation on Pornographication raised certain issues with the media that caught my interest. With reference to Reading 3, A Stagnant and Meaningless Popular Culture is a Big Problem for Society, “old stories no longer work – they are too well known – and because alternative stories cannot be shown because they go against the commercial grain”. As a result, the media would now have to turn to other methods of captivating audiences. These methods could include increased visual effects or in this case, sex. As this form of media continues to go rampant, the question of whether parents should continue to shield their children from this particular form of media would be raised and if so how long more can they actually do so.

This issue I felt that could have been further discussed was the Millennium Development Goals and how developments in technology in the present as well as the future will be able to aid this cause.

Personal Rating: 8/10