Historyogi Post (86): Singapore's media regulation, talking about racism & queer issues, and Making Peace with Maxwell
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Historyogi Post: Issue 86
Historyogi Podcast
#9 - The history & effects of Singapore's media regulation policies: Singapore Press Holdings recently announced major structural changes to its media business, which has suffered losses for many years. We speak to Professor Cherian George, a media scholar from Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Communication, on the history of Singapore’s media regulation, the application of “calibrated coercion” by the state, whether social media can ever be a true replacement, and the price Singaporeans have to pay for the state’s media policies.
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Digging Deeper
"Recognising the roots of racism in Singapore" (Academia SG): This piece by Assoc Prof Chong Ja Ian considers the media response to recent incidents of racial discrimination, particularly discussions of Critical Race Theory (CRT), and how to build greater understanding and empathy. In particular, it critiques the manner in which Lianhe Zaobao has mischaracterised CRT as a new form of racism imported from the West. "Over-emphasising harmony and the absence of problems, or insisting on operating behind closed doors, tends to allow people to forget the hard work that goes into building inter-ethnic ties. Having a numerical advantage often leads the majority to neglect the disadvantages and experiences faced by minority groups." Read More
Bonus Resources:
Check out the Academia SG virtual roundtable "Regarding Racism" which was held on Jun 16.
Over 250 mainly young scholars signed an open letter regarding Zaobao's CRT editorial.
"The podcast telling Singapore's hidden gay stories" (BBC News): This clip features Joshua, Kennede and Sam Jo, founders of the LGBT-themed podcast SG Boys. With 377A still on the books and positive portrayals of LGBT themes prohibited, the trio have set out to share their own experiences as Queer individuals and to advocate against discrimination that remains common. As Kennede states, "We are real people with real stories". Watch More
This Month in History
Michael Fay caned for vandalism (May 5, 1994): On this day, American teenager Michael Fay was caned four times at Queenstown Remand Prison. He had been sentenced to four months jail, six strokes of the cane, and fined $3500 for vandalising cars and stealing road signs. The verdict unleashed a torrent of sensational criticism in the American media where editorials condemned Singapore as barbaric and dictatorial. US President Bill Clinton appealed for clemency, and while this was rejected by Singapore, Fay's sentenced was reduced from six to four as a gesture to Clinton. After his release, Fay was entangled in further legal troubles back home and was last known to be working as a casino manager in 2018. Former President SR Nathan, who was the Ambassador to the US at the time, later recalled the episode in his memoirs.
Israel declares independence, sparking Arab invasion (May 14, 1948): On this day, founding father David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel as the British Mandate of Palestine expired (above). The declaration came amid a civil war between Arabs and Jews over the future of Jewish immigration to Palestine and the UN partition plan, which the Jews accepted but the Arabs opposed. Soon after the declaration, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and Iraq invaded the new state, sparking the first Arab-Israeli war. The conflict raged till 1949, when all states signed armistice agreements. The conflict dramatically reshaped the Middle East, displacing millions of Jews and Arabs and entrenching religious strife in the region to this day.
"Marxist Conspiracy" arrests in Singapore (May 21, 1987): On this day, authorities began two waves of arrests, and detained a total of 22 people under the Internal Security Act. The detainees were accused of conspiring to subvert Singapore's political system and set up a Marxist state. The group consisted of Catholic church workers, activists, lawyers and theatre practitioners. The alleged mastermind was Tan Wah Piow, a dissident student activist who had fled to exile in London in 1977. All detainees provided confessions before they were released, but nine were rearrested after recanting their confessions and accusing the authorities of torture. Many activists and academics maintain to this day that no such "Marxist conspiracy" existed and the government has never released evidence to support its claims.:
Down Memory Lane
Makepeace Road: This road was not named after any peace efforts but rather after Walter Makepeace (1859-1941), a journalist and editor of the Singapore Free Press. He introduced the latest linotype typesetting machines in Malaya and also worked as a local correspondent for international wire agencies. In 1921, he helped write the official history (above) commemorating the 100th anniversary (1819-1919) of Singapore as a British colony. Involved in numerous local organisations and initiatives, Makepeace finally retired in 1926 and had this road named in his honour.
Maxwell Road: This road is named after the family of Sir Peter Benson Maxwell (above), who was the Recorder (judicial officer) of Singapore from 1866-1871. His sons and their descendants were also heavily involved in the colonial civil service in Singapore, Penang and Sarawak. The road was named in 1925 in honour of three generations of service by the Maxwell family.
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