tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post1689747180989834330..comments2024-03-19T18:44:15.041+08:00Comments on Little Stories: Safety in the SyllabusGilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-25721180717752903642009-05-07T20:42:00.000+08:002009-05-07T20:42:00.000+08:00As a lit student, I think sometimes even though th...As a lit student, I think sometimes even though the teachers disagree with administrative policy against teaching things written by gay writers, they cannot 'secretly' go against it, right? Maybe I have Stockholm syndrome.ploppnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-32599010837961973892008-03-08T21:05:00.000+08:002008-03-08T21:05:00.000+08:00I'm sure it is less restricted at the university l...I'm sure it is less restricted at the university level. I thought I should point out however that there is a distinction between studying texts written by gay authors; and texts with an explici gay theme.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-63159577613468000602008-03-07T23:37:00.000+08:002008-03-07T23:37:00.000+08:00As a lit student, i'll like to clarify that we do ...As a lit student, i'll like to clarify that we do have some texts touching on / written by homosexual people (i mean, virginia woolf is a lesbian too). <BR/><BR/>And well, although we generally study fiction, we do encounter some non-ficiton texts too.<BR/><BR/>Maybe it's just less restricted in the University level i guess?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-87084390848974662092008-02-01T16:30:00.000+08:002008-02-01T16:30:00.000+08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-1954788550310737842008-01-28T20:12:00.000+08:002008-01-28T20:12:00.000+08:00As a Secondary 3 student, I am acutely aware of wh...As a Secondary 3 student, I am acutely aware of what you mean. our request to do gay rights as a topic for our project has been rejected by the school management. It would only be acceptable if we plan to invite an 'objective and authorative' figure, like a PSYCHIATRIST. <BR/>Teaching literature does become somewhat of a problem seeing that many literary figures have 'unspeakable vices'. Our teacher avoids it like plague, quite amusing actually. To see that Shakespeare, Wilde and Forster have suspiciously barren love lives due to censorship.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-66977612176493353952008-01-26T13:43:00.000+08:002008-01-26T13:43:00.000+08:00Unlike in Western countries I don't think anyone c...Unlike in Western countries I don't think anyone can make a living, let alone become rich, in Singapore by just specialising and excelling in literature and the arts as an author, playwright, etc. So if someone is into it, it is due to total interest and passion for it after bread and butter issues have been well taken care of. A good example is full time film maker Eric Khoo. Also you may have notice that some of our more well known writers eg Goh Poh Seng, Catherine Lim, Alfian Saat and of course SDP Dr Chee have some clashes with the authorities. Also those who blog and write very well eg Mr Wang, Alex Au.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-91003419804390345572008-01-26T08:24:00.000+08:002008-01-26T08:24:00.000+08:00Related link:"Is Academic Freedom in Teaching Impo...Related link:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://diodati.omniscientx.com/2008/01/25/is-academic-freedom-in-teaching-important/" REL="nofollow">"Is Academic Freedom in Teaching Important?"</A> - by Elia Diodati.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-61605264128521984522008-01-25T23:47:00.000+08:002008-01-25T23:47:00.000+08:00LOL, Mugster, it's amazing how many errors you can...LOL, Mugster, it's amazing how many errors you can commit in such brief comments.<BR/><BR/>1. You have confused Alfian with Cyril<BR/><BR/>2. I am not a school<BR/><BR/>3. My kids don't study Literature<BR/><BR/>4. My kids don't need tuition<BR/><BR/>5. AFAIK, Alfian is not a private tutor<BR/><BR/>6. I did not "rubbish" what you claimed I rubbished. See 1st paragraph of my comment at 2:52 pm on 23 Jan.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-27356860396189429422008-01-25T21:08:00.000+08:002008-01-25T21:08:00.000+08:00I'm merely suggesting that people practise what th...I'm merely suggesting that people practise what they preach. I am not homophobic, but I am skeptical that Mr Wang rubbishes the legitimate argument that a picture of a naked man is inappropriate for young kids. If a man put a picture of a naked woman on his blog, would you encourage your kids to look at it?<BR/><BR/>MugsterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-6881833420318769592008-01-25T11:30:00.000+08:002008-01-25T11:30:00.000+08:00Mugster,Your comment was uncalled for, typical of...Mugster,<BR/><BR/>Your comment was uncalled for, typical of those made by losers unable to put upward an intelligent argurment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-24927643839220033312008-01-24T19:43:00.000+08:002008-01-24T19:43:00.000+08:00They could do worse. And without you, they would.They could do worse. And without you, they would.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11243183476103805065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-50739359183964491202008-01-24T13:27:00.000+08:002008-01-24T13:27:00.000+08:00Makes more sense to retail it on line, no money et...Makes more sense to retail it on line, no money etc. No one physically publishes anymore, too lecheh and the returns are very small indeed, not even worth it - worst still the publishers don't even guarantee publication so if it doesnt sell you end up having to bail him out from holding inventory. Everything stands against the writer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-18098476958587492042008-01-24T10:10:00.000+08:002008-01-24T10:10:00.000+08:00Good works my friend!Good works my friend!Henry Leonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06153981481480197789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-61628263944262098012008-01-24T07:53:00.000+08:002008-01-24T07:53:00.000+08:00I -may- have a new book out this year. Currently i...I -may- have a new book out this year. Currently in talks with a publisher. However, nothing concrete yet, no contract has been signed. It also depends on whether NAC is agreeable to provide some funding under one of its schemes to support local writers.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-69493046659593434492008-01-23T22:47:00.000+08:002008-01-23T22:47:00.000+08:00well, why don't u hire sa'at as a tuition teacher ...well, why don't u hire sa'at as a tuition teacher for your kids then? <BR/><BR/><BR/>MugsterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-13326633762408034572008-01-23T21:35:00.000+08:002008-01-23T21:35:00.000+08:00CAN I BUY YOUR AUTOGRAPHED BOOK???CAN I BUY YOUR AUTOGRAPHED BOOK???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-84559017564033645542008-01-23T15:50:00.000+08:002008-01-23T15:50:00.000+08:00Mr Wang there are many writers in Singapore.Trust ...Mr Wang there are many writers in Singapore.<BR/><BR/>Trust me we read them. Ultimately the bench for any writer is how much did he make.<BR/><BR/>I believe this may be why some writers don't publish main stream, the returns are paltry.<BR/><BR/>For example; I believe random house standard rate for a 200 page fiction paperback retails for $15, but the author only gets 0.10 cents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-53025227488525169172008-01-23T14:52:00.000+08:002008-01-23T14:52:00.000+08:00I would not consider all of Cyril's works to be su...I would not consider all of Cyril's works to be suitable for secondary students. Some of his works would be just too difficult. A few other works would be "no-no" for the explicit sexual content.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, he has also written poems such as, say, "Because it is Wrong, So it is Wrong" which explores how many in society are conditioned to be irrationally prejudiced against homosexuals.<BR/>The poem itself is not even remotely obscene. There are no sexually explicitly details at all. It is insightful in its exploration of how society can develop its discrimination against any kind of minority group.<BR/><BR/>However, because cyril is cyril, and singapore is homophobic, this poem is just another of his excellent poems which won't be found in the s'pore classroom. <BR/><BR/>You understand the title of my post now?Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-57991329619921540772008-01-23T13:34:00.000+08:002008-01-23T13:34:00.000+08:00"Ummm, Cyril. Well, we visited his blog," said the..."Ummm, Cyril. Well, we visited his blog," said the teacher, "and it had a picture of a naked man."<BR/>How can we argue with this logic? Would you want to buy a Blu-Ray player from, say a Harvey Norman outlet, if the salesperson was showing the 9 Hours DVD?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-16022910570651188582008-01-23T13:21:00.000+08:002008-01-23T13:21:00.000+08:00Catherine lim's fiction doesn't have any sociopoli...Catherine lim's fiction doesn't have any sociopolitical edge or bite. For her, that kind of stuff only happens in her non-fiction, and Literature doesn't include non-fiction.<BR/><BR/>As for arthur yap, he was never openly gay in the way that cyril wong is openly gay. In fact arthur's writings hardly ever touches on anything related to sexuality at all.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-40322428580585652812008-01-23T12:56:00.000+08:002008-01-23T12:56:00.000+08:00"the rain was like an iron curtain"I am thinking s..."the rain was like an iron curtain"<BR/><BR/>I am thinking sex.<BR/><BR/>And why not? There is fluid and there is iron. Go figure!<BR/><BR/>:PAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-31432889366903113112008-01-23T12:51:00.000+08:002008-01-23T12:51:00.000+08:00Nice theory with elements of truth in it.However, ...Nice theory with elements of truth in it.<BR/><BR/>However, how do you reconcile this theory with the fact that Catherine Lim's books and stories are taught in school? That lady kena wack serverely by the establishment and she is still saying the same things today in her public letter in her blog.<BR/><BR/>As for Alfian Saat, my instincts suggest he lost his teaching job because he is gay. Not so much because he is a dissident or person with anti-establishment ideas. I have read before that some opposition candidates are teachers (and still teaching as of now).<BR/><BR/>Seems like the syllables and the schools and MOE are more squimish about sexuality issues -- gay, nudity, mature content. Probably more appropriate for University or JC level.<BR/><BR/>I am not sure if Cyril's or Arthur Yap's works are left out in University or JC level because they are gay. If so, than it would truly be sad.<BR/><BR/>Of course outright dissident content will be banned outright. That is to be expected. One does not expect a social study or national education class to read the books of CSJ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-62570289268656058962008-01-23T11:50:00.001+08:002008-01-23T11:50:00.001+08:00Without having seen the poem myself, I would guess...Without having seen the poem myself, I would guess that the "rain like an iron curtain" phrase worked on at least two levels of meaning:<BR/><BR/>1. Physical rain literally falling heavily from the sky;<BR/><BR/>2.Some connotationof physical separation or enmity (the phrase "iron curtain" refers to ideological divides in europe, especially before the Soviet Union collapsed.<BR/><BR/>A1 for Mr Wang again, haha.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-87761182138676984042008-01-23T11:50:00.000+08:002008-01-23T11:50:00.000+08:00Without having seen the poem myself, I would guess...Without having seen the poem myself, I would guess that the "rain like an iron curtain" phrase worked on at least two levels of meaning:<BR/><BR/>1. Physical rain literally falling heavily from the sky;<BR/><BR/>2.Some connotationof physical separation or enmity (the phrase "iron curtain" refers to ideological divides in europe, especially before the Soviet Union collapsed.<BR/><BR/>A1 for Mr Wang again, haha.Gilbert Koh aka Mr Wanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01027678080233274309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4405345292513335071.post-10351776014183997182008-01-23T11:31:00.000+08:002008-01-23T11:31:00.000+08:00/// if you wrote: "'the rain was like an iron curt.../// if you wrote: "'the rain was like an iron curtain' is a portrayal of a very heavy downpour, so heavy that one cannot see far, as if an opaque curtain is in front of one, and so heavy that the droplets are as heavy as iron balls" -- like that, you can get Grade A.<BR/><BR/>If you wrote: "'the rain was like an iron curtain' is the portrayal of a very light drizzle because that's what 'iron' and 'curtain' means ordinarily -- like that, you get F. ///<BR/><BR/>And if you wrote "the rain was like an iron curtain" because the poet was a closet democrat residing in a communist country and he was alluding to the lack of freedom, you would be sent to the gulags in Siberia to do hard labour. You don't get graded. You get degraded...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com