Sometimes, I am grateful for the tight control in Singapore.I've read a substantial amount of articles and documents (with regards to the States) to come to the conclusion that freedom of speech and the individual's rights when used inappropriately only serves to become the shield of hate-mongers and cowards who are bent on disrupting peace.

There are times where I'd rather have a boring documentary-like controlled paper than an interesting one that is filled with stereotypes and gossips. Other than to inform, a privately owned media company also aims to reap in profits and what sells better than a "story" that feeds on the masses' stereotypes of a certain group. It's tragic really, because in the long run, these uncontrolled commercial-inspired information would only serve to distort facts and prevent people from reaching out to each other. This is especially so with younger people and the less educated who tend to read these papers and lack the ability to see beyond what they read. There is a high possibility that they would simply accept the articles at face value.

To make matter worst, in certain places, people are actually allowed to publish hateful, distorted article all in the name of the individual's rights and freedom of speech. Freedom is one thing but if that freedom disrupts the peace then it can no longer be viewed or regarded as such. With freedom comes responsibility. I guess some nations have yet to comprehend that.Freedom should only be given to those who have proven themselves to be responsible human beings.

But I guess all this could perhaps be solved by reading. If these people were to read more, read beyond their comfort zone, they'd realize how ridiculous those hate articles and blogs are. Often written by a random civilian who thrives on attention and lacks the ability to see beyond their little well (井底之蛙). This individual would gladly cook up stories with what seems like logical evidence and for readers who lack the general knowledge required to identify the article as junk, the words would be taken as the gospel truth.

Since most of these people lack the opportunity to meet people that are unlike themselves they become afraid. And "Othering" happens, read Edward Said's book if you have no idea what I'm talking about.Religion have always been a political-rallying tool and looking at all those articles I see why.