iPhones, iPod, Vista, PSP, these are the so-called fashion stuff nowadays. Can people die if these gadgets are not invented? However, if computers or handphones were not invented, communication among the people in the world will not be possible and I am sure we will have trouble surviving in this planet. Therefore, do you think progress is necessarily beneficial for us?
In my opinion, I think I am near to the disagreeing side. Let me tell you the reason. Let’s take Village by the Sea as an example. As Biju’s motorised boat was being built, a lorry transporting timber tried going into the sandy beach. However, it got stuck and needed the help of the villagers to make it going again. As a result, a boy joked that the lorry driver should send his timber in a bullock cart as it will not get stuck in the sand like his “modern” lorry does. This shows that progress may not always make the lives of people more convenient. Another example: Biju’s motorised boat. Do you think Biju can catch so much fish if his boat is not motorised? No, he cannot. Therefore, this shows that progress or invention may make the lives of people more convenient.
As society progresses, many pros and cons appeared. The pros are the convenience it brings to us and the cons are that we may become too reliant over that invention and cannot live without it.
Think about it. Since the ancient people can survived happily without any invention or progress, why can’t we?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My favorite part in Village by the Sea
I think that my favorite part in Village by the sea is the part where Hari left for Bombay to find a job and to earn money.
Let me give a summary of that part:
Just as Hari reached Bombay, he was enthusiastic about everything in Bombay; the lights, vehicles and the many buildings. However, it surprised Hari that he and the other fishermen were not chosen to give the petition to the Chief Minister. Then, Hari had no choice but to stay in Bombay as he could not afford a boat ticket. He met Billu, a coconut seller, who gave Hari a small coconut to quench his thirst. Then, he attempted to look for the De Silvas for help but it failed. As a result, he got to know Hira Lal, a security guard working in the De Silvas’ flat. He brought Hari to Sri Krisna for food and shelter. Jagu, Hari’s boss, was a selfless man, who gave Hari a job and a shelter to live in. The watchmaker, who has a shop beside Jagu’s one is the person whom I think is Hari’s biggest benefactor. The watchmaker not only gave a high-salary job to Hari, he still taught him on how to repair watches and imparted him life values. It was also him who made Hari feel not so lonely in Bombay. Moreover, if he did not teach him watch-repairing skills, Hari cannot be a watchmaker when he went back to Thul.
In my own opinion, I think that it is Anita Desai’s intention to write this part of the story so as to show that Bombay is not a place full of evil people; it also has some kind people too like Jagu and Hira Lal. With the benefactors’ help, Hari could then settle down in Bombay and earn a living.
Let me give a summary of that part:
Just as Hari reached Bombay, he was enthusiastic about everything in Bombay; the lights, vehicles and the many buildings. However, it surprised Hari that he and the other fishermen were not chosen to give the petition to the Chief Minister. Then, Hari had no choice but to stay in Bombay as he could not afford a boat ticket. He met Billu, a coconut seller, who gave Hari a small coconut to quench his thirst. Then, he attempted to look for the De Silvas for help but it failed. As a result, he got to know Hira Lal, a security guard working in the De Silvas’ flat. He brought Hari to Sri Krisna for food and shelter. Jagu, Hari’s boss, was a selfless man, who gave Hari a job and a shelter to live in. The watchmaker, who has a shop beside Jagu’s one is the person whom I think is Hari’s biggest benefactor. The watchmaker not only gave a high-salary job to Hari, he still taught him on how to repair watches and imparted him life values. It was also him who made Hari feel not so lonely in Bombay. Moreover, if he did not teach him watch-repairing skills, Hari cannot be a watchmaker when he went back to Thul.
In my own opinion, I think that it is Anita Desai’s intention to write this part of the story so as to show that Bombay is not a place full of evil people; it also has some kind people too like Jagu and Hira Lal. With the benefactors’ help, Hari could then settle down in Bombay and earn a living.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Are we really nerdy?
During the previous Sec 1 assembly, we had the Principle’s Dialogue session. It was about a quiz on Facebook which commented on various schools. The topic was “ Are HCI really nerdy or reserved, just like what the “Facebookers” label?”
I have two points to support my decision.
First, if we were nerdy and reserved, can our school even survive for 90 years, without any setbacks? Okay, this means that a lot of parents wanted their children to study in HCI. Then, will it mean that they want their children to become nerdy or reserved? I know, the temple-like gates, students wearing short and brown khaki shorts make the people think that we are reserved and nerdy. However, these “traditions” had been ongoing since the opening of HC and we had to keep them as they are our symbols.
Secondly, I think, in my opinion, the “Facebookers” are jealous of our success. Well, just like Dr Hon said, people will always find chances to find fault with successful ones. (okay, I am not boasting) Wonder how they would feel if they were in our shoes? Usually or always, people, mostly from the press, like to “find fault” with elite schools so that they can attract attention from people and earn money.
Let me give you an example. If there are two students in Macdonald’s and they come from an elite school and a neighbourhood school and they speak vulgarities. And there is a Straits Times reporter there… Let me ask you, will the reporter want to write the title “ HCI caught in action” or “ ABC school caught in action” Which one is more catchy? The answer is obvious.
Therefore, let me give HCI students a piece of advice. Don’t ever commit a mistake or the school’s reputation will be ruined!
I have two points to support my decision.
First, if we were nerdy and reserved, can our school even survive for 90 years, without any setbacks? Okay, this means that a lot of parents wanted their children to study in HCI. Then, will it mean that they want their children to become nerdy or reserved? I know, the temple-like gates, students wearing short and brown khaki shorts make the people think that we are reserved and nerdy. However, these “traditions” had been ongoing since the opening of HC and we had to keep them as they are our symbols.
Secondly, I think, in my opinion, the “Facebookers” are jealous of our success. Well, just like Dr Hon said, people will always find chances to find fault with successful ones. (okay, I am not boasting) Wonder how they would feel if they were in our shoes? Usually or always, people, mostly from the press, like to “find fault” with elite schools so that they can attract attention from people and earn money.
Let me give you an example. If there are two students in Macdonald’s and they come from an elite school and a neighbourhood school and they speak vulgarities. And there is a Straits Times reporter there… Let me ask you, will the reporter want to write the title “ HCI caught in action” or “ ABC school caught in action” Which one is more catchy? The answer is obvious.
Therefore, let me give HCI students a piece of advice. Don’t ever commit a mistake or the school’s reputation will be ruined!
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