This author is currently on hiatus for the ignoble cause of mugging. The public is advised to remain calm, as this routine protocol has been shown to have no effect on one's violent tendencies in 96% of cases.
| Thursday, August 07, 2008 |
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Things did not go well, my fiend. Not well at all. In probably my last post on this entire issue, here's my take on the highly-anticipated, highly-feared, high-stakes assembly today, to be immortalised in this humble repository for all of eternity for myself, friends, juniors and any pesky teachers who might have a worrying curiousity in searching blogs. Like i promised, i did prepare for my little face-off today, and here's my "script" for further reference: A very good morning to Dr. Hon, teachers and fellow schoolmates. It’s actually my first time coming up to speak in assembly, which perhaps shows my usual introverted nature. But since today Dr. Hon has very respectfully called upon me to (account for my actions and) provide my opinions on this matter, I guess I must comply. Take note its "respect is ingrained in all of us", not "disrespect is ingrained", especially Dao Yuan if you're rading this. And you would also realise that ive already apologised to Dr. Hon from my previous post. With all due respect, next time please don't base your entire argument on presumptions (they don't even qualify as assumptions) and give the chance to someone else who has more constructive points to go up instead, rather than just trying to repeatedly mindlessly flame someone to make yourself look better up there. But as usual, things certainly didn't quite go according to plan. At least the expected topics were raised: Inclusion of "Respect" into J-TIGER, Haircut issue, and of course the whole case (my case) about respect and all, so at least my efforts weren't in vain. Oh and the theft case was also raised but we never got round to discussing it. What happened was that Dr. Hon spent 40 mins (pretty much all of our dialogue time) giving us a little background, going through lots of posted comments (including the one by Ms Sim on how the school should be run like a repressive monarchy with no room for change), niaoing the original message by the Sec 2, and telling us about how hurt he was from the so-called insults he received (from me obviously) from his very well-intentioned "learning experience". And if not for an extension of time granted due to the cancellation of a scheduled presentation by the Ironman team of students, we would have next to no chance at airing our views at all. Furthermore, I didn't really expect Dr. Hon to be so aggressive when he was on stage, going so far as to known down the sec 2's and my credibility even before i had a chance to speak. So much for personal attacks and earning respect when you don't even accord a student's work due recognition, resorting to grasping at straws and making silly comments on the use of commas at an attempt to be humourous and win support. In essence, what was meant to be a pretty objective and neutral discussion ended in vehement flaming and defending, and even threats of caning against me, with me humbly retreating under much urging from friends. I was seriously a total wreck up there though. Even with trigger points and my script ready at hand, i still ended up shaking/shivering nervously, stuttering and speaking really fast, or so others tell me (I can't quite judge my own performance.) I've gotten quite used to such responses from my body to public speaking already though, and happens pretty often when im presenting albeit perhaps to a lesser extent. Still its quite embarassing to be displaying such visible signs of nervousness when the eyes of the student population are all trained on you. Well, guess this proves my point on me being a helpless introvert. And tough as it is to accept, perhaps im destined to be one of those obedient, conservative followers who isn't blessed with the gift of standing his ground in public, instead striving for change behind the scenes. To those who actually commented that I had the courage to be an opposition MP in future, er...that's kinda far-fetched. A "learning experience" it certainly has been. And I, as the main pro/antagonist, should have learnt the most, no? So allow me to wrap this all up nicely by sharing what I have learnt: 1. If you want to attack someone, you must veil it as subtle messages behind equivocating praises, to ensure that unless the other party is smart enough, he won't decipher the criticisms (while everyone else will). And if he's smart enough he'll probably accept and act on the criticism anyway. Bottom line: Euphemisms help a lot. 2. Point 1 only applies in a bottom-up approach. Leaders in research, industry and government are automatically given not only the rights to launch person attacks to defend themselves, but also the power to use their authority to threaten and intimidate the opposition. This is why PAP can attack the credibility of the opposition and no one complains. No one important, anyway. Also, this is one reason why you should strive hard to be a future leader, young friend. 3. If you're not too sure you've fulfilled Point 1, be sure to send your message to colleagues and friends to vet first to gain differing opinions, since the idea as for where the line is to be drawn varies from person to person, and you certainly don't know the tolerance level of the other party. This saved my ass from further burns after the inital spark. 4. People's comprehension and analytical skills and even intelligence levels are not to be taken for granted. As coherent and well-substantiated as one's argument may be, it's still often better to opt for a watered-down version appealing to ethos in communicating your ideas. Yes, even in elite institutions, the sex drive and laziness/inability to think still overwhelms logic. 5. I do have some very good friends and teachers indeed. Thanks guys! <3 6. DON'T MESS WITH ZA HON. (anagram!) |
'Twas teh winnar at 9:44 pm.
