Site Search:
 
Speak Korean Now!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Why Can't Korea be More Like Singapore
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion Forum
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Weigookin74



Joined: 26 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 9:31 pm    Post subject: Re: Why Can't Korea be More Like Singapore Reply with quote

atwood wrote:
Chaparrastique wrote:
FDNY wrote:
Come on Koreans. Get some pride!


First off, I wish they'd learn how to think. How to use their own mind, independently.

This country bears the hallmark of a people who have only had one viewpoint and one way pumped into them since time immemorial. And if anyone had an alternative idea, they got beaten into submission.

I have a lot of optimism for the new generation.

But people over 45 years of age drive me insane. They usually are racist, don't have intellectual curiosity, don't read books, don't have values, manners, are afraid of different ideas, different people. They really are the most pitifully small minded simpletons. Their smugness is the arrogance of ignorance.

Can you explain why?


One could argue the same for those under 30. No intellectual curiosity where drinking beer and living in run down one rooms seems the order of the day. But, then I'd be steriotyping. So, I won't make that arguement. But, I've met many a young un with whom I couldn't hold an intelligent conversation with. (Not saying that's all of you by the way.)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Sister Ray



Joined: 25 Mar 2006
Location: Fukuoka

PostPosted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 2:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Why would you choose Singapore as a country to emulate?

Anyway, Korea and Singapore have at least one thing in common. An intolerance for free speech, particularly when directed towards Presidents.

Singapore: 16 YO charged for insulting Lee Kuan Yew

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32115052

Korea: Japanese journalist on trial for libel against Park Geun Hye.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30222715

Both countries need far greater respect for basic freedoms.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Yaya



Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 4:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sister Ray wrote:
Why would you choose Singapore as a country to emulate?

Anyway, Korea and Singapore have at least one thing in common. An intolerance for free speech, particularly when directed towards Presidents.

Singapore: 16 YO charged for insulting Lee Kuan Yew

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32115052

Korea: Japanese journalist on trial for libel against Park Geun Hye.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30222715

Both countries need far greater respect for basic freedoms.


Good point, and another thing both countries share is an incredible lack of creativity. They can follow and copy but can they blaze a trail? Highly unlikely.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Koharski
Mod Team
Mod Team


Joined: 20 Jul 2009

PostPosted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok, back on topic or this will be locked as well.

Koharski
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Yaya



Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

His (Lee Kuan Yew) tactics always reminded me of the guard who beats his charges with a bag of oranges so the organs are ruined but the bruises do not show.

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/31/lee_kuan_yew_is_finally_dead_and_americas_elites_are_eulogizing_a_tyrant_and_psychological_monster/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

The West has it totally wrong on Lee Kuan Yew.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-west-has-it-totally-wrong-on-lee-kuan-yew-10135641.html
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
trueblue



Joined: 15 Jun 2014
Location: In between the lines

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I'd prefer Korea avoided cracking down on petty things; it's nice that the police mostly leave people alone here.


Indeed.

Police in Korea do not give notice to those simply drinking a beer out in front of the local quick stop.

In the U.S....BAM!!!!! ...here is a ticket for you.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Brooks



Joined: 08 Apr 2003

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lee reminds me of a godfather in a Hong Kong triad without the violence,
but with threats and intimidation.

Korea at least has a civil society, and even people know there are more important things than money.
That honor means more than accepting a bribe.

Deng Xiaoping both saw Korea and Singapore as models.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Yaya



Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brooks wrote:
Lee reminds me of a godfather in a Hong Kong triad without the violence,
but with threats and intimidation.

Korea at least has a civil society, and even people know there are more important things than money.
That honor means more than accepting a bribe.

Deng Xiaoping both saw Korea and Singapore as models.


I'm sort of wondering whether Singaporeans will growingly embrace a more open society open to freedom of expression.

Plus many say Lee Kuan Yew was overrated and that his approach worked for a city-state but would not for a larger country.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2015/03/29/despite-lee-kuan-yew-singapore-isnt-as-rich-as-you-might-think/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
cj1976



Joined: 26 Oct 2005

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brooks wrote:

Korea at least has a civil society, and even people know there are more important things than money.
That honor means more than accepting a bribe.



I'm not sure what you are saying here. Are you saying Korea is more civilised than Singapore and there is no bribery here?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Brooks



Joined: 08 Apr 2003

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes it happens.
But, in Korea there are elections, more democracy than Singapore.

People demonstrate and protest.

Press freedom is low in Singapore.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
cj1976



Joined: 26 Oct 2005

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brooks wrote:
Yes it happens.
But, in Korea there are elections, more democracy than Singapore.

People demonstrate and protest.

Press freedom is low in Singapore.


Press freedom is quite low here too, maybe not as much as Singapore, but definitely by western standards. Singapore is democratic too - they have regular elections that the PAP always win simply because they get the votes.
The people of Singapore wholeheartedly support them. It's not like Zimbabwe over there.
I've had lengthy discussions with Singaporeans about this. They know that freedom of speech is very restricted, but they think it is a fair trade-off for living in a prosperous and well-maintained state.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
jvalmer



Joined: 06 Jun 2003

PostPosted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 4:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

cj1976 wrote:
Singapore is democratic too - they have regular elections that the PAP always win simply because they get the votes.
The people of Singapore wholeheartedly support them. It's not like Zimbabwe over there.

I wonder how accepting the PAP would be of a loss. I can imagine... ehem... not accepting it, and reworking they system which guarantees them a win. Of course you'd need a very unhappy population before that happens.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Yaya



Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul

PostPosted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 5:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jvalmer wrote:
cj1976 wrote:
Singapore is democratic too - they have regular elections that the PAP always win simply because they get the votes.
The people of Singapore wholeheartedly support them. It's not like Zimbabwe over there.

I wonder how accepting the PAP would be of a loss. I can imagine... ehem... not accepting it, and reworking they system which guarantees them a win. Of course you'd need a very unhappy population before that happens.


Surprisingly, Singapore has a weak social welfare system given the emphasis there on hard work and individual responsibility. There is a worsening gap between the haves and have nots, and I remember one poster who was considering moving back to Korea from Singapore saying the latter is becoming a huge gated community for the rich.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/concerns-grow-over-singapore-pension-system-after-weekend-protests-1402319551

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESCk7pmuR4k
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3
Page 3 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe
TEFL Courses, TESOL Course, English Teaching Jobs - TEFL International