I guess I didn't have a good opinion of AWARE, seeing as a sexist organization. But the recent AWARE saga, in which a group of women through democatic means wrest control of the feminist NGO from the Old Guard and was then accused of staging of coup by them, is indeed interesting. The hysterics of the Old Guard and the spin placed on the media to promote the homosexual agenda here in Singapore is really revealing (so much for the neutrality of the press). As it is correctly reported by the Christian Post:
For the past week they were blasted by members of the public for an aggressive 'takeover'.
But leaders of the 'coup' have revealed to the media that the actual takeover had occurred some years back when certain elements in the organisation had used it as a platform to promote homosexuality.
In an impromptu press conference conducted yesterday at Raffles Town Club, New AWARE President Josie Lau opened up on the real crisis behind the NGO that had led the new team to run for leadership positions.
“I was being very polite when I said [that Aware had lost its focus]… It has really not lost its focus but I think it has gone further than that, much, much further than that,” she said.
“It has now become a single-objective organisation. So that's what the new team is here to do: we want to bring Aware back to its original, very noble objective, which is to represent all women, to advance their cause, all women whatever religion and race in areas such as professional development, their private life, their health... We need to look at ageism, all the problems... So we should be pushing those cause.
"Lau and the other new leaders, who form a third of the entire exco, were democratically elected at the NGO's annual general meeting last month but have been accused of using strong-arm tactics to gain control of the organisation in what has been negatively portrayed by public media as an act of Christian fundamentalism.
Under the leadership of ex-president Constance Singam, Aware sponsored the screening of the lesbian-themed movie Spider Lilies at its charity gala in 2007. When a concerned parent wrote in to the media asking why Aware’s choice of movie for a charity show was a film about two lesbians who fall in love, Singam said Aware embraced diversity and individual choices and was glad Singapore is now more open to discussing diversity.
In the NGO’s comprehensive sexuality education programme conducted in 30 schools for young girls aged from twelve to 18, homosexuality is regarded as a neutral rather than a negative word.
“The suggestion is that in this programme, young girls from twelve to 18 are taught that it’s okay to experiment with each other,” said Dr Thio Su Mien, the founding partner of a local law firm and first woman law dean at the National University of Singapore. Dr Thio says Aware was started by her contemporaries and friends and as a concerned party she played a part in persuading the four new exco members, namely, Ms Josie Lau, Ms Maureen Ong, Ms Jenica Chua and Ms Lois Ng to join the NGO and is presently acting as their mentor.
“And this is something which should concern parents in Singapore. Are we going to have an entire generation of lesbians?” She added that the parents to whom she had spoken about the sexuality programme were indignant. Such programmes, she noted, are not new and have been taking place in the United States and Europe.
Guess what would happen if those in the new Exco were women from a certain religion known for the violence of its adherents? Oh yes, the newspapers would suddenly find other things to report. But of course, Christians are fair game to attack, mock and ridicule. So much for the Singapore creed: "regardless of race, language or religion".
Also, if four homosexuals were to take over a Christian NGO, do you think the Press would be decrying that the new guard had done an aggressive takeover? Forget it! I think we would see glowing reports of how "progressive" Christians NGOs have become. The duplicity of the Press is astonishing, if it was not so sad.
Actually, AWARE, under the old guard, was not only about homosexuality. Any feminist organization which emphasizes homosexuality as its sole agenda isn't going to last very long.
ReplyDeleteBased on what I have read so far, I can only guess that the Christians who hijack it want to destroy the secular nature of AWARE and turn it into a quasi religious organization.
And that is why, I think, the old guard are making so much noise.
It is a complicated situation, and until more light is shed I will not attempt to criticize any side.
Beast FCD
Beast FCD
http://wayangparty.com/?p=8493
ReplyDeleteI think the new guard has an anti lesbian agenda.
In that case the old guard should stay.
Beast FCD
Actually, AWARE, under the old guard, was all about homosexuality and the LGBT agenda. Any feminist organization which emphasizes homosexuality as its sole agenda in Singapore isn't going to last very long as shown by the recent dethronement of the old pro-LGBT guard.
ReplyDeleteBased on what I have read so far, I can only guess that the LGBT/lesbians/perverts who schemed to hijack it want to destroy the family units of nature and turn Singapore into a quasi-sodomite nation.
And this is why, I think, the old guard are making so much noise ... they ate too much beans.
It is a complicated situation, and until more light is shed I will not attempt to criticize any side.
Best FART
http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase/society/1550//1.htm
ReplyDeleteI think the old guard has an anti-Christian agenda.
In that case the new guard should stay.
Best FART
Hi Beast
ReplyDeletePardon my ignorance, but to your knowledge what then has the emphasis of the old guard been?
If it really indeed has been emphasizing homosexuality above other issues (note that issues like diversity and free choice do not count since they are doublespeak for gender 'freedom')... the old guard should be at fault also right?
I am actually not very supportive of the takeover as it seems poorly planned to me
But stuff like lesbian movies at a charity event is like... hello there are so many movies out there why this one.. strong implication of emphasis there
Munchy: And why not lesbianism?
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem with conservative Singaporeans; this kind of "sweeping under the carpet" talk, hoping that lesbianism will go away, doesn't happen. To quote from Mr Daniel himself, its like the ostrich hiding its head in the sand.
I do not think that discussing lesbianism in a charitable event is inappropriate, and I am sure most Singaporeans don't. It is not as if lesbians never existed before the movie was played anyway.
As far as I know, AWARE promotes women's rights, which includes the women's charter. Lesbianism is just one of the myriad of issues supported by the old AWARE.
Beast FCD
“And this is something which should concern parents in Singapore. Are we going to have an entire generation of lesbians?”
ReplyDeleteThis kind of fear mongering fostered by right wing nutters is the kind of crap that is being pandered about in the religious' right's quest to demonize gays and lesbians.
Just because there are organizations promoting gay rights, religious folks will accuse them of fostering gay relationships. Reverse the roles a little, and see how many gays are accusing religious folks for brainwashing little children (Which is indeed what religious folks are doing).
It is hypocrisy, no question about it, from the religious right.
Beast FCD
I dont sweep lesbianism under the carpet. Lesbianism is clearly NOT going away anywhere, but rather set to grow
ReplyDeleteBut my question remains, what are these other issues that AWARE has been focusing on? I dont know, so I am wondering if you know. If no one can name them, then I think their emphasis would be pretty obvious
Off topic, but my impression of girls schools is that a number of schoolgirls dabble in lesbianism but eventually grow out of it. I think it would be tragic if these girls were encouraged to continue a lifestyle they would otherwise have naturally left behind when they grow up.
Actually, this is pretty normal.
ReplyDeleteGirls are less lightly to hide their lesbianism, as it is less of a taboo for them. For guys, the macho behavior of predominantly straight chaps makes it more difficult for men to come out of their closets.
I don't think it is a tragedy for women to turn out to be lesbians.
Its their choice, to be honest, and really sexuality is not something you can "choose". I don't choose to like women. My instincts are that women are attractive to me. No amount of propaganda is going to change my mind.
Beast FCD
Beast, if you say that they can't really choose their sexuality, are you saying that if they can choose (i.e. if they can help it), they will choose not to be lesbians?
ReplyDeleteDoesn't that imply that there is "something wrong" with lesbianism?
Anyway, regarding instincts.
ReplyDeleteMy instincts are such that I am attracted to many women who look pretty to me, and their ages range from 17 - 30.
I am actually quite glad that I don't follow up on my "instincts"?
"Beast, if you say that they can't really choose their sexuality, are you saying that if they can choose (i.e. if they can help it), they will choose not to be lesbians?"
ReplyDeleteWhere in the world have I implied that?
Beast FCD
"My instincts are such that I am attracted to many women who look pretty to me, and their ages range from 17 - 30."
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's a problem with that, although you might want to stop the sex part until she reaches 18.
Beast FCD
"I don't think it is a tragedy for women to turn out to be lesbians. "
ReplyDeleteThat was not my point, my point is "I think it would be tragic if these girls were encouraged to continue a lifestyle they would otherwise have naturally left behind when they grow up."
- That such sexuality programs cause these impressionable kids to choose a life of homosexuality they otherwise would not have
"That such sexuality programs cause these impressionable kids to choose a life of homosexuality they otherwise would not have"
ReplyDeleteThis is like saying watching a TV show with heterosexual couples having sex is the direct cause of heterosexual people having sex. This kind of faux pas logic is crap, and you know it.
Beast FCD
Sigh.. to repeat my point which you dont seem to get
ReplyDelete"a number of schoolgirls dabble in lesbianism but eventually grow out of it. I think it would be tragic if these girls were encouraged to continue a lifestyle they would otherwise have naturally left behind when they grow up."
I am not saying this applies to all girls lesbian and straight alike. I am refering to those who would end up being straight but dabbling in a homosexual phase in their lives, which is quite common.
If I was to make a point that ALL girls who received homosexual teachings became lesbians that would be crap and you would be right. BUT I am NOT trying to make this point
" I am refering to those who would end up being straight but dabbling in a homosexual phase in their lives, which is quite common."
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty normal phase to begin with. Most teenagers will undergo some form of sexual identity crisis at some point in their lives, myself included.
But simply showing a movie on lesbianism won't have any effect on influencing their sexual preferences. Either they are lesbian, straight, or bisexual (Of course there are others, like bestiality, but that's beside the point).
Beast FCD
Its not really about "homosexual teachings". Secular sex education deals with homosexuality in an unbiased way. It doesn't encourage people to choose their sexuality.
ReplyDeleteBeast FCD
1 movie by itself might not affect anyone's sexual preference. But I believe in the case of sexual preference, the effect of 'nuture' is at least as great as that of 'nature'. Our upbringing and environment fundamentally affects many aspects of us, its much more than just genes.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue here the 'natural' issue. Many secular pple define homosexuality as 'natural'. While adherents of the 3 monotheistic religions usually define homosexuality as 'unnatural'. This difference in worldview often leads to both parties missing the point of each others argument
I wrote a post on my blog with regards to the "natural" argument.
ReplyDeleteIt turns out that many animals in the animal kingdom, so far 1500 and more have been studied, have been known to have a sizable minority gay and lesbian population, ranging from 20% to more. In fact, at least 50% of certain species of apes are known to be bisexual.
Saying that homosexuality is "unnatural" is to miss the point. It is in the minority, but it is not unnatural.
A lot of studies have been done to study the role of gays in animal societies, so of which include stabilizing the male aggression in animal herds, and male couples bonding together to take care of abandoned young or little ones who have lost parents.
Beast FCD
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteBeast FCD:
ReplyDeleteI have allowed you to post many comments here. Don't abuse the priviledge by violating the rules.
1500 animal species have over 20% gay population? seriously.. not only do i wonder if you actually have real studies to back this up (and your other claims)... even if you do i wonder about how rigorous they are and where these studies come from (who is doing them, who is funding them).. and how reputable they are (published in reputable journal?)
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a number of animal species which practice monogamy as well. I wonder, for animals, how many gay couples there are in monogamous relationships as well (as opposed to just casual sex)
"It seems that their susceptibility to being gay are more or less the same as heterosexuals." So you are saying people have an equal susceptibility to being gay or straight? 50-50? lol.. do you need to clarify this statement or is that what u mean
you are not religious in any way, so i doubt you will understand the unnatural argument, and i see no evidence that you do
a certain percentage will be lesbians and gays, yes. But for Christianity, ALL have sinned and therefore there IS something wrong with EVERYONE. Again, you will not understand this, but every single human being is sinful.
I dunno why u personal attack Daniel out of nowhere, rather uncalled for, pls stop
I am not aware how much a difference having gay or straight parents makes, I would expect some difference at least
ReplyDeleteIt also seems quite certain that stuff like broken families and sexual abuse of children leads to higher rates of homosexuality.
Which reminds me, I recall from my youth, being molested by a male teacher. Which also reminds me, what is your view of pedophilia? Natural? Wrong? ... and why?
I have attempted to answer some of the questions here:
ReplyDeletehttp://callitgrace.blogspot.com/2009/04/response-to-homosexuality-part-1.html
SB:
ReplyDeleteIt is a good post. When is part two coming along?
Its a poor post, riddled with misconception and intolerance.
ReplyDeleteI have more or less debunked Christian arguments against homosexuality.
With regards to paedophilia, I have reinstated my position on my reply to Daniel Chew's post. You will need to hunt my blog for it.
Beast FCD
Dear Friends
ReplyDeletePlease sign these 2 petitions and forward to your friends if you agree that (1) AWARE should start taking responsibility for their mistakes and issue a public apology for their CSE Programme, and that (2) MOE should ban AWARE from offering sex education to schools:
Here:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/aware_to_apologise/
And here:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ban_aware_from_schools