New Age Couples

I refer to the article published on 29th May 2009 on The Straits Times Urban Section. The article basically talks about how well the society is accepting the “New Age Couple”, as more women date younger men today.

As the society evolved to what it is today and with women no longer being confined to homes and having the opportunities to widen their social circle, the insights of these women grow as well, hence it no longer so much of an issue to date younger men, as compared to before.

Today, women get more choices as they choose their partners. The relational formation and development for each woman differs as each has different criteria to cater to individual’s needs and desires.

There could be many reasons behind, when a woman chooses to engage herself in a relationship with a man who is younger than her. Physical appearance of a more youthful guy may be the first sign of attraction, and the idea of beauty is generally different for everyone.

However, a relationship may also spark off due to similarities which easily connect two parties together. With attitudinal and social preference similarities between couples, communications among them become easy and hence allow them to forget the age issue and often result in a smooth sailing relationship. There are also certain kinds of women who enjoys activities which men her age will not be able to appreciate, such as visiting to manicures or doing extreme sports, thus they also find younger men who is more opened, appealing to them.

A well known saying quotes “opposite attracts”. With a age difference, perspectives and opinions differs among the two individuals as well. Dissimilarities and complementarities also become a tendency to form relationships and are common these days. People find it more exciting to discover something new from their partner from time to time rather than being bore to death by things which they themselves already know or share the same views with.

Then, many may fear the issue of an age gap as it may bring about communication barriers in a relationship. However, as such relationship becomes more common and accepted in society, these couples have more chances to interact between one another’s social circle (shared social contacts), and hence allowing the partners to understand one another better and bringing them closer to one another(proximity). With the eliminations of the intimidation, uncertainties and insecurities, the couple finds it easier to get along.

Lastly, women would consider younger men due to the fact that they find them more
conscientious and appreciative towards them. The men reciprocate their feelings and this serves as a form of validation towards a relationship. Many women value this point as they believe it is vital throughout the course of a relationship in order to keep a relationship burning.

However, due to age differences, conflicts may become inevitable due to different perspectives and opinions of these couples. True that it may be fresh and exciting during its initial stage, but whether one can accept the subsequent differences that surface will be another issue altogether.

Angels and Demons; Great Movie or Controversial Movie?

The mega movie blockbuster of the month. Angels and Demons, has finally opened in Singapore. The movie did not fail to captivate majority of the audiences with its fresh and unconventional storyline. However, the blockbuster which also revolves around a dark, conflicting and disturbing storyline, has caused a controversy among the catholic community globally. The catholics are coming together to boycott the movie.

As depicted by many sources, the movie that is based on a fictional storybook written by Dan Brown, and has many portrayals that strayed away from the real and original facts of the catholic’s culture and history. The way the storyline is communicated through the movie (script) has offended the Catholics as they perceived the movie as a lack of respect for their culture, and also an intention to stir confusion and conflict among the interest of the Catholic community.

While the group of staunch Catholics (organisation) decided to defend their interest and perspective, other groups of audiences are willing to accept the storyline as they chose (selection) to maintain open minds and take the opportunity to be exposed to a different and unconventional thinking. This is an example to how different people react to things due to the selection they choose, their cognitive schematas and the kind of organisation/environment that they are exposed to.

As much as many may disapprove with the storyline and morals of “Angels and Demons”, one cannot deny that it is a good and successful movie which has managed to communicate and reach out to the audiences. Apart from using the most common way to communicate with audiences by using verbal communications, the director has also made use of many nonverbal communication such as creating Objectifs or artifacts, kinesics and physical appearances to create suspension and to arouse the curiosity of the audiences. At the same time, these unspoken lines also gave inklings to the audiences as to what is happening in the movie. Nonverbal communication which is receiver orientated, often enables audiences to interpret and derive at different conclusions, and hence evokes discussions among. A much discussed movie is usually a well received movie, thus the need for nonverbal communication as I feel it is part of what makes a movie successful. The director and writer of the movie have made use of the tools of communication to make the movie work out well for them.



However, due to the lack of research on the theme that revolves around the Catholics, many have alleged the movie to have defamed the beliefs that the Catholics have upheld. It has caused disapproval and misunderstanding within the community, which then led to a controversy and a boycott among the community. Religion is a sensitive topic and always will be. For the mass to accept such storyline, adequate researches will have to be done in order for people to come together to approve and support the movie.

We can do better.

Animal abuses have sparked a new level of concern among the public over the recent years.

Although more (education, campaigns and etc) is being done to educate the mass public, it is ironic that we do not see the cases of animal abuses ceasing. Could it simply be the fact that people are becoming ignorant or the fact that people are oblivious to the happenings in society today?

In my opinion, the rise in animal abuses is caused by 2 factors, the media and the society. Due to the amount of stress level in society today, people are taking out on these helpless animals. To make matter worse, these abusers usually get away scot-free, due to lack of evidences or unwillingness of witnesses coming forward to identify them. The ignorance of people will indirectly cause the offender to repeatedly commit these immoral acts. Perhaps if the government is willing to impose a heavier fine on the offender and reward witnesses, it may help make the situation better. I also personally do not think the current jail term or fine imposed on these offenders are harsh enough to make them realised their wrong-doings.

People also often make haste decisions after watching shows that portray extremely adorable pets and how joyous it is of owning them. Shows often do not emphasize on the workload and responsibility that comes along with it, and when pet owners come to a realisation, many regret and eventually turn to the SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for solution, but there’s only so much SPCA can do. The dogs are given a limited period to live. If they do not get adopted within the given time, they will be put down, depriving them of their rights to live on. Is this not cruelty to the animals who have done nothing wrong? Hence I think the media should review the way they communicate with the audiences, and to revise the contents of their show so as to convey a message to audiences that, although pets can be a bundle of joy, one should always consider the trouble that comes along with it, and I must complement the movie, Marley and I for successfully bringing message across.

If we all work together, we can give these animals better lives. They too, have a right to live well, and it is our right, to make the world better.