Film censorship

Film censors acting like bullies: http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2009/yax-1056.htm

Anybody who knows me, will be used to the idea that I'm pretty much more openly patriotic about Singapore than the normal citizen is. BUT, that doesn't mean I'm a blind follower, agreeing to every single policy. There are certain things that do bug me about this little island city. The most apparent one is the harsh and often unnecessary film censorship. I'm not going to talk about freedom of speech. It's so passe and we know we never had total freedom of speech (which I don't really believe in anyway. I find a certain level of control is definitely necessary in this small city) in the first place. That doesn't mean they shouldn't be transparent about the process nor does it mean they should disallow topics that really, is as offensive as a harmless baby. Banning films preaching hate is understandable. Banning films showing indisputable reality, encouraging the end of prejudice... I cannot comprehend.

The development of stigma against homosexuality, against sex is completely unnecessary. It's just like how the media years ago planted the seed in everyone's mind that breast feeding is embarrassing and should not be done in public, even if you're fully covered. The idea of breastfeeding itself is thought to be sexual instead of seen as a motherly act. It's the same as to creating the idea that gays are abnormal by banning films showing homosexuals leading normal lives. I'm very much sure homosexuals have existed in high numbers way before any movies were shown - Closeted, that is. Married with kids, and thoroughly unhappy.

Having watched a variety of films away from Singapore, I realised we are missing so much. I've always thought it great to have something like the Irish Film Institute, showcasing top notch films from around the world, handpicked by the management. But I realised if this censorship madness continues, there's only so many films we could enjoy in their full glory. What stands after all these over-censorship is the lack of imagination, close-mindedness, immaturity and plain prejudice. Films have the power to educate, and open minds. We're just not given enough of a chance to do so.

If this film act is brushed up accordingly and followed through for future films, Singapore might just be a step closer to being perfect in my eyes.