Sopstories

There once was a lady. She was extremely concerned in what she perceived to be wrong and harmful teaching on sex for early teenagers. She brought her concerns to her family members, to ladies in her religious group. Many were similarly concerned – so they decided to do something about it – they decided to quietly garner more support, via emails, register as members in the relatively small organisation which was promoting this programme, swelling the membership by an extraordinary no, which somehow escaped the notice of the old timers, and voted people who are like-minded in. This writer is not part of this group – she is simply summarising what she gathered from the ground.

Come AGM, and the oldtimers were horrified. There was a coup they say. They were outraged, The group is trying to promote their religious beliefs they say. What is the stand on homosexuality was the first question they asked. Even people from the same religious group – group – not church, were upset. How can we be so high-handed they say? Jesus loved all, they say. We should be tolerant. They forget that Jesus threw out traders from outside the temple – calling them thieves. They forget that Jesus forgave the prostitute, but told her to sin no more. They forget Jesus loves all, but shows no tolerance to sin. This writer is not part of either group.

Then there is the press. They too were vocally upset. Hey, some of these people are our friends. How could they treat our friends this way? I am generalising of course. There began a series of the most biased reports I have read in recent times – this is my opinion – not a statement of fact. After all, it’s religious fanatics trying to promote their beliefs through a secular organisation. I wonder if people understand that when we wish to garner support, we go to people who are like-minded, and part of our social network. How is it surprising that the committee consists of people from the same, very large church? I am not from the press, nor from that church.

 Then CSE was challenged. MOE was queried. So MOE spokesman said there was no complaint about the CSE. I am not from MOE. The CSE’s instructor’s manual was posted online.

It was not as neutral or as scientific as it was made out to be. Amongst other things were statements like anal sex can be healthy. Healthy!! Pre-marital sex is neutral. Incidentally, these were taught to minors with whom it is illegal to have sexual intercourse. Parents were outraged – I am part of this group.

In the meantime, the Reds were soundly lambasted for the way they gained support. It is unfair, it is a coup. They sent emails to their friends and parents of their children’s friends. Private emails found their way into the intricate web. The Whites had to defend their post. After all, its double tit for a solitary tat – we need to regain ground. So they wrote passionately, they set up online petitions, they appealed for people to join AWARE and to support their vote of no confidence proposed. There fury, their insults were somehow seen as noble. They are whites after all. They seem to have a right to flaunt private emails on the web. Can you figure that out?

Come EGM – the Reds were jeered when they spoke. The Whites were cheered. It was  move over you upstarts – let us take charge. The membership had swollen to an amazing 3000. I wonder how many will stay to make a difference after this.

But one thing I do know. I thank Josie and team for highlighting the CSE. They made the nation AWARE. For that, they have done well. Could they have done it differently? I am not here to judge. They have been crucified enough. For now, let’s move on from being merely aware, to being proactive to protect our children. Let conservative values – the values still held by the majority of Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion, be upheld.

By the way, stop telling me that the doubtful sections only took 1 ½ min, as compared to half hour of teaching something more wholesome. How much cyanide is needed to kill? Compare this to the water we drink daily. Is there any comparison at all?.

I am not from AWARE, past or present, am not from COOS, am a Christian and a parent. The views here are strictly personal. And i do have gay friends so i am no homophobe. Nor do I ostracise friends who choose to cohabitate instead of getting married. They are adults and God has given us a freedom of choice. Do they know my views – yes – though i do not ram it down their throats. We are friends regardless of our differences.