Why is it that when a scantily-clad woman gets molested or raped, she 'deserves' it? No woman deserves to get molested or raped NO MATTER WHAT and it is definitely lame for anyone to think she is asking for it. It is a classic case of the victim being victimised. Apart from the physical and emotional trauma a victim suffers, the blame is now being pushed to her instead of a guy who still cannot control his animal(wait a min, this is an insult to animals who at least show respect for each other ).. his beastly base instincts despite mankind's supposed evolution and progress over the years. When guys walk around in nothing but shorts, are they asking to be sodomised? Well guys, how do you feel if some burly fat oily old man puts his sweaty palms all over you and then sticks his disgusting dick up your ass and after that horrifying experience, everyone else thinks you deserved it because you went downstairs to buy something dressed in a singlet and shorts? It is the responsibility of the hormonally-charged to learn to control themselves. Everyone should be able to walk around in whatever they like with freedom and not with the fear of being possibly attacked upon once they are alone in a dark alley. However, this will only happen in a perfect world (the one ours will never be) so since we cannot really do anything to control the hormones of others, we can at least stop pushing the blame to the victims.

My Australian friend who resides in Singapore recently told me that his 13-year-old sister was told, ' We don't have anything here for you, Pauline.' when she stepped into a boutique not too long ago. Granted, I think Pauline Hansen is a dumb, big-mouthed racist but I think we're no better than her if we choose to be hostile to Australians here just because they are Australians. Firstly, just because they are Australians doesn't mean they give their undying support to Pauline Hansen and hold underground Nazi meetings planning to do away with the non-white population in Singapore. Secondly, my friend assures me that even though Pauline Hansen seems to have plenty of supporters (but recently her popularity rates are waning...aww.), MOST Australians dislike her for dividing the nation and making other countries like Indonesia suspicious of Australia. So don't condemn the whole nation for the actions of a single person. We always talk about being anti-racist and stuff, but do we really put it into practice? How many of us are guilty of racist jokes or comments once in a while? In the first place, such jokes should not be said at all, I'm sure there is a huge range of topics to make jokes from that does not involve race. Racism should be suppressed from deep within your heart, your soul. By trying your best to not make any occasional derogatory comments about race and changing yourself within , you are helping the anti-racist movement in the long run by encouraging others with your resoluteness and good example.

Go read '1984', one of the most intense, brilliant books I have ever read; it is a classic written by George Orwell (the guy who wrote Animal Farm as well.) Anyway, it was written in the '30s and is the author's prophesy about what would have become of us, of the human race in general in 1984 (hence the title) but fortunately his predictions have not totally came true though signs that things are moving along those lines are showing (I mean that's how I feel). For one thing, he predicted that we will become too dependent on machines (ta-dah!). It is mainly a political book though and will help you grasp a better understanding about the system of hierarchy in politics. Orwell paints a very bleak, dark picture of the future and seems to be telling us that the human race is too self-destructive to survive. The humans in his story are cold, unfeeling and isolated from each other. Any individualistic thinking or emotion is deemed revolutionary by the government and punishable by death. Everyone's actions are watched constantly by the government who controls every aspect of their lives. In other words, the government is a fascist one , and the person at the top of the hierarchy pulling all the strings is someone simply called Big Brother.(my history teacher in my JC recently told me that Big Brother is supposed to be Stalin!) The ending is fantastic, too. Anyway, it is really a good read and makes you shake your head in marvel at the author's intelligence. It kinda made me see things in different perspectives and which is why I think everyone should read it. Do read it if you have the time; you can buy it from Sunny Bookshop at Far East for like about $10 or so.

For a lighter read, get ' The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Unlike most classics, it is actually funny and allows you to easily identify with the book's main character who is a teenager going through life and its uncertainties. He is endearing to the readers because he reminds us so much of ourselves in his thinking and outlook on life. His rambling thoughts are delightful; witty observations on life that occasionally make you chuckle aloud. However, the story is set in the '50s where social values and conditions are disintegrating hence there is a sense of gloominess looming in the background although it is not too obvious. Overall, it is still a humorous book and definitely worth a read. You can get it from Tower Books for $9 plus.

I don't know if you guys feel these 2 book reviews are redundant or wish to continue to see them in future issues so write to me at insubordination33@yahoo.com cuz I need feedback. Write, write, write! About anything.(me lurrrve mail.) Thanks a lot.