Pkchukiss – Reality Wine

Joshua Allan Feng happens to be one father who believes that establishments in Singapore have to ban overnight parties because he’s afraid that the teenage daughter would stay out too late if they were allowed.

What happened to talking to your child about your concerns?

I’m assuming that Joshua has trouble taking his daughter in hand, which is the reason why he feels the need for external intervention — to the extent that other teenagers can’t stay out late and enjoy themselves.

Wake up to the real world, Joshua. The world doesn’t revolve around you. If you do not want your daughter to stay out late, tell her that. I, for one don’t go to pubs and clubs, because I got kind of creeped out once by people dancing to mirrors in front of them in the semi-darkness, but I do not go around writing letters to newspapers whining about the potential moral decadence caused by people shaking their butts to some reflective glass under gaudy disco lighting.

Similarly, you do not go out and seek a general ban on teenager night-life just because you feel that it is the right thing to do. It follows the same vein of “a man’s meat is another man’s poison”. What works for you doesn’t necessarily mean that it would work for another person. That’s the reason why in this society we have choice.

Let me draw a parallel to Joshua’s behaviour with a classic of modern war history: Hitler didn’t like the Jews, so he ordered the massacre of Jews in the 1940s. Joshua wanted his teenager to stay at home at midnight, so he wants the government to kill off overnight partying for teenagers.

What else can I say? That even this absurd letter can be published in the Straits Times is telling of the newspaper’s quality, as well as the quality of critical thinking among self-righteous jerks out there.

ONE of the best things about living in Singapore is the knowledge that it is a very safe city. Low crime rates have led to us developing a casual take on certain matters. However, as the adage goes: ‘Low crime does not mean no crime’. I sometimes wonder if Singaporeans are basking in a false sense of security, taking their personal and property safety for granted.

What is particularly alarming is the fact that nightspots like Zouk and Play in Tanjong Pagar are organising non-alcoholic parties for teenagers under the legal drinking age of 18. These establishments point to the fact that they are not breaking any laws because they do not serve alcohol at these parties.

However, as a father of a 16-year-old girl, I find it irresponsible for such establishments to encourage teenagers who are yet of a responsible and mature age to engage in a ‘late-night’ lifestyle. These parties may not serve alcohol, but they carry on well into the early morning. My daughter recently attended a party on March 15 that lasted until 4am.

Singapore’s streets are relatively safe, compared to those in other countries. However, as a parent, I cannot help but worry when my teenage daughter is out roaming the streets after a party.

I understand the establishments want to cultivate new business and are not seen to be breaking the law as long as they ensure that no alcohol is served.

However, responsible businesses need to run on a moral obligation to society as well, especially when youth and children are concerned.

I am all for my daughter having a social life. But I want her to be safe, and one of the best ways to be sure of that is for her to come back at a reasonable hour. Parties like the one she went to should end no later than midnight.

Perhaps establishments like Zouk, and even government bodies such as the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, should look into developing guidelines regulating the conduct of these parties with youth participation. Parents, businesses and the Government should work hand in hand to cultivate healthy and responsible lifestyle habits among youth.

Joshua Allan Feng

Filed under: General