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This is why people from around the world laugh at Singapore and call us a nanny state. After years of being mollycoddled through a rigid education system with very restricted political and social space for the public to voice opinions, we get used to looking to the Singapore government to decide everything for us.
Including whether we should be allowed to play Pokémon Go. That is if a Singaporean woman, Estella Young, can have her way.
In a letter which Young wrote to the Straits Times (which seems to like to curate and publish this kind of troll-like letters lately), she emphatically list out reasons why “the Singapore authorities should think twice about allowing the game to be played here”.
“Pokemon Go should not be played at certain locations for reasons of public safety and human decency.
Schools, hospitals and public transport interchanges should be off limits due to the risk posed by uncontrolled surges of human traffic.
Nor does it befit the dignity of other locations, such as houses of religious worship and cemeteries, to be invaded by gamers blindly chalking up points.” Argued Young.
Fair enough, but I do think there is a fine line to be drawn between appealing to the public to exercise moral judgement ourselves versus outright regulation to stamp out undesirable behaviour, deemed by a few people in society.
While I respect Young’s right to express her opinion, I think other Singaporeans also deserve the rights to share their rebuttals.
My favourite line from Young is this: “In this age of lone-wolf terrorism, an extremist could easily buy a “Lure” to draw players into a low-security zone before launching a mass-casualty attack.”
Wow.
The lady managed to link Pokemon Go to potential terrorist attacks.
Might as well we ban all motor vehicle in Singapore since terrorists in Nice had used a lorry to stage a terror attack in France recently.
Let’s not stop there. We should ban the Straits Times and all newspapers too. Why?
There’s more.
Here are some of the best online comments on Young’s well-received letter:
What do you think of the whole issue?
Should the Singapore government step in and regulate Pokemon Go when it becomes available here?
By the way, if you are traveling to Japan, Pokemon Go is finally available in the birthplace of Pokemon and Pikachu. Check out our list of ten real attractions in Japan which you should be going to catch ’em all!
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''Fair enough, but I do think there is a fine line to be drawn between appealing to the public to exercise moral judgement ourselves versus outright regulation to stamp out undesirable behaviour, deemed by a few people in society.''
If appealing to the public to exercise moral judgement really work , there wont be a need to impose law in this world . Self regulation just doesn't work , at least for SG . It lacks bite .
Govt has been appealing to the public not to litter for years , just imagine what will happen if the cleaners go on strike . That's why fines are put in place .One would argue why not impose a law to restrict it instead of banning it totally ?
The question is ,why should we go through all those trouble , passing that law in parliament just for a few gamers ? One wont lose anything by not playing nor benefit from such games anyway . You wont lose an arms or legs . Pokémon Enthusiastic Gamer like you will surely protest such move , understandable .
Ban paper ? Ban usage of mobile phone ? There is a great difference between necessity and need . As I just mention , one wont lose anything by not playing nor benefit from such games anyway . You wont lose an arms or legs by not playing .
Paper n mobile phone is a necessity . You definitely need a mobile phone for , communication , checking emails ( work related ) , information management . And the list goes on . What benefit does a Pokémon Go games provide ? Non , in my opinion . That's a need , not a necessity
Ban paper ? Ban usage of mobile phone ? There is a great difference between necessity and wants . As I just mention , one wont lose anything by not playing nor benefit from such games anyway . You wont lose an arms or legs by not playing .
Paper n mobile phone is a necessity . You definitely need a mobile phone for , communication , checking emails ( work related ) , information management . And the list goes on . What benefit does a Pokémon Go games provide ? Non , in my opinion . That’s a wants , not a necessity
If the sad people who play such a pathetic and childish game as PG were to get a life, there would be no need to ban it from anywhere. GROW UP people.
'' In a video she sent, a group of around 30 people can be seen recklessly dashing across the road to get to a Pokemon that appeared on the other side.
A car and a van had to slow down to give way to the jaywalking pedestrians.
According to The Straits Times, Block 401 in Hougang Avenue 10 has gained a reputation for being a hub of virtual activity, with "rare" Pokemon such as Gyarados reportedly spotted there.
On top of the noise from large gatherings, numerous players have also posted in the Facebook group documenting the litter - discarded food, drink bottles, and cigarette butts - that is left behind after crowds disperse. ''
What does that show ? Apealing to the public to exercise moral judgement JUST DOESNT WORK .