Reverse Discrimination

Welcome, my fervent supporters. Today, I will discuss reverse discrimination in my final session of the term.

What is reverse discrimination? Let us start off by defining discrimination. Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a certain group of people based on perceived differences. Reverse discriminatinon is logically the favouring of a group of people who have been treated with discrimination in the past. There are many types of reverse discrimination such as feminism, but today I would like to focus on reverse discrimination against students from elite schools.

There are various reasons for such reverse discrimination, most of which I will not ennumerate. However, I would like to elucidate on the the factor I feel is most important today. Such reasons include a sense of innate envy or jealousy that a student from a non-elite school would tend to feel towards a student from an elite school.

When one faces an erudite academic with many gleaming awards and achievements, it is quite common to feel envious of his or her multitude of highly-honoured and regarded awards and achievements. It is perfectly normal and even beneficial as this envy pushes one to greater heights as well, giving one the motivation to protect one's dignity or to disprove one's inferiority by achieving as much, if not more. However, the problem arises when one is over-sensitive and takes another person's achievements as an insult to oneself. This is a destructive process of cognition because instead of treating another persons' summit as an objective, one will have the "sour grapes" mentality and discriminate against the elite students just to vent their anger and frustration. It is easy to see how many other prejudices can stem from this redundant irritation with the elite students.

I personally feel that this is the most important reason as it is the most prevalent. It is a natural tendency to feel envious of another's achievements. This is actually a survival instinct we inherited from our evolutionary ancestors, the primeapes, albeit extremely diluted over the past millennia. All animals have the instinct to either escape from or eliminate other animals who may compete with them or pose a threat to their existence. It was necessary in the primaeval ages when natural selection only picked the fittest to survive amidst the diverse competition from various species.

Recently, there was a post on STOMP (Straits Times Online Mobile Print) about some Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) students eating ice-cream on the bus. While I feel this is a murky case to begin with, I think reverse discrimination played a large role.

The STOMPer who posted this article, described the HCI students eating ice cream on the bus with a snide, sardonic tone, implying that there are higher expectations of HCI students than normal students. I can understand this statement since HCI is reputed for its strong root in the Confucian ethics system and is famed for its strict code of conduct. I also think the boys were in the wrong by eating on the bus. This incident of course drew much public furore. However, this raises another point.

There is a fine line separating objective disciplinary actions and prejudiced attitudes towards students from elite schools. Why should we as HCI students need to be absolutely perfect to meet the expectations of the public? Why should any students from any elite school expected to never trip up? Conversely, why are public expectations of the neighbourhood schools so low and why is there so much praise when a student from a neighbourhood school scores well in national competitions as compared with an "seen it all" attitude from the media when students from elite schools clinch the gold? After all, everyone in any secondary school, no matter how elite, is still a teenager at the core. Everyone is the same in this regard. I think it is rather biased to have expectations based on the school one attends. While I concede that this is perfectly normal, I think that the main argument when criticising students should not be their school.

The majority of Singaporeans love such gossip over controversial issues like this, so they can assert their opinions on the situation as best. However, I think it unfair and prejudiced to target all news at the elite schools of Singapore. Just because someone is from an elite school does not mean they are infallible. There have been many recent incidents to prove contrary, such as the HCI alumnus who was caught with videos of child pornography on his laptop and the HCI alumnus who set the record for most number of men slept with. My point is that one should treat everyone fairly and objectively based on individual characteristics and not based on their school or workplace. If one wishes to bring up school or workplace, one should relate it back to the individual by explaining how the school or workplace has cultivated certain desirable or undesirable characteristics in the individual.

Reverse discrimination is extremely diverse, appearing in all fields of work and play. One should be careful not to fall into the trap of utilising such fallacious arguments in one's cognition.

Mother's Day Exclusive

Welcome readers, to this exclusive session on Mother's Day. What is Mother's Day? It is a globally celebrated holiday that falls on the 2nd Sunday of May every year. It commemorates the contributions of all mothers who have done so much to bring up their children.

The origins of Mother's Day are rather obscure. However, it is widely accepted by historians all over the world that Mother's day originated in the United States of America (USA). The original purpose for Mother's Day was to oppose war, started by Julia Ward Howe of the USA. Written in 1870, it was a pacfiist reaction to the ravaging American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War. Howe's feminist attitude dictated her ideals that women had a right and responsibility to sculpt their societies at the political level. She was very specific that the word "Mother's" was to be a singular possesive form, not a plural possesive (Mothers') or plural non-possesive (Mothers Day). The idea was for each family to honour their own matriarch, and not as a general festival to celebrate mothers. As such, it is evident that the original purpose has evolved somewhat.

I believe that whatever the case, we should treat this festival with reverance and also respect. Our mothers have indeed contributed much to our lives, taking on much of the responsibilities and burdens that accompany parenthood. We should never take this for granted, even though a mother's love is unconditional.

However, it is rather tragic that many youths of the present era do not feel the love of their mothers and fathers. They believe that their parents are deliberately restricting their freedom and as such are hostile towards their parents. Have they ever considered the viewpoint of their parents? They are their parents' flesh and blood. Their parents only wish for the best for their children and are not afraid to sacrifice so their children can lead better lives. How sad it is then, if these efforts are not recognised?

My own mother has helped me many times. She drives me to school twice a week, waking up at 6:50 and cutting short her already limited sleep so I can rest a little longer every day. If I were to take a bus to school, I would have to wake up at least half an hour earlier. Also, my mother is the stern matriarch of our family. She consistently checks on me, asking whether I have read the newspapers for that day, satisfied my weekly book-reading quota or practised the piano for at least an hour that day. If I had not, there would be a "volcanic eruption" of sorts because her temper goes off extremely easily. However, she ultimately loves me very much because she is my mother and only wants the best for me.

Looking back at some of the sillier incidents when she helped me, I cannot help but feel a pang of guilt. Many times in primary school, I would forget to bring consent forms for enrichment activities or forget to get exam papers signed by my parents. My mother had to make many trips from her busy office to come to my primary school to resolved the matter. I feel very remorseful now as I reminisce all her effort in bringing me up.

I would really like to wish my special mother a very "Happy Mother's Day!" This is an opportunity that only comes once in a year, and I think all of us should commemorate our mothers on this special day.

Poem Analysis: "Daddy's Day"

This is one of my favourite poems, a poem titled "Daddy's Day", composed in 2000 by poet Cheryl Costello-Forshey. The poem is about a girl who talks about her father who died in the 911 September 11 incident when terrorists hijacked flight Q33 NY and crashed into the World Trade Centre.

Her hair up in a ponytail, her favorite dress tied with a bow

Today was Daddy’s Day at school, and she couldn’t wait to go

But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home

Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone

The poem starts off with a description of the girl's appearance. It briefly introduces the situation, where a girl is preparing for Daddy's Day in school, or a day where children bring their fathers to school to introduce them to their classmates. However, it immediately provides a twist by saying that she would be going to school alone.

This invokes many feelings in the readers such as curiosity and suspense. By providing an interesting twist in the start, it makes the reader feel obliged to continue reading the poem. Also, it sets a bittersweet tone for the rest of the poem by contrasting the girl's excitement with the sombre nature of the situation. I like this stanza as it establishes the conflict and twist within the first few lines of the poem.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say

What to tell her classmates, on this Daddy’s Day

But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone

And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home

But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all

About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls

This stanza continues the plot, by describing her serene expression and feelings even when confronted by the thought that she might be ridiculed or poked fun at for not having a father. It describes her mother's anxious expressions for her daughter as well.

The stanza continues the bittersweet theme by contrasting the girl's anticipation with her mother's sadness and anxiety. Also, it continues the suspense by describing the father as "a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls". It is still unclear whether the father is dead or constantly away from home. I like this stanza for that reason.

There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet

Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called, a student from the class

To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed

At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare

Each of them were searching, for a man that wasn’t there

“Where’s her daddy at?” She heard a boy call out

“She probably doesn’t have one.” Another student dared to shout

And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say

“Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.”

This stanza is slightly longer. It describes the scene in the classroom, setting the anticipation for the girl's show and tell on her father. It also shows how she is ridiculed and written off by the students and parents in the classroom.

It heightens the suspense and anticipation. What is she going to say next? Once again, a reference is made to the father as "a man that wasn't there". The poem is still unclear about the father's exact details.

The words did not offend her, as she smiled at her friends

And looked back at her teacher, who told her to begin

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak

And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique

“My Daddy couldn’t be here, because he lives so far away

But I know he wishes he could be with me on this day

This stanza sates some of the curiosity the reader experiences reading this poem. There is a tranquil air about the girl, as she "smiled at her friends" despite the snide comments from the audience about her father. Also, she is portrayed as very serene and mature, despite her young age. She is very confident, and at the same time innocent in her words. However, who exactly is the father?

And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know

All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so

He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike

He surprised me with pink roses, and he taught me to fly a kite

We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone

And though you cannot see him, I’m not standing all alone

‘Cause my daddy’s always with me, even though we are apart

I know because he told me, he’ll forever be here in my heart”

This stanza shows the happy relationship the girl had with her father and how she cherishes those memories of her father. In her innocence and happiness, she believes in her father to be always by her side even when he has left the world. Even though her father is absent, she still loves him because he'll "forever be here in my heart."

With that her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest

Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress

And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears

Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years

For she stood up for the love, of a man not in her life

Doing what was best for her, doing what was right

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd

She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud

This portrays her true love towards her father, even though she only had hazy memories of her father who was "a man not in her life". It shows how the girl is mature enough to love her father unconditionally like a family should.

“I love my daddy very much, he’s my shining star

And if he could he’d be here, but heavens just too far

You see, he was a fireman and died just this past year

When airplanes hit the towers and taught Americans to fear

But sometimes when I close my eyes, it’s like he never went away”

And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day

And to her mother’s amazement, she witnessed with surprise

A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes

Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside

Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side

This is the conclusion to the poem. The girl reveals that her father has died just recently, while valiantly trying to douse the fires that erupted at the World Trade Centre, and celebrates her fathers existence even though he has died. To her, he will live on eternally in her heart, and he is watching her from heaven with pride and happiness as she talks about him.

“I know you’re with me daddy.” To the silence she called out

And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt

Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed

But there placed on her desktop, was a beautiful fragrant pink rose

And a child was blessed, if only a moment, by the love of her shining bright star

And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far

On the whole, this poem is very meaningful as it commemorates fathers all over the world, not just those who bravely gave their lives saving others in the bombing of the World Trade Centre.

Indeed, the role of our fathers in bringing us up is very diminished as most credit always goes to mothers. While I do not dispute that mothers have put in much effort to raise children, I believe that the fathers have contributed their fair share as well. Fathers are usually the sole breadwinner when the mother is too uneducated to work or chooses to take care of her children rather than work. They are the ones who stand in the background supportively, while the mothers raise the children. Fathers are tasked with both familial and career duties.

My father always used to go on business trips. As such, he would try to send me to school more often in the morning, waking up at 6:50 just to drive me to school. We always had conversations in the car, talking about all manner of things. It was his way of communicating and getting to know his son, I suppose.

In lieu of Mother's Day, while we are giving our mothers treats and celebrating their special day with them, let us remember the contribution that our fathers have made in bringing us up.

Book Review: Firestorm

Hello, my avid readers. Today, I shall be sharing with you a book I read not too long ago. It is entitled "Firestorm" and is written by author David Klass. "Firestorm" is a science fiction book that talks about global warming.

Jack Danielson is a regular teenager living in Hadley-by-Hudson, New York, the United States of America. However, his entire life is turned upside-down when he is set upon by the Dark Army, an army of hybrid mutants from the future who thrive in the pollution-ravaged Earth. Together with his loyal companion dog Gisco, and his guardian Eko, they must save the ocean from a mysterious man named Dargon, before it is too late.

The idea of a young hero stepping forward to save humanity has been used in many science-fiction and fantasy books. However, Jack saving the Earth from humans destroying it through various types of pollution provides an interesting and gripping twist to the idea. The book conveys the need to save the environment by showing what the Earth will be like if nothing is done now. The book also emphasises how everyone can work together to save the Earth by helping out in their own tiny way, perhaps planting another tree, or helping to clear some rubbish on the floor. It is a work of art that combines environmental awareness with an action-packed that is sure to keep the reader glued to the pages.

This book is extremely unique, because of the creative spin it takes on the global warming issue. Many books I have read about global warming have been non-fiction books that simply provide the facts in a dry, dull manner. However, this book has the added advantage of coming in a suspenseful and gripping plot. I think this is a great way to learn about facts, because the emotions that accompany the book will help to ingrain those facts into one's brain. This is beneficial as compared to the conventional methods of teaching that many students perceive as boring. However, one should be careful that the book is not too off-topic for revision purposes.

I think this book is extremely useful in teaching both science and literature lessons because of its hybrid nature. I liked the book so much I finished it in two days and went on to borrow the sequel, finishing that in three days. The action and suspense that is provided abundantly in the plot is also a major benefit for teachers as they can be fairly sure that students will finish the book in a week at maximum due to its appeal to the younger generation. Also, the youth of the protagonist is likely to appeal very much to other youths as well. I would recommend this book to all literature and science teachers to incorporate in their lessons. There are indeed many learning points such as protecting the environment, helping those in need and being wary and alert of those who would deceive you. For example, in one chapter of the story, Jack sabotages a trawler ship that is owned by the evil Dargon and stands by his decision even though he is brutally punished afterwards. He also does not fall prey to Dargon's balm of honeyed lies with which Dargon tries to entice Jack to stop in his quest to save the Earth.

However, this book has some content which may be inappropriate for younger readers such as romance and violence. I would recommend that only children of 10 years or older read this book. For example, in the aforementioned chapter, Dargon punished Jack by chopping off his little finger on the left hand. This may not be suitable for those who are not mature enough to deal with violence, even if it is entirely fictional.

Also, this book has provided me with additional vocabulary to add to my word bank. For example, "salient" which means important, "obfuscated" which means to make obscure or unclear, and "hoi polloi" which is a Greek word for "the masses". Other words include "speleology" which means the study of caves and "vulcanology" which means the study of volcanoes.

Overall, a delectable read. I will be borrowing the third and final book when it becomes available at my local library.

STOMP

STOMP stands for Straits Times Online Mobile Print. It is a Singaporean website that provides users with the opportunity to discuss hot topics like the furore over the recent General elections. Alternatively, one can post pictures onto STOMP to share a humourous experience or to showcase a public act of disgrace. It is undeniable that the STOMP website provides a forum for Singaporeans to share different viewpoints on a topic. However, what about the ethics of such a website? Is it really all it's cracked up to be?

The website was indeed started with the objective of providing a forum to the hoi polloi of Singapore. However, there are certain rules and regulations one cannot cross. One can complain about the mischievous acts of a student in a public area such as a shopping centre, but one cannot insinuate that the student's school is lousy just because of one incident. One can lament that his supervisor at work is rather oppressive, but one cannot go on to directly insult his bosses. In recent times, there have been more and more of such posts by Singaporean STOMPers. These posts often have no real meaning, and are just to let off steam after a stressful day. This is perfectly alright as long as it is within the ethical and legal boundaries. However, these posts usually amount to slander and the poster can be sued legally for slander.

The following is a link to a STOMP article.

http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/ugly_commuters/623034/inconsiderate_ns_man_blocks_bus_passageway_with_duffel_bag.html

The article is about a National Serviceman (NS man) being inconsiderate by placing his bag on the floor. The STOMPer who posted it was apparently extremely distressed by this inconsiderate act. However, I do not see how it is being inconsiderate. It is akin to a student placing his bag on the floor as it is very bulky and heavy from his gear. It would be realistic to place the bag on the floor as opposed to on his lap or on the chair. Also, the bus is rather empty and there is no visible sign that people are bothered or irritated by this. I think he was actually being considerate as he did not put the bag on the chair, where it would have taken up an additional seat and possibly made the seat dirty. Also, the man placed his bag where there was a wider path for people to walk through. In my opinion, a person wanting to walk past could simply step over the bag. It is not a big bother for anyone, perhaps worthy of a minor lament but the STOMPer overexaggerated the frustration this man caused. It is irrelevant and nearly amounts to public flaming.

In general, I do not think that taking pictures of people in the wrong is the best way to report nuisance acts by inconsiderate people. I think it would have been much better, if in the picture someone could have stepped forward to explain to the NS man about how his duffel bag was affecting other commuters on the bus. Insulting from behind a veil of anonymity is often far too easy. If someone wishes to insult or criticise another person, he or she should step forward in the open and not hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

STOMP is a website that has much potential to become the Singaporean "Facebook". However, we should in any case think thrice before posting possibly offensive remarks online.

Singapore General Elections

Welcome back, my avid fans. Today I will be doing exclusive coverage of the Singapore General Elections, and my personal reflections.

The past ten days saw a islandwide frenzy of emotion-stirring rallies, with political competitors and opponents both gunning for political points. Opposition parties have clashed ferociously with the People's Action Party (PAP) in Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) all over the pandemonic political battlefield, and both sides have tried their hardest for political victory. Yesterday saw the final respite after months of hard work by both candidates and voters.

As a supporter of the PAP, my natural first reaction when I had heard that Aljunied GRC had gone to the WP was of course distaste and disappointment. However, my mother chided me for not supporting the WP, saying that they deserved the win. Even though we lived in Tanjong Pagar GRC, it was apparent that the WP's passionate rally speeches and gestures of endearment had swayed my ever-headstrong mother as well. How did they do it? And what lessons can we learn?

This election marked a historic watershed for Singapore's electoral landscape. Many new feelings were instilled in the next generation of young voters, and many old rivalries were once again inflamed by the impassioned speeches of both the opposition and the PAP. However, the PAP defeated all parties and retained all their seats, with only one exception of Aljunied GRC. However, it is this one exception that will send the General Elections (GE) 2011 down into the Singaporean history.

The WP's "A"-team, comprising its secretary-general Low Thia Kiang and its chairwoman Sylvia Lim, defeated long-time defending champion George Yeo, the minister of Finance. How did they wrest the laurel of success from the PAP's team?

There are indeed a multitude of reasons. Firstly, they showed empathy towards the common man, and focused their shots on the weaknesses of the PAP's policies, such as housing affordability and healthcare. These were the biggest grouses of the man on the street, and still are today. They consistently rallied around the need for citizens to have a greater say and a greater influence in shaping the policies of the Singapore Government. The PAP had long been far too arrogant, deluded by sucess into thinking their throne on the parliamentary seats was impregnable. The WP gave the people the promise of a voice for reform, and the promise of a more citizen-oriented government. By showing empathy in their rallying speeches, and using the approval of the audience to their advantage, charismatic speakers like Pritam Singh and Low Thia Kiang were able to win the hearts and votes of many in Aljunied GRC.

Secondly, they appealed to the huge surge of young voters in this year's elections. The younger generation had mostly been born after 1975 and as such had not seen the miracles that the PAP had worked in the early years of Singapore. Appealing to the technologically-savvy generation of youth, they utilised social media like Facebook and Twitter to their maximum advantage. They used the interactivity and low cost of the Internet to set up a powerful campaign starting from their small budget. By contrast, the PAP did not manage to effectively harness the power of the Internet. Many residents were not impressed by the routine vans with loudspeakers and grassroots leaders handing out leaflets that were deployed by the PAP. Feisty "Boo"s were heard when one such van made its rounds. Also, grassroots leaders were told to "shove off" by an irate resident when they were promoting the PAP.

However, what was the real distinguishing factor? The PAP unrelentingly pounded the WP's arguments, calling for them to reveal plans of their own. They attempted to appeal to people's common sense and logic. However, the WP refused to wage war on a battlefield unfavourable to them. They instead drew the focus onto the need for reform, and for a "co-driver to slap the driver awake when he is asleeep" as Mr Low Thia Kiang put it. The WP's mandate proved to be far more effective than the PAP's in garnering votes for themselves. The PAP was like a well armoured fighter throwing punches at thin air, while the WP was like a distant sniper, aiming with impeccable precision at the flaws and chinks in the PAP's armour. With their powerful speeches and forceful arguments, they were able to use emotion and passion to overcome the obstacles that the PAP flung in their path.

The PAP, which had long become oblivious to change in the Singaporean landscape and blinded by their prolonged success in the general elections through the years, had grown far too obstinate. They simply refused to listen to the needs of the citizens, writing them off as everyday or inevitable occurrences. Mr Mah Bow Tan, the minister for National Development, kept insisting that housing prices were affordable for the Singaporean masses, despite insistent claims that housing was too highly-priced. This was the major mistake that the PAP made. In most of the GRCs and SMCs that were contested, the PAP only won by razor-thin margins of hundreds of votes. Mrs Lina Chiam of the Singapore People's Party lost by only 114 votes, or just a meagre 0.4%. The general sentiment of those who voted for opposition parties said that the main motivation had been to give the PAP a wake-up call, rather than to display support for those parties. As the proverb goes, "Pride comes before a fall." The PAP, blinded by pride, were not able to see how their seats were threatened by the soaring aspirations of the opposition parties. This ultimately led to their stunning loss in Aljunied GRC to the WP.

If we are complacent ourselves, we will never be able to achieve greater results. As the Chinese saying goes, "There is always a taller mountain." Whenever we think we have climbed to the peak of our achievement, there is always a higher peak for us to scale. It is when we think our achievements are the pinnacle that we stop growing. Other people, by contrast, treat it as the foundation for their own greater achievements. Complacency is like a huge rock blocking our path. It is when we shake the complacent mindset and shift into a different paradigm that the rock will become a stepping stone instead to climb to greater glory.

Likewise, if we have noble aspirations and a persevering heart, the WP has shown that even the most deeply ingrained of conventions can be overcome by diligence and perseverance in pursuing one's dream. When we are constantly chasing after our objectives, there will come a day when we finally catch up to them. As the CHinese saying goes, "There is nothing difficult in the world, only lazy people." If we have the due diligence, we can always find a way to break down obstacles in our path to success

Although I do not approve of the WP's victory in Aljunied, I concede that this may cause the PAP to realise their arrogant mistakes and revamp their policies. With the WP in parliament, there will also be a greater cause for the PAP to stop being apathetic and negligent towards the citizens. Nobody can improve without rigorous competition and testing, and this applies to the field of politics as well. Hopefully, this will prove as a wake-up call to the PAP and keep Singapore's government on their toes.

Newspapers: What are they?

Newspapers are a part of our daily lives. Newspapers are our way of connecting with the current happenings around the world. We read them almost every single day. But do we actually know what they are? Do we really appreciate the diverse variations on newspaper article formats?

There are two salient types of newspaper structure. One is the broadsheet, and the other is the tabloid. They each have their individual differences, similarities, advantages and disadvantages.

The most noticeable feature is the size difference of the two types of newspaper. One page of a broadsheet newspaper is usually a large A2 size, while one page of a tabloid newspaper is a much more diminutive A4 size.

The two types of newspaper also differ in the articles reported. The tabloids generally report more human-interest and sensational news. It is in these articles that there is more coverage of celebrity icons. The broadsheets, on the other hand, report more formal, factual news, including more statistics. These tend to be rather dry, with many facts and figures. However, the broadsheets tend to be more organised as compared to tabloids.

The next difference is the use of language and the tone. Broadsheets generally use more sophisticated vocabulary as compared to tabloids. However, the type of article in question admittedly plays a role in determining usage of language as well. Tabloids would also incorporate a more jovial or informal tone when reporting news while the broadsheets take a more professional approach, keeping their articles formal and factual.

The third difference is the coverage of news. Broadsheets usually have a greater extent of coverage than tabloids. Broadsheets cover news coming in even from remote places such as Afghanistan, Siberia or even the Himalayas. In stark contrast, tabloids tend to stick to the more well-known parts of the world such as capitals of major countries or important regions in a specific area. They might only cover sensational news from Paris, Washington D.C. or perhaps Tokyo. Admittedly, the type of article in question is also a factor in determining the extent of coverage.

The final difference is the method of conveying news. Tabloids tend to include more photographs, as many as three or four per article, or perhaps relevant cartoon scenes while broadsheets are in general extremely wordy. One picture per article is usually the maximum, unless there are circumstance like headline news.

So in the end, which should one pick? The dry, or the exciting? The formal, or the informal? The important, or the unimportant? It depends to a very large degree on the reader’s aims and objectives of reading the newspapers. If one is aiming to learn about global affairs, one would be better suited reading the hard news articles in a broadsheet. If one is looking for local and regional gossip to talk about, the lifestyle articles in tabloids are recommended. Both types of article are important as they complement each other. However, each reader should clarify what they really want out of the reading experience and make a decision based on that.

Hard News Article for Language Arts