志异 Draft by Drama box December 2014 (english) | Page 49

Support and solidarity are the most basic expressions of unity.
Democracy and freedom are not abstract ideologies. They can
be a way of life that people do not fear, empowering people with
the rights to make independent choices about personal, national,
and political identities. The national boundaries of countries
have long been overcome by the massive sharing of information,
forming of connections and solidarity between people. As such,
a public sphere has been created in the virtual world. However,
these virtual spaces are not that removed from reality. They
provide an efficient platform for sharing experiences drawn
from respective countries and for exchanging thoughts and
perspectives, while putting to test one’s ability to make rational
judgment.

Ngoi Guat Peng

Reminders to not interfere with the internal affairs of other
countries in Singapore and the need to maintain the order and
safety of the society are constantly repeated. It is not uncommon
to see messages on social media platforms that single out nonlocals to be mindful of their speeches when conflicts arise. The
impression that ‘outsiders’ are ‘intruders’ may possibly morph
into social exclusion if it is internalised and becomes a habit,
coupled with the lack of desire to understand. Free will can be

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Solidarity and Support: The Possibilities of Becoming ‘Free Citizens’

A Virtual Public Sphere that
Crosses National Boundaries