CREATINGOUR

UTOPIA

Done by: Glen (07)

Ryan Koh (12)Jerry (20)

Daryl (21)Jaron (24)

What is a Utopia

As defined by dictionary.com, it is

An ideal place or state

A visionary system of political or social perfection

“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time” - Winston Churchill

Our utopia

• Is treated equally

• Has equal opportunities

• Can vote for their choice of government

• Votes are equal

• Freedom to exercise religion

• Happiness is top priority

Is important

Every citizen:

Our plan (democracy)

In a democracy, everyone will have equal voting and civil rights

Advocate for democracy:

Our plan

(minority groups)

Minority rights council find out concerns of minority group which were lost in the election

Minority rights council agreement with the minority groups

President’s council for minority rights scrutinize and analyze policies implemented by government to ensure no favoritism towards any specific racial or religious group.

What if prejudicearises

Represents minority groups

• High position in parliament

• Implement laws to eradicate discrimination

• Promote harmony Government prioritizes happiness over economic wealth or results

Forms of Governance

• Democracy

• Republic• Authoritarianism

What we want What we don’t want

Forms of Governance

Democracy and Republic

Everyone Can Vote

Citizens areinvolved in

state affairs

Equality

• Equal education opportunities

• Free and mandatory pre-school, primary and secondary level education for all citizens in the age group

• Common exams for all racial groups (PSLE, A-Levels)

Voting

• Parliamentary election every 4 years

• Each parliament member represents an area of a country and the residents in that area

• Parliament members are voted in by citizens

• Each citizen has 1 vote – each vote is equally important

• Votes are kept secret

Religion

• In a multiracial society, every person’s religion is equally valued

• Any citizen is free to choose their own religion

• Freedom of beliefs

Low pressure – High productivity

• Creative schooling

• Exams start only after a certain age

• More emphasis placed on learning process

• Students assessed on what they have learnt

Why did we pick democracy and republic

• Democracy allows satisfaction among the people as everyone has a say

• Opposition keeps ruling party on their toes, constant improvement, consider consequences

• Republic is where representatives are elected

• Let people decide what is best for them

• It is limited so that people don’t end up leading themselves.

Case study

Nelson Mandela

• Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was the first black South African president and fought to stop racism.

• Imprisoned due to accusations of sabotage and betrayal tried to overthrow government

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities”

Nelson Mandela

• His courage and determination to end the apartheid was what made him successful in doing something the Blacks thought was impossible

• His willingness to forgive and forget is commendable as he tried to unify Africa along with the Blacks and Whites

Nelson Mandela

• Widely accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa

• Potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gained strength

• Consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom

So what?

• We want to emulate Nelson Mandela and care for the minority groups

• Must be respected and represented in Parliament

• Republic Majority favors the policy, minority must be look into as well

• Leader like Nelson Mandela to chair the Presidential council of Minority Rights

Authoritarianism

What is authoritarianism? It is defined as the form of government which is characterized by the absolute or blind obedience to authority without questioning. (Wikipedia)

No freedom of choice or willBrainwashed, controlled, manipulated

Case Study

Kim Il Sung

Kim Il Sung:

• An icon of authoritarianism

• Established authoritarianism dictatorship in the North

• The North slid further into poverty

• Adopted Stalinist concept of all-round development and national economic self-sufficiency

Kim Il sung(Brutality)

• People found guilty of crimes (e.g. escaping North Korea) would have their family killed

• Females sexually abused by soldiers in concentration camps

• Children separated from their children and taught to betray others.

Kim Il sung(Brutality)

• People found guilty of crimes (e.g. escaping North Korea) would have their family killed

• Females sexually abused by soldiers in concentration camps

• Children separated from their children and taught to betray others.

Kim Il sung(Famine)

• Juche idea - emphasize strong military presence and reliance of natural resources

• Used to justify his actions

• Allocated millions of funds to Military and Propaganda

• Economy plummeted and people starved

• Internal deficiencies and overdependence on foreign aid

Democracy

Democracy allows satisfaction among the people since it allows an opportunity to have a say in politics. They feel that they are valued and are important, and not ignored.

However, with democracy, there is opposition which may cause a political gap between the people. But, an opposition allows the government to always be on their toes and consider consequences, preventing regrets and downfalls due to failure in policy-making.

Republic

Republic is somewhat similar to democracy where the people elect the representatives that they want to represent them. The difference is, the people matters the most so the government is sort of hired by the people to serve them.

This can not only allow satisfaction among the people, but also allow the people to decide what is best for them and what the government should do.

However, we believe in giving them a say and “pampering” them but this should be limited as sometimes leaders need to make correct decisions, not popular ones. Should we allow the people to lead themselves blindly, then we should not see a need for government.

Case Study

Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi: The push for democracy

• Nobel Peace Prize winner

• Rallied against iron-fist rule in Myanmmar, citing Democracy and Human Rights as her motivation

• Despite being arrested 5 times, she did not give up her motive – to liberate Burma and the Burmese

What can we learn from her?

• International symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression

• Standing up for the people and willing to face consequences for change

• Empathize with the people

Democracy in our Utopia

• Not using violence to bring about change

• Seek a common consensus, allow people to decide before making decisions

• Empathize with the people – their happiness is the top priority

• Create poll to identify common problems

• Try the best to meet all the needs

• Walk the talk (achieving support from the people)

• Political stability – listening to the people and proving our worth

References

"Spartacus Educational." Kim Il Sung : Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Ideas." BostonGlobe.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Nelson Mandela - Biographical." Nelson Mandela - Biographical. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Kim Jong Il Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Aung San Suu Kyi's Victory Does Not Bring Burma Freedom." The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Vote of Confidence in Burmese President's Appetite for Reform." The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013.

"Aung San Suu Kyi: Leading the Burmese Democracy Movement." Tavaana. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.

Carlin, John. "Nelson Mandela's Legacy." Nelson Mandela's Legacy. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2013

"Nelson Mandelas." Nelson Mandela Apartheid. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2013.

Thank YouAny Questions?