Subtle Propaganda

Have you ever felt you were watching “Government advertisements” as you watched local drama’s? It is very apparent in our local society, the high usage of local drama’s used to propagate new government policies or to curb certian habits, often by making known the benefits and consequences especially in mandrin drama serials.

Being a majority of the population, Singapore’s media is often catered to the chinese community. But our Mandrin serials have gained popularity among the non-chinese speaking population as well. I know of non-chinese relatives and friends who faithfully follow these drama serials. This thus becomes an extermely good channel to propagate government ideology to Singaporeans.

Media is also tightly controlled by our highly influential government. The control standards do not allow for much freedom of speech and publicity. A good example of propaganda in a local drama is the series that is currently airing on Mediacorp’s Channel 8 at 9pm, “Just in Singapore”.

 

It is set within the context of a close knit community, a group of neighbours living in one room flats. The multiracial characters range from stingy people to obnoxious ones. In one episode, I was able to pick out 5 agenda’s that could possibly be what the government wants to propagate. It may not be entirely accurate but here goes.

Firstly, the group of close knit neighbours teaches Singaporeans the importance of close neighbourly ties where they are able to help each other out in times of need. Especially in areas where there are many elderly living together. They visit each other just to keep in check each other’s lives showing care and concern for the lonely. With our aging population and with many children abandoning their parents to fend for themselves in old age, what is propogated is highly relevant and should not be taken lightly.

The second and third issue that was brought up shows the bad influence/consequences of drinking/gambling and filial piety. A old grandmother living with her only good-for-nothing grandson is depicted. It shows how disrespectful and unfilial the grandson is, making the audience feel for the grandmother. Anyone with a conscience would be moved and this would then inculcate good values in us. As for the bad habit of gambling, the grandson gambles and often borrows money from illegal money lenders. Without a job he is unable to pay off his debts and constantly takes money from his grandmother. Being a poor old lady she’s unable to support his spending habits. Unable to pay off his debts, the debtors often make a nuisance of themselves vandalising and disrupting peace in the neighbourhood. This educates the audience of the consequences of borrowing money from illegal money lenders.

The fourth point would be that of “Anger Managment”. You may wonder how this is on the governments agenda for propagation but i feel it is. As one of the characters who was jailed before is trying to turn over a new leaf and is working in a fruit stall currently. But he often looses his cool when dealing with customers because of his extermely bad temper. It was also because of this, he ended up fighting and in jail. His boss at the fruit stall not only does not fire him from his job, he encourages him to learn how to curb his temper and gives him tips that might help as well. This promotes a good social environment for us to live in.

Lastly, cheating on social welfare. To support a family of 5, both parents depend soley on social welfare to support their family. Both being able bodied adults, they refuse to make life better for themselves behaving pitifully just so they would be given welfare support. They often also feign illness and make their children put up acts in front of welfare officers Technically they’re cheats, cheating for wellfare money, cheating for support through pity from neighbours. And on one particular visit from welfare officers who were doing their rounds of spot checks, they were found out to have cheated and lied about their family situation thus having their welfare support terminated. This educates the citizens making known  the benefits of social welfare and that it should only be for those who genuinely need it. Those found cheating will be severly dealt with.

In just an hour, I was able to pick out all these points, just imagine those who watch this show everyday, who take in all the government’s propaganda, more often than not, without even realising it. This makes use of media hegemony, cultivating a well educated and non “government-opposing” nation.

Whether or not it is beneficial or detrimental to the society and the government, I leave that for you to decide.