Politicization of the audience

In the introduction, we outlined an argument that the discourse that buzzes around each failed channel 5 sitcom gives birth to a form of civic linkage, which motivates the citizenry to join their fellowmen in discussing the pathetic state of local television. We feel that this is political engagement by itself, because through discussing such topics, the citizenry is able to share and reevaluate their views and believes. Following, people realize that they are not alone in their presumption and this consequently makes democracy possible.

One could see that the discussion of popular cultural themes in the context of Singapore is made even more important because of the limitations imposed by the authorities on the freedom of speech and expression on the population. Because popular culture is a representation of the aggregated interests of society, the acceptance of the themes are guided by the same laws that make democracy work.

Fraternity, in Singapore primarily occurs online through internet forums. Fancy a search on any search engine and one will be presented a list of online forums discussing aspects of local sitcoms to exhaustion. While some netizens seem to have views opposing the majority, this should be seen as a good sign because opposing views breed discussion

Popular culture is important for the success of a democracy, as it develops discussion and to build linkages to develop ties between the citizenry on the premise of a commonality. Political thinkers such as Alexis de Tocqueville who states that while democracy requires the aggregation of interests to rule, the equality and liberty granted to an individual predisposes him to act for his own benefit, herein disregarding the welfare and liberty of others around themselves.

Unknowingly, the apathetic Singaporean population has been politicized all along!

Rule under a PAP government has resulted in an almost parochial society, where most Singaporeans have become apathetic to politics. Hence by associating and discovering others who share an opinion, individuals acquired a greater confidence in their own judgements and they realize the value of their vote. Participation in civil societies reinforced association through recurring discourse, sharing ideas and beliefs. It creates commonalities between the people and even aids in reducing the effects that an indifference or ignorance towards minorities has on these minorities.

Sitcoms can therefore help further racial harmony through its portrayal of a multiracial and multicultural cast. The presence of a symbiotic relationship would inculcate within the psyche of the population the naturalness of such a phenomenon. As discussed, the acceptance of poor sitcoms as the norm in Singapore has become part of popular culture. The continued discourse into this phenomenon has brought together people from different walks of life, and also it is an aspect of our society that many foreign Singaporeans will remember.