Euphonia for Eu and Me

Written by: Emma Shuen Lee (21-O1), Jace Bong (20-E1), Katelyn Joshy (21-U1), Leia Ong Rui En (20-U1), Lim Junheng, Jovan (20-O5), Poh En Xi (20-E3), Ng Teck Zhong (20-E5), Soh Iwin (20-E5), Tricia Loh Qiuxuan (21-U1)

Designed by: Liew Yi Xuan (21-E1)
Photography by: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team (Leow Jia Wen, Jolene and Lim Junheng, Jovan)

As well-dressed delegates stood up and gave eloquent speeches while equally well-dressed chairs banged the table for order, one would have thought that they were in a United Nations debate session. This was not far from the truth for the participants and organisers of Euphonia 2021, EJC’s inaugural Mock United Nations (MUN) and Press Conference on 3-4 April. 

For the uninitiated, Model United Nations (MUN) is a platform where students roleplay as delegates from countries with memberships in the United Nations (UN) to debate on. In this article, we shed light on the elaborate preparations behind the scenes, the actual happenings of Euphonia and hopes for future conferences.

Beginning With A Dream

It all began one Sunday morning when Secretary General Soh Iwin (20-E5) awoke with an epiphany. “Hey, maybe it’s time for you to start a MUN (Model United Nations) in [Eunoia Junior College]!” she thought, as she relayed to us. While most of us might have brushed our early morning thoughts aside, Iwin was unwavering on her decision to set her plan in motion. 

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Since this was going to be Euphonia’s first MUN, sign-ups were only limited to Eunoians so as to “find potential areas for improvement first” as well as provide a “comfortable platform for them to try [MUNs] out”, adds Iwin. Through Euphonia, the Secretary General had hoped to encourage Eunoians to gain “new insights on their humanities while learning more about Press and MUN”. 

This sparked the idea of having a Press Crisis alongside the other crises that were introduced to their respective councils. As best put by Ms Ng Hui Qi, a teacher-in-charge, the addition of the Press Crisis in Euphonia made it “as authentic a [simulated] experience for live journalism as possible”. 

A short time limit on Press Corp members, to complete their articles, was added to challenge Euphonia’s journalists in “[sparking] creativity in their expression of ideas, especially in presenting the events from the perspectives of the news agencies that they represented”, she added.

Though the ball had started rolling, the journey of having Eunoia’s first MUN would soon prove to be difficult. After confiding in Deputy Secretary General Jace Bong, who helped to further refine Iwin’s ambitious idea, it was clear that Euphonia had to be altered in order to abide by the Safe Management Measures (SMMs).

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

It was an overhaul of a typical MUN, with “the biggest change being the whole of the second day being conducted online and … over Zoom”, recalled Leia Ong, Head of Academics for Press. “Many other events had to be cut out of the itinerary as well, such as a live dinner and dance at the end of Euphonia, as is customary for MUNs.”

However, the planning committee would not let such roadblocks hinder them — so an online closing ceremony with performances from EJ’s resident rock band was planned, alongside “Euphonia FM”, an event where Euphonia participants could relax to music as they took lunch breaks. 

Organising this whole event was by no means easy, but with everyone’s collective efforts, Euphonia became Eunoia’s first ever MUN, and for many, a dream come true.

Making History

Do you remember collecting colorful lanyards and placards during registration? Well, this preceded the opening ceremony to start the conference with a bang on 3 April. The opening ceremony, held in Lecture Theatre 1, started the morning with an opening address by Secretary General Iwin. 

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Speaking to a total of 48 blazer-donning delegates, Iwin said, “We are humbled to be given the honour of bringing you a whole new experience,” stating how the Secretariat members carried on the torch of Press and MUN with burning passion. She challenged delegates to “make Euphonia a meaningful experience for each of [them].” 

During council bonding, delegates played games such as “Emote Guess” and council-specific Kahoots that were led by the council chairs. UNHRC Head Chair Caryl Kristine’s favourite aspect of Council Bonding was “seeing the delegates form new friendships or lobby and talk with each other!” Caryl shared, stating how it was “incredibly heartwarming to observe”, especially after the “rigidness and awkwardness passed”.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

After making new friends and being more comfortable with one another during the bonding session, each council welcomed 1-2 guest speakers. They were our very own teachers who shared with the delegates more about the topics that were to be debated in their councils, while linking it to concepts from the A-Levels syllabus. For example, GP teachers Mr Perrin and Ms Eleanor Wong came to give talks on article writing for the Press Corps.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

HCC delegate Alena Hua from 21-O1 shared that she was able to gain “better insight into the domestic events taking place in Indonesia [during the Konfrontasi]” as well as a “greater understanding of the key characters involved”.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Enlightened by their new knowledge gained, councils proceeded into their first Council session, which took place from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Since many delegates were first time MUNners, this was both a challenge and a learning experience.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Nikita Parmar, who participated in a Historical Crisis Council for the first time, recounted that the nature of the council meant that they were “constantly given new information … that they had to react and respond to immediately”, and therefore “found it difficult to contribute”. However, she optimistically shared that it was a good experience because she was “able to grow and develop [her] public speaking skills”, and was “glad that [she] signed up”.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Day One ended off with the press conference, in which delegates were asked by the Press Corps about their insights on the topic at hand. This was an opportunity for delegates to craft answers in real time that would best reflect the state of the council and their countries’ stance, and influence their countries’ portrayal in Press articles.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Therefore, many were enthusiastic in their response and gave a well-rounded recap of the first council session. Overall, the first day ended well with everyone in high spirits and ready for Day Two!

As One We Write Our Destiny 

With the initial apprehension from Day One fading away, delegates, prepared with feedback from their chairs, were ready to tackle council sessions head on in Day Two! A quick roll call was swiftly followed by the first Council session for the day. As the session progressed, UNODC Head Chair Zsofia Magbujos recalled delegates taking time to warm up to the virtual platform. However, the Council was soon engaged in “substantial and rigorous debate near the end”. “Everyone was getting fired up too!” Zsofia laughed.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Delegates soon found themselves racing against time as the second Council session began. Zsofia felt that the resolution debate “served as a good learning experience”, noting that most delegates were beginners. 

That being said, as with all online MUNs, Day Two had some struggles. Unmoderated caucuses were less interactive, and Chairs scrambled to count council votes — at a painstaking rate of four panels at a time. Delegates had their fair share of difficulties too; laggy Wi-Fi and audio issues were just some of the hindrances to council progress, but of course let’s not forget about the infamous “mute” button. 

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

“My biggest difficulty for my online experience was trying to mute and unmute myself in time”, said UNHCR’s Alan Chan. He much preferred face-to-face MUNs because it allowed for live interaction amongst delegates and chairs which the online experience could not provide. However, despite the difficulties brought about by an online MUN, both delegates and chairs saw this as a new opportunity to test themselves, and they promptly rose to the challenge!

 Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

After a session of intense debate, Euphonia FM took over, with appreciation messages and song dedications flooding the call, hosted by Iwin and Jace. 

“It was a great time for us to take a breather,” Isabelle Looi, the HCC Deputy Chair, shared. From the songs ‘Barney, I Love You’ to ‘Indigo’ by NIKI, it truly was a heartwarming moment to see both delegates and Chairs energising one another! 

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Then came the final Council session for the day, when delegates ran the last stretch of the race — passing the Resolutions. After intense discussions, clause amendments and voting, the much-anticipated “By Chairs’ discretion, this resolution passes!” was finally declared. 

Thereafter, the stuffiness of council decorum vanished and the fun began! From council bonding on skribbl.io, to the performances by EJC’s Rock Band, heart-warming speeches given by the Chairs and awards presentation at the closing ceremony, Euphonia 2021 was truly one to remember.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Eunoia’s (Euphonia’s) Legacy

“We now declare Euphonia 2021 CLOSED!” Iwin and Jace declared over Zoom at 4 p.m. It was a fun, fulfilling and successful two days for the Delegates, Chairs, and the Secretariat alike.

Photo credit: Euphonia Design and Publicity Team

Despite the pandemic, Euphonia 2021 was given an opportunity to be held partially in-person, albeit with the relevant SMM in place, and the team of Chairs and Secretariat are very grateful for that. It is the hope of the Secretariat that Euphonia can continue to be organised in the years to come, and that every edition after this inaugural one will be even better.

Impeachment: How it Works and Why (Part 1 of 2)

Written by: Lim Junheng, Jovan (20-O5), Ng Teck Zhong (20-E5)

Designed by: Lay Kai En, Ashley (21-O1)

Introduction

Impeachment. For those of us who have been following the happenings in the United States of America (USA), you would be aware of the unprecedented impeachment proceedings, and ultimately, the impeachment of the 46th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Yet, many of us may not know how the Impeachment proceedings actually work or why they were carried out. Read on to find out more!

What is Impeachment (in the Context of the USA)

According to the United States Senate’s official website, the impeachment process is when the “Congress charges and then tries an official of the federal government for ‘Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors’”. Essentially, in the context of the President of the United States, it is a mechanism of checks and balances that allows for Congress to remove a sitting President if it is deemed necessary . Additionally, it is interesting to note that ‘high Crimes and Misdemeanors’ are not clearly defined in the Constitution of the United States.

However, the impeachment process is not only applicable to the President. Other officials of the federal government may also be impeached, and the process to do so is the same. Ever since the United States of America was founded, the House has impeached a total of 19 federal officials, most of them being federal judges. Some of you might also know that two former Presidents, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, have also been impeached. However, it is worth noting that both Johnson and Clinton were not convicted by the Senate.

How Does Impeachment in the USA Work?

Of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the lower House, also known as the House of Representatives, is responsible for the impeachment of the official. The upper House of the United States Congress, the Senate, is then responsible for holding a trial to determine if the accused is guilty as charged. 

Usually, the impeachment process begins with the fact-finding stage, where the House of Representatives determines if there is sufficient evidence for the official in question to be impeached. If it is so deemed, the House will proceed to draft an article of impeachment (or more), before that is put to a vote on the floor. Should a simple majority (more than 50% of all present voting in support of the article) be obtained, the official in question is now officially impeached, and the article(s) of impeachment that is adopted will then be transmitted to the Senate at a suitable time, as determined by the Speaker of the House, for the Senate to hold a trial.

Once the article(s) of impeachment reaches the Senate, the Senate will be required to convene and hold a trial to determine if the accused is guilty. A two-third majority is required to convict the official in question. In the case of the President, should he be convicted, the Senate can then vote to remove him from office and prevent him from holding office again, which will require a simple majority.

The Impeachment Process

Impeachment of Past Presidents: Why, How, and Public Opinion

President William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton) — Impeachment Proceedings

As the second US president to have ever been impeached, many may have seen the clip of President Bill Clinton saying at a press conference, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky”. He was referring to a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, whom he had been accused of having a sexual affair with. As peculiar as it may sound, this was in fact the basis for the impeachment proceedings of the president. In 1998, two articles of impeachment were adopted by the House of Representatives — for perjury (telling an untruth or making a misrepresentation under oath) as well as for obstruction of justice.

So how did this all begin? In 1994, a former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones sued President Clinton for sexual harassment. President Clinton had initially attempted to prevent further investigation by arguing that a sitting president was immune from civil cases while in office. Then, in 1996, Lewinsky began sharing to Pentagon co-worker Linda Tripp about the sexual relationship she had with the president back in 1995. 

Afterwards, in late 1997, Tripp secretly recorded the conversations with Miss Lewinsky, which had subsequently revealed that she had sexual relations with President Clinton. This was used by Paula Jones’s lawyers as proof that the president had sexually propositioned low-level employees. Following this, President Clinton encouraged Lewinsky to be “evasive in answering any questions” about the relationship. 

It was in 1998 when Lewinsky denied under oath of having a sexual relationship with President Clinton, just as he did the same with that famous one-liner, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” However, after eight months of lying to the country, President Clinton finally admitted to having an “inappropriate relationship with Lewinsky”.

It was then in December 1998 when the House of Representatives finally adopted two articles of impeachment against the president. In the end, President Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 19, 1998, on grounds of perjury to a grand jury (first article, 228–206) and obstruction of justice (third article, 221–212).

President William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton) — Public Opinion

Throughout President Clinton’s impeachment process, his approval ratings remained high, averaging at about 60% to 70%. As compared to the Watergate scandal faced by President Richard Nixon (to be detailed in the next section), most Americans ignored the proceedings against Clinton, considering that only 34% of them had paid very close attention to it, according to a survey conducted after the impeachment vote. While most remained that President Clinton was wrong in trying to cover up his affair, many did not believe that he should have been impeached for it, as it was too excessive and harmful to the world’s perception of the US.

President Richard Milhous Nixon — Impeachment Proceedings

Many may have heard of the term “Watergate”, signifying the impeachment proceedings against President Nixon in 1974. Yet, not many  know the exact details about the Watergate political scandal, and hence, they shall be detailed below.

It all began when there was a report of a break-in on 17 June 1972 at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, resulting in the arrest of five men. At the time, the Nixon administration claimed that it was not involved in the break-in. Of the five men, three were Cuban exiles, one was a Cuban American, and the other was James W. McCord, Jr., a former CIA agent. It was further revealed that McCord was part of President Nixon’s re-election committee. 

Following that, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, reporters from the Washington Post, uncovered evidence of illegal political espionage carried out by the White House and the Committee for the Re-election of the President (CREEP), as well as evidence of a secret fund and political spies hired for this purpose. However, despite all this, President Nixon was re-elected President in November 1973, with a landslide victory.

As the Watergate Committee began its investigations, President Nixon presented himself as completely innocent in a nationally televised address. This was a sign to those who were involved that they might have to be sacrificed. One by one, they appeared before the committee, while Nixon was still presumed innocent. During the hearings, Alexander Butterfield, a Nixon aide, revealed that there was a voice-activated taping system in the Oval Office, a revelatory piece of information that would spell the downfall of the President. 

One notable event was the “Saturday Night Massacre”. Deemed to have put the country into a constitutional crisis, this event involved the firing of the special prosecutor investigating Watergate, Archibald Cox, by the President, and the resignations of Attorney General Elliot Ricahrdson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus.

In July 1974, the Judiciary Committee approved three articles of impeachment — for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. Soon after, President Nixon finally complied with a Supreme Court ruling that required him to provide transcripts of the tapes. Then, a previously undisclosed audio-tape (“Smoking gun” tape) was released, which documented the initial stages of the Watergate cover-up. This ultimately revealed that President Nixon was complicit in the cover-up of his involvement, which shifted public opinion heavily. Afterwards, before the three articles were even voted on by the House, he resigned as President on 9 August, 1974. President Nixon was the first and only president to leave office due to an impeachment process.

One month later, as former Vice-President Gerald Ford took over office as President, he granted President Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he might have committed as President, to ensure that he would not face punishment when he was out of office. He believed that calling the end of the Watergate saga was in the country’s best interest.

President Richard Milhous Nixon — Public Opinion

After the “Smoking gun” tape was released by President Nixon, his political support was heavily affected. Not only did the Republican House leader say he would vote to impeach President Nixon, less than 15 senators were willing to consider an acquittal, which would almost certainly end in conviction. Besides, public opinion towards the President was also unfavourable. At the beginning of the Watergate hearings, only 19% of respondents in a Gallup poll believed that the President should be removed from office; when President Nixon announced his resignation, that number jumped to nearly 60%. 

Impacts and Implications of Impeachment

Impeachment, especially with regards to that of a sitting President, is a very grave matter, for it signifies that some have felt something major had happened, so much so that there is a need to impeach him. Public opinion is a major factor in influencing the outcome of any impeachment, for impeachment is a political process, not a judicial process. As shown in the above section, public opinion swung in two different directions for the above impeachments — in the case of Nixon, it led to his resignation from office. In the case of Clinton, since the public had felt that the party leading the effort did not make a compelling case for impeachment, it ultimately led to Clinton’s acquittal and the resignation of the person who started it, then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Conclusion

With the impeachments of President Donald Trump still residing in the minds of many, it is important to take lessons from the impeachment proceedings of the past presidents, as we have elaborated on above. And while the circumstances of the past are certainly different from those today, it is still necessary to understand the significance of impeachment and how they help in maintaining the political stability in the United States in some way.

Do stay tuned for the second part of this article!

References and Citations

1. Crary, D. (2019, September 24). A look at past impeachment proceedings and how they’ve ended. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/a-look-at-past-impeachment-proceedings-and-how-theyve-ended
2. DeSilver, D. (2019, October 3). Clinton’s impeachment barely dented his public support, and it turned off many Americans. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/10/03/clintons-impeachment-barely-dented-his-public-support-and-it-turned-off-many-americans/
3. Galston, W. A. (2019, September 27). Impeachment and public opinion: Three key indicators to watch. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2019/09/27/impeachment-and-public-opinion-three-key-indicators-to-watch/
4. Glass, A. (2018, August 05). Watergate ‘smoking gun’ tape released, Aug. 5, 1974. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/05/watergate-smoking-gun-tape-released-aug-5-1974-753086
5. HISTORY.com. (2009, November 24). House begins impeachment of Nixon. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/house-begins-impeachment-of-nixon
6. HISTORY.com. (2010, February 09). President Bill Clinton acquitted on both articles of impeachment. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/president-clinton-acquitted
7. HISTORY.com. (2010, February 09). Watergate burglars arrested. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/watergate-burglars-arrested-2
8. Newbold, C. (2019, September 26). How Impeachment Works: An Infographic. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://thevisualcommunicationguy.com/2019/09/26/how-impeachment-works-an-infographic/
9. Savage, C. (2019, September 24). How the impeachment process works. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/24/us/politics/impeachment-trump-explained.html
10. Shepard, A. (2012, June 14). The man who revealed the Nixon tapes. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-man-who-revealed-the-nixon-tapes/2012/06/14/gJQAsEZUdV_story.html
11. Shephard, A. (2019, October 03). How Richard Nixon lost the battle for public opinion. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://newrepublic.com/article/155228/richard-nixon-lost-battle-public-opinion-lessons-trump-impeachment
12. Silverstein, J. (2021, February 15). What have presidents been impeached for? The articles of impeachment for Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/impeached-presidents-trump-clinton-nixon-johnson/#app
13. United States Senate. (2021, March 03). About impeachment. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment.htm
14. Van der Voort, T. (2019, November 06). Watergate: The cover-up. Retrieved April 19, 2021, from https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/educational-resources/watergate/watergate-cover
15. Williams, P., Moe, A., & V, F. (2019, December 19). What is impeachment and How does it Work? 10 facts to know. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/what-impeachment-how-does-it-work-10-facts-know-n1072451#anchor-4WouldpassingaresolutiongiveCongressauthoritytogetgrandjurymaterialsuchasevidencegatheredduringtheRobertMuellerinvestigation
16. Yagoda, M. (2018, December 19). The infamous Moment Bill Clinton Denied affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/bill-clinton-monica-lewinsky-speech-affair-relationship-sexual-relations-impeachment-a8689511.html

Eu Think: The Best Seat In EJ

Written by: Leia Ong (20-U1), Pheobe Ong (20-O1), Sargun Kaur (20-E4)

Designed by: Sargun Kaur (20-E4)

The humble chair — a vital piece of furniture in any institution, but in a school, its usability is of the utmost importance. Since the founding of EJC, never has there existed a comprehensive review of these overlooked items. Fret not: our team of dedicated journalists brings to you a full, only slightly biased review of what YOU think of every chair and seat in our new Bishan campus (yes, every single one).  

Level 1:

1. Canteen Benches 

Walk through the turnstile gates on the first floor, all the way straight and then all the way right and you would meet our dearest canteen benches. These make for ideal zones to eat and catch up with a group of friends or even study with friends after school (talking/discussing is allowed here unlike study zones in the library).

“The canteen benches are great since you can seat a large number of people together but are certainly not the best if you are going for comfort,” Cher Gek Shan of 20-A2 remarked, noting the fact that these benches have no back rest.

Overall, even though they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to the eyes or the most comfortable to sit on, the canteen benches are iconic in their own way and a part of our everyday school life.

Physical aestheticity: 2/10

Comfort: 4/10

Experience: 6/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

2. Auditorium Chairs 

Everyone has been in the auditorium at least once, whether at the start of school or while attending one of their many, many lectures. As such, we have all been exposed to the wonder of these plush seats. Cerulean and minimalistic, they are very pleasant to look at. They definitely do not fall behind in their comfort level either. 

As an interviewed student from Ora said, “the seat is comfortable, the backing is amazing. I love the fact that there is a table that you don’t exactly have to bend onto. It’s high enough  for you to write on it without having to strain your back!” Therefore, there is definitely a case to be made that this is one of the best chairs in our school. Our ability to use it more often than many other chairs also makes using it a more universal experience, allowing us to all come together in relative comfort to learn or appreciate performances.

Physical aestheticity: 8/10

Comfort: 8/10

Experience: 8/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

3. Metal Swings

Near the canteen, two sets of metal park swings sit. These silver swings are ideal seats for unwinding post-lunch to enjoy the perpetual breeze and relax with your friends. The rocking of the swings also has a most therapeutic and calming effect, perfect for laidback conversations. 

When asked, many Eunoians were supportive of the swings, though Ng Teck Zhong of 20-E5 noted that on particularly hot days, the swings “could get rather hot or wet if it rains”, by virtue of them being located outdoors.

Despite that, the visually pleasing circular frame of the swing, its comfortable seating of 4 people (5 if you’re feeling ambitious) and the overall relaxing experiences at the swings cement it as being one of the most successful seats in EJ.

Physical aestheticity: 9/10

Comfort: 8/10

Experience: 9/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 3:

1. Lecture Theatre 1 chairs 

While the chairs in LT1 (Lecture Theatre 1) and the chairs in the auditorium share a similar simplicity in their design, they are actually very different in practice. The chairs in LT1 are made of wood instead of fabric, and thus, “they can get quite cold sometimes, and it becomes uncomfortable to sit on them because of that,” one of our interviewed students said. 

A different student commented that, “Some credit can be given for the slight curves in the chair. It actually looks quite sleek due to the good quality of the wood. It might not be as cushioned as the auditorium chairs, but that also makes it easier to pay attention to lectures instead of falling asleep.” 

In the end, it might depend on what the student’s priorities and preferences are, but the LT chairs are certainly serviceable in terms of comfort, and in terms of appearance, they are definitely one of the best-looking chairs. And the physical environment of LT1 in general fits really well with them, so this makes for a very aesthetically pleasing environment to study in.

Physical aestheticity: 8/10

Comfort: 5/10

Experience: 7/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

2. Lab Chairs 

Available on levels 3, 4 and 5, the iconic lab chairs are part of the science practical experience for every science-taking Eunoian. These wooden four-legged chairs are the perfect height for the lab tables and are also easy to move around when required. They also give off vintage vibes, adding on to their aesthetic appeal.

Ng Shi Ying of 20-A2 mentioned that the lab chairs were “extremely noisy when moved but practical for use in the science labs”, given the fact that no other chairs could possibly be used in the labs.

Though the unique structure of the lab chairs make these seats stand out from others, these chairs, like many others, are low on comfort with no back support.

Physical aestheticity: 7/10

Comfort: 3/10

Experience: 6/10

Level 4

1. Seminar Room Wheeled Chairs with Tables

Previously located in Seminar Rooms 1-3 and now stored behind the Auditorium, these multicolouredplastic chairs were half-table, half-chair, and all too inconvenient. While the merits of having a mobile seat and scooting freely cannot be ignored — easy class group discussions and fun in general — the chairs’ narrow, grey writing tablets simply do not facilitate conducive working, be it writing or typing. 

“The chairs’ tables are too small to put many things on them without them falling off or collapsing,” said Lauren Ong of 20-U1. “They are fun to roll around on though,” she added.

The many holes constituting a pattern on the backs of the vibrantly-coloured seats are an appeal to its aestheticity, which must be acknowledged. Due to their inconvenience, they have since been wisely replaced with regular tables and chairs.

Physical aestheticity: 6/10

Comfort: 4/10

Experience: 4/10

2. Gym Bicycles 

“Do you want to embrace your inner Side to Side energy like Ariana Grande?” 

While this was just a joking quip from one of the students we interviewed, it seems pretty fitting for this ‘seat’. Though this may not be common knowledge, there are some gym bicycles on Level 4, which are located close to the staircase near the elevated track. While these may not be the first to come to mind when thinking about seats, they are definitely good for resting and just chilling out with friends during breaks, if you want a new view or a place that is quieter than the usual. 

That fresh view is really one of the best things it has going for it though. 

“It’s very hard and doesn’t seem to take [our] weight very well,” an interviewed student said as they balanced carefully on the seat, bag on the floor. Maybe the bicycles are better for their intended purpose than as seats. Still though, they are an option, and they would make pretty good picture spots too.

Physical aestheticity: 5/10

Comfort: 4/10

Experience: 3/10 

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 5

1. Grandstand 

Next up is the grandstand! Located at our exquisite elevated track on level 5, the grandstand serves as a viewing or resting area, away from the sun on the field. While the amazing views of the field in sight provide a great ambience for the grandstand and for cheering on sporting schoolmates, how satisfactory is the grandstand itself?

When asked, Jace Bong of 20-E1 reported: “Although the grandstand is a good photo taking spot in the shade with the field in the background, and that it has absolutely no chance of being a wobbly seat, it is certainly not the best. [It feels] Like sitting on a stone.”  

Aesthetically, the grandstand had high reviews from fellow Eunoians but was not rated too highly in other aspects of the sitting experience. 

Physical aestheticity:8/10

Comfort: 2/10

Experience:6/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 8

1. Cocoon Chairs (L8, L10)

You walk past the staff room, and you take in the view as the breeze blows by, cooling down the area. And then, you see them: the cocoon chairs.

At first glance, the cocoon chairs definitely look good. Students who come over to study or chat with friends can attest to the great relaxation one feels swinging around in the wind, alone or with company. It would probably make a perfect chair, if not for a few small issues. 

The chair “only supports the mid to lower back”, and according to a student seen swinging there: “When you lean backwards, your neck can feel quite constricted and you have to bend it forward. It’s a pretty good chair, though.” While we are inclined to agree, there is one other thing — while you are on the chair, other ‘friends’ might also be hanging out on them. Make sure to shake the chair first so that any insects will fly away,  and afterwards, feel free to enjoy yourself swinging. Do set an alarm so you don’t miss the next lesson though!

Physical aestheticity: 8/10

Comfort: 6/10

Experience: 7/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 9

1. Library Chairs

Ah, the library — the second home of Eunoian muggers. With numerous nooks and crannies bathed in sunlight for reading, studying and any form of research, it naturally has an abundance of seats ripe for reviewing. 

We start with the most prevalent chair: located at the long wooden tables, the basic seat with two curved legs, a plush cushioned seat and (curiously) no backing, save for a single black, holed panel.

While the chairs are sleek, modern and “rather comfortable”, as our interviewees have said, the lack of a lower back does cause a bit of discomfort for some. “I like the comfortable [library] chairs and they’re good for studying,” said Mathilda Lee from 20-I2, seen studying at a nearby solo study booth. “I just wish they had a proper back.”

Nevertheless, the chairs effectively perform their function and make our library look unique!

Physical aestheticity: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Experience: 8/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

2. Library Discussion Room Chairs 

The next library chairs are those in the 4 discussion rooms. These are wheeled, cushioned and relatively comfortable. However, we noted the unique black office chairs in discussion room 1 as being somewhat squeaky and shaky. 

Despite this anomaly, the discussion rooms and their seats allow students and teachers to hold meetings in a quiet, conducive and comfortable environment, which is the main point of the discussion rooms. Objective achieved!

Physical aestheticity: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Experience: 7/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

3. Chairs in Consult Area 

At level 9, there are 2 types of chairs at the area for consultations: the narrow wooden benches and the black plastic chairs. Both, however, we found to be not ideal. While  they serve their function, the black plastic chairs lack lower back support, and the wooden benches are just a little too flimsy for maximum comfort. 

Despite these, many students and teachers peruse these seats for gruelling consultations or study sessions, so ultimately their convenient location — just beside the Level 9 staffroom and one flight of stairs from the café — seems to win over any issues with comfort.  

Physical aestheticity: 5/10

Comfort: 6/10

Experience: 6/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 10

1. Café (High Chairs)

The café is a good place to study, eat and have consultations in. There are many types of chairs there, but some of them have similar characteristics to other chairs that we have already discussed. Therefore, we will be focusing on one chair in particular — the high chairs. 

There are mixed views on these chairs, with some saying that “it gives more height and a better view of stuff below”. Others simply cite the relative discomfort of a wooden chair. However, there is one thing about this chair that is particularly concerning—that is, how shaky it is. When sitting on the chair, leaning in any direction has a chance of toppling, something we discovered firsthand. However, they do make for some good photographs.

Physical aestheticity: 4/10

Comfort: 1/10

Experience: 2/10

Featuring our journalists struggling to balance the chair

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Level 11

1. Windy Benches Outside Classrooms

Although not the first seat one would think of, these benches hold value as ideal study locations. Situated at levels 3, 4, 8, 11 and 12, these benches are very windy (and do not require full-body defrosting like those in the library). You can also discuss things here as long as you keep your volume down when others are around. 

Mathilda, who we found sitting at one of the benches, mentioned that “the benches were great and very accessible, with great views of scenery”. This is true especially if they are right outside your class on levels 4, 11 and 12. 

On the other hand, however, Mathilda felt that “it was difficult to write on the table, which had gaps in between”.

These benches, despite having some flaws, make for good communal spaces around the school and can be used by everyone at any time.

Physical aestheticity: 2/10

Comfort: 4/10

Experience: 6/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

2. Classrooms

Last but certainly not least are the classroom seats, the ones we spend the majority of our time on every day. Although different classes have different types of seats, the most common classroom seats are the plastic blue seats. These seats, unlike most others around the school, have proper back rests, and although you cannot roll them around like those previously in the seminar rooms, they serve their purpose of providing students with a certain level of comfort while studying.

Our interviewee, Shi Ying, opined: “The seats are great since they served their purpose well, but aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing. That’s fine, though.”

While a little basic and common in many institutions, these blue seats we have in our classrooms definitely serve us well!

Physical aestheticity: 2/10

Comfort: 6/10

Experience: 7/10

Photo Credit: EJC Press

Conclusion

While this review is all in good fun, we nominate the sleek, multi-functional and comfortable Auditorium chairs as the Best Seat in EJ! With this guide, we hope you have gained some insight into the more hidden nooks of our school and these aspects of our daily student lives we think less about. Perhaps this will come in useful when deciding where next to sit and chat with your friends, or where to spend those pesky 4-hour breaks. Till next time!

Crash Landing on the Real World

– A commentary on how the fictional fantasies of KDramas overlap with pressing, real world issues.

Written By: Lennon Chua, (20-E6)

Designed by: Jervis Ch’ng Yun Ping (21-U5)

I love KDramas, TV shows, Movies, or any fictional material for that matter. Fiction provides me with a form of escapism when I am constantly harassed by the harsh realities of life (especially in our current milieu… grades this, study that, career prospects etc, and how our society regularly harps on how to achieve loosely defined success, rather than how we can make our world a better place). I am no saint or enlightened being. I go about my day making pragmatic decisions, sometimes rationalising my selfish actions (because no one is 100% selfless, right?). At the end of the day, indulging in idealistic scenarios of a selfless protagonist going against the odds for a noble cause puts faith in me; a reminder that I could be better, a little less selfish, and a little more selfless tomorrow. 

Apart from the personal sphere, I feel that there are also notable social themes interwoven in these works of fiction. One could also refer to them as works of art, where a larger message is being presented amidst the angst, kissing scenes, or the enemies to lovers plot I hold so dearly to my heart. And as the curtains close on a show, I begin to internalise the overarching social themes, points of contention, and even the intangible messages that were presented throughout its run time, boosting me with a sense of idealistic good to make this a world a better place. Of course, you might be wondering, how does watching 1 KDrama for that matter bring good to this world? Undoubtedly, it is a multi-stepped process, from educating yourself to changing your mindset on how you view certain social issues present in the real world. So join me as I relay some of my personal top picks of KDramas that personally inspired me and enlightened me on certain broader social themes. 

On a side note, this article focuses on KDramas as I personally have more exposure to this realm. However, I have come to realise that the aforementioned message also applies to shows of different cultures or entirely different mediums!

1. Remember: War of the Son 

• Social Theme: Law and the Judiciary 

This drama is one that I hold closely to my heart, and it is quite the catalyst for sparking my interest in venturing into the legal field as a plausible career. In sum, this drama follows the tragic life of a disgruntled son with hyperthymesia (a condition that leads people to be able to remember an abnormally large number of their life experiences in vivid detail) who vested his life to becoming a criminal defence lawyer to fight for the acquittal of his father who had been wrongfully convicted of murder. Tension arises as multiple illegal acts were interwoven into prosecutorial roles and judicial standards by a powerful business mogul in an attempt to protect the rich antagonist who actually committed the murder. Apart from the heart wrenching scenes of the father-son relationship and the headfastedness of the protagonist as he plays a legal game with the odds stacked against his favour, a bigger (and rather common) social theme is elucidated – corruption of the judiciary. In Korean society, corruption in its judicial system is quite a pertinent problem, with multiple presidents, top ministers and judges having been charged with corruption and bribery among other illicit activities. A 2015 OECD report also revealed that “almost 70 percent of South Koreans distrust their government, while less than 30 percent of them are confident in the nation’s judicial system.” Nonetheless, as the protagonist fails time and time again to fight against corrupt prosecutors and judges, it was definitely a rather stressful process. It got me reflecting on how many large-scale, illicit activities are occurring in today’s world, but are merely obscured from the general populace, and whether this world will ever see a day when illicit activities are eradicated. 

2. Suits (Korean TV Series)

• Social Theme: Law and Ethics

Does anyone see a common theme on what my interests are? (haha) Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to bring in another rather thought-provoking legal drama, this time focusing more from the private practice perspective. The plot features a chance encounter with a top lawyer who brought our teenage protagonist on his path to becoming a top lawyer himself, and this drama depicts that arduous journey he undertakes to learn about the intricacies and nuances of what it means to be a lawyer. What stood out to me was not merely the various complex court cases our protagonist had to navigate through him finding his personal voice amidst all the legal jargon, but how every episode started with a rather insightful quote that beautifully wrapped up that particular episode, forcing me to adopt an inquirical mindset and to link the contents to various broader themes. Quotes like “To catch a hyena, you must use rotten meat as your bait” shed light on how the end justifies the means for some pragmatic people (in a legal context and possibly others); “They drink the same water, but cows make milk, whereas snakes make poison” made me reflect on how evil and good will always coexist in humanity (and manifested in different ways); while “Is a sheath truly unnecessary for a knife called justice?” uses a stark metaphor to shed light on how the notion of justice can be contested, and made me reflect on my own definition of justice. The larger social themes brought up are then more general in nature, such as “the moral thing to do” VS “the legal thing to do” (which is an age-old philosophical tension in itself), but the show also reflects the complexities of legal ethics through the protagonist finding his purpose as a lawyer while balancing pragmatism and idealism.

3. Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung

• Social theme: Women’s Rights, Checks & Balances

“Learn the Past, Watch the Present, Create the future”. This quote aptly summarises how lessons gleaned from historical dramas like these can have applicability today. This show follows the life of our female protagonist as she navigates the challenges of being a woman in a governmental position (a historian in the Joseon Era). As one can expect, this show was quite contrarian to historical events as the traditional Joseon Era still held onto rather conservative beliefs where women were not expected to work, much less occupy governmental positions (which placed one on a rather high societal standing back then). Thus, it was quite an interesting experience to watch as our strong willed protagonist dealt with sexism in the palace and found her personal voice and idealism amidst people constantly trying to discredit her. While current Korean society may not have this Joseon era norm anymore, it is a rather relevant message amidst the many sex scandals that have plagued Korea, arising from a male-oreinted and (still) largely conservative milieu. Apart from women’s rights, another aspect I found interesting was how instead of focusing on the throne or mere politics (as with many historical dramas), this show touches on historians, something that is hardly even mentioned or let alone the star of historical dramas. In the show, historians are held to very high regard. By principle, any court matters should not be discussed without a historian present taking down important details, and historical records can only be accessed by historians ,without exceptions (even the king!). Thus, the noble historians depicted in the show sort of act like independent auditors that provide checks and balances in today’s world, where an objective record of factual events shed light on what is “true”. The power of the pen is also aptly illustrated in the show, where due to the immense power historians hold, individuals are encouraged to do good (or conversely, use corruptive tactics to force a distorted positive historical narrative of themselves). This tension is one of the main points of contention that is navigated, alongside touching on the importance of history (and how the pen and paper was the only means as to which history is tangibly recorded back then ).

Well, I’m sure that there are  many other KDramas or shows that have inspired you, and I welcome you to go back and reflect on THAT heart-tingling moment. Why did you feel this way? Is there a subtle social theme that I could glean and learn from? Instead of mere sources of entertainment, I’m sure you will find some relevance of all fictional works in today’s world.

References

Lauzon-Gatmaytan, C. (2020, August 30). QUARANTINE diaries: The social relevance of k-dramas. Retrieved April 05, 2021, from https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/08/quarantine-diaries-the-social-relevance-of-k-dramas/

Herald, T. (2015, August 09). Majority of Koreans DISTRUST government: OECD study. Retrieved April 05, 2021, from http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20150809000373

Periscope April 2021 Summary

Written By: Elizabeth Khoo Yuk Min (21-U1), Emma Shuen Lee (21-O1), He Jizhao (20-U5), Lim Junheng, Jovan (20-O5), Martha Henrietta Soetedjo (20-U2), Ng Teck Zhong (20-E5), Tiew Zuo Yuan Richard (21-I2), Zuo Yuning (21-A1)

Designed By: Lay Kai En, Ashley (21-O1)

Introduction

Welcome back to yet another installment of our monthly summary of the happenings around the world! This month, we are covering issues ranging from the conviction of Derek Chauvin to the record haul of cannabis and heroin seized in a drug raid by the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB) in two decades. Read on to find out more!

Global

Renewed Protests in the US and the verdict on George Floyd Case

On 25 May 2020, an unarmed black man named George Floyd was killed by one police officer who put his knee on Floyd’s neck and choked him to death. That event provoked outrage and sparked protests against racism all over the US and around the world. They come under one name: ‘Black Lives Matter’, igniting conversations about institutional racism and social injustice. As the pandemic worsened later into the year, other more important news overshadowed the continued protests. Nevertheless, when another black man Daunte Wright was killed in Minneapolis by a white police officer this month, anger among the US public once again exploded. The protests have yet to die down. To the public, they were furious at the police’s apparent failure to learn from George Floyd’s tragic death, demanding fundamental police reform to address institutional racism. Activists believe that though rooting out such systemic social issues can be extremely challenging, humanity must be bold enough to take action and improve the situation. Not only are the lives of a few black men at stake, but also the dignity of human civilisation. The crux of the issue is ultimately whether all people can be treated with the basic respect they deserve.

Discharge of Radioactive Water of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant 

On 13 April, Japan announced that it will release 1.25 million tons of treated wastewater contaminated by the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. This discharge will begin in about two years and take place over the course of 30 years. Japan claimed that the advanced liquid processing system will remove all radioactive material except tritium, an isotope of hydrogen that is relatively harmless even in large quantities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has backed this plan as such treated water is routinely discharged into the sea as a byproduct by nuclear plants all around the world. However, the responses of stakeholders have stark differences. The United States has backed the plan and thanked Japan for adopting “an approach in accordance with globally-accepted nuclear safety standards”. However, Japan’s neighbours have hit out. China raised “deep concerns” over Japan’s plan and condemned that Japan’s plan was “extremely irresponsible”, while South Korea expressed her “strong regret”. Meanwhile, many environmental activists and fishermen in Japan protest against this plan. 

Regional

Taiwan Hualien Train Derailment

On the first day of a four-day Qingming Festival holiday, the Taroko Express, that was bound to an inevitable fate, was traversing at 78mph. This was truly a tragedy that would leave behind adverse consequences. There was an expected surge in the sales of train tickets during this period of high traffic with people flocking across the peninsula to visit graves of deceased ancestors. The TRA, Taiwan Rail Administration initially did not intend to sell standing tickets due to safety concerns. However, the detailed safety tests performed in May 2019 reassured TRA to expand their sales to tone with the overwhelming demand. On that fateful morning on 2nd April 2021, as the oncoming train carrying a total of 494 passengers attempted to avoid a collision with a misplaced flatbed truck partaking in the slope stabilisation project, it was derailed in the QingShui Tunnel. Unfortunately, the brake application was barely able to reduce the velocity of the train carriages, resulting in the high-speed collision that derailed the train off course. The aftermath of this disaster left behind a whopping 49 fatalities and over 200 casualties. The deformation of the train carriages revealed the devastative nature of the accident. 

India’s Second Wave of COVID-19

Since the start of April, India has reported more than 1.9 million new COVID-19 cases. Due to the shortage of beds and oxygen, local hospitals have struggled to cope with the surge in cases, resulting in over 10,600 deaths. India had already overtaken Brazil to become the second worst-infected country, just behind the United States.

The rise in cases can be attributed to the introduction of mutant strains, vaccine hesitancy, and a failure to follow COVID-19 protocol.

In response to the flare up, Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state and hotbed for infections, went into a lockdown set to last until May 1. Other states like Delhi have followed suit. 

A second wave will drastically hinder India’s economic recovery. The shortages in hospitals have also created deep divisions between the central government and opposition-led state governments. 

Local

Heng Swee Keat Stepping Down as 4G Leader

On the 8th of April, Heng Swee Keat announced that he would be stepping down as the leader of Singapore’s People’s Action Party 4th Generation team and as the Finance Minister. 

In his communique, he adumbrated his momentous decision with the idea of a younger, future successor of his role being better fitted to run the country. As Heng is 59, the runway in his leadership succession would be “too short” when the time comes for someone else to lead the country. 

Heng voiced his hopes for the future of political governance in Singapore: someone who is younger with a protracted runway, who can think and strategise multi-dimensionally and sustainably, and can take our country to the next stage in nation-building through bringing diversity and fresh outlook in Singapore’s political field.

Record Haul of Cannabis and Heroin Seized in CNB Raid

On 16 April 2021, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) seized over 40 kg of drugs, including 23 kg of cannabis, and 16 kg of heroin, together with other illicit drugs. The drugs, with an estimated street value of over S$2.3 million, were found in the residential unit of a 22-year old Malaysian man.

This amount of heroin seized was the greatest since 2001, while that for cannabis since 1996 — over two decades ago. The drugs obtained were enough to feed over 12,000 drug abusers for a week. The raid followed another from just last month, when over 20 kg of cannabis was found. 

The decades-long concerns regarding the proliferation of drug use and illegal cartels were intensified during the pandemic as these elusive organisations changed their modus operandi to avoid detection by authorities. Many countries have been known to implement harsh measures against drug use. A commonly cited example is that of Philippines President Mr Rodrigo Duterte — who has made his intolerance for drug trafficking clear to the world. The “drug war” in the Philippines has sparked controversy worldwide, with many protesting against the authorities’ use of violence as a form of deterrence. 

While the situation is undoubtedly more controlled in Singapore, many local authorities have also heightened awareness measures to curb the potential spread of drug use.

Conclusion 

We have now come to the end of this month’s summary. See you in May!

References

1. Channel NewsAsia. (2021, April 18). Calls for US police reform at fresh protest OVER Daunte Wright killing. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/us-police-reform-protest-daunte-wright-shooting-taser-14646612 
2. Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore. (2021). More Than 40KG Of Illicit Drugs Seized; Drugs Sufficient To Feed More Than 12,000 Abusers For A Week. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.cnb.gov.sg/newsandevents/news
3. China raises concerns over Japan’s plan to dispose of Fukushima water. (2021). Retrieved 21 April 2021, from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3129228/china-raises-deep-concerns-over-japans-plan-release-fukushima 
4. Denyer, S. (2021, April 13). Japan to release Fukushima nuclear plant water into ocean after treatment. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-fukushima-water-nuclear/2021/04/12/ba47f2b4-9bfa-11eb-b2f5-7d2f0182750d_story.html 
5. Lankes, C. (2021, March 07). How George floyd’s death reignited a worldwide movement: Dw: 07.03.2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.dw.com/en/how-george-floyds-death-reignited-a-worldwide-movement/a-56781938 
6. Lin, C. (2021, March 18). CNB seizes drugs worth almost S$1.7 million, INCLUDING largest SINGLE haul of cannabis since 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cnb-drugs-largest-cannbis-haul-seized-heroin-14435108
7. McGreal, C., Beckett, L., Laughland, O., & Ajasa, A. (2021, April 20). Derek Chauvin found guilty of George FLOYD’S MURDER. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/20/derek-chauvin-verdict-guilty-murder-george-floyd 
8. Sahelirc. (2021, April 15). India’s second wave of Covid shows no signs of slowing as country reports over 200,000 new cases. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/15/india-covid-19-second-wave-over-200000-new-coronavirus-cases.html.
9. Shaw, D. O., & Kidwai, S. A. (2020, December 20). The global impact of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://thegeopolitics.com/the-global-impact-of-the-black-lives-matter-movement/ 
10. SIM, W. (2021). Japan to discharge treated Fukushima water into the Pacific. Retrieved 21 April 2021, from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-to-discharge-treated-fukushima-water-into-the-pacific
11. Sun, D. (2021, April 19). CNB seizes over 40kg of drugs, including record amounts of cannabis and heroin. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/cnb-makes-record-seizure-of-cannabis-and-heroin-since-1996-and-2001
12. Tan. (2021, April 8). DPM Heng Swee Keat steps aside as leader of 4G team, setting back Singapore’s succession plan for next PM. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/dpm-heng-swee-keat-steps-aside-as-leader-of-4g-team-setting-back-singapores
13. The New York Times. (2021, April 12). What to know about the death of daunte wright. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/article/daunte-wright-death-minnesota.html 
14. Writer, E. B. S. (2021, April 13). Top scientists identify 3 reasons behind the Covid-19 surge in India. mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/top-scientists-identify-3-reasons-behind-the-covid-19-surge-in-india-11618289785593.html.

How Music “Affects” Us

Written by: Ashley Koh Yu Xi (21-A1), Katelyn Joshy (21-U1), Leia Ong Rui En (20-U1), Lim Zi Loong, Zexel (21-E2), Zenov Liu Fan (20-U1)

Designed by: Jervis Ch’ng Yun Ping (21-U5)

At the end of a long and tiring day, the burden of your responsibilities weigh on your mind, as the sound of hurried footsteps, muffled chatter and the familiar chime of the train doors closing surround you. It is so easy to get lost in all the noise. Yet, once you plug earphones in, the bustle of the city is instantly drowned out by  the soothing balm of music. 

Indeed, as William Congreve once famously quipped: “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast”, music truly has an effect on its listeners both psychologically and physically. But how does it affect our emotions? How do a few notes strung together with choice words being sung to those notes move us so powerfully? In this article, we want to help you understand how this happens. With this deeper knowledge, perhaps you’ll be able to enjoy music more when you blast especially emotional tunes to cry to. 

The Science of Affects

To first understand why we feel emotion when we listen to music, we must first uncover what Affects are: an Affect is a psychological term that encompasses a broad range of feelings that people can experience. It is the outward expression of both emotions and feelings. In other words, an Affect is basically the facial expression or body movement that indicates emotion. 

In a musical context, Affects indicate our perception or feeling of emotions. These powerful emotional responses are evoked just by listening to music. 

Ever wonder why we feel ‘chills’ or goosebumps during parts of a song? Research has indicated that chills are an automatic ‘fight’ response in reaction to stimuli that our bodies initially perceive to be threatening; this is also the case for certain musical moments in a song. Because music is non-threatening (unless it is deafeningly loud), the response then turns to one of pleasure. 

Dopamine is released especially during peak or unexpected musical moments such as the chorus, or a beat-drop. It could also be in response to a particularly wonderful ad-lib that the singer has performed, or a surprise change in harmony or key. The possibilities are endless! 

Major and Minor Feels

With these in mind, how then exactly does a piece of music make us feel like we’re flying, or even a profound sense of dread? Believe it or not, certain musical features are key to evoking these emotions — we go more into these below.

KEY

The way we perceive our music decides how music affects us, right? Well, there is more than just that! Ever listened to a song that makes you feel all gloomy? Or one that fills you up with that serotonin boost you needed? These emotions you’ve experienced are all thanks to the Western key in music — the emotional center of a piece. A piece of music in the major key will make you feel happiness, positivity, optimism and hopefulness, while the reverse is true where a piece in the minor key will likely make you feel sadness, pessimism and even fear.

For instance, in Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons: Spring”, the liveliness and beauty of spring can be easily visualised because the piece is in the E Major key, where the mix of short and complex melodies shape a tone of merriness throughout the piece. 

In contrast, though pop songs today rarely make use of the minor key, Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” challenged the norm beautifully with it being written in the G Minor key. By doing so, Graham was able to present the sense of nostalgia and loneliness he experiences as he reflects back on the advice that he had received from his parents throughout his teenage years. 

TEMPO

Slow, fast, medium. All forms of music, regardless of genre, can utilise tempo to great effect, whether it’s to get your heart racing and pumping you full of adrenaline or to slow you down and give you a sense of peace and comfort. 

One example of this would be the famed “William Tell Overture”. From the first few notes that the trumpet plays, you can already tell how fast and exhilarating this piece will be. With a measure of 153 beats-per-minute (BPM), the average listener can quickly understand why this piece serves as a brilliant and heart-pounding finish to the opera that its composer, Rossini, wrote. 

On the other, more modern, hand, the song “Georgia” by Vance Joy adopts a slower tempo —  71 BPM, in fact. At more than half the tempo of the previous piece, the song is less heart-pounding and closer to a lullaby. Its slower tempo helps it to achieve its intended effect, however, as the more glacial tempo helps to convey the love the singer has for his partner and sends a signal of the peace and comfort he feels with her. 

LYRICS AND WORDPAINTING

Have you ever heard a melody that just seems to perfectly fit the lyrics attached to it? You’ve likely experienced a good bit of songwriting utilising wordpainting, then. Simply, wordpainting is writing a vocal melody that exemplifies the inherent meaning of the lyrics in a musical way. 

For example, famous rock band Queen’s song “Don’t Stop Me Now” incorporates wordpainting in the line “oh, oh, oh, oh, and explode!”, with the word “explode” being sung in the highest pitch, or register, serving as a melodic catharsis. The accompanying major key also evokes that feeling of euphoria. 

Similarly, sadness could be represented with a musical “sigh”, or a succession of slow, low notes. 

INSTRUMENTATION (Musical Timbre)

The very medium by which music is presented to listeners, instruments play a vital role in influencing musical moods and emotional responses. Different instruments produce different musical timbres. A musical timbre refers to the quality of the sound; it allows you to differentiate the sound of a violin from a piano, regardless of the note being played. Musicians combine a multitude of timbral qualities through harnessing the power of several types of instruments and synthesizers in a performance. 

To achieve a more melancholic mood, for instance, musicians can use cellos, which produce sounds characterised by their hollow and low pitch. This will evoke a sombre feeling within listeners and accordingly, translate to them feeling a little ‘low’, too.

Listening with Awareness

Bearing these aspects of music in mind, they do not just exist on their own; they work together in tandem to produce nuanced and multiple moods in a single piece of music. 

The next time you listen to music, you can think about how perhaps a nostalgic or wistful mood is created when you listen to a song with a fast tempo but a sad-sounding (minor) melody; take Japanese artist Mondo Grosso’s “Labyrinth” for example. Alternatively, how a slow tempo with soft and mellow instruments makes you feel calm — any lo-fi song is a good representative (and why they’re so good for studying!). 

Some songs can even be purposefully misleading in their choice of melody and lyrics. Many Japanese pop songs use this technique, such as “Compared Child (くらべられ)” by the band TUYU. Though on the surface, the song is in a light G major key and therefore sounds bubbly and cheerful, it actually portrays the depressing reality for a persona who is constantly being compared to her peers. As the song progresses, we gradually realise the toll it takes on her, and therefore the subversive nature of the light melody. 

Perhaps when listening to songs, you can look up their lyrics. In the process, there is a chance you may discover more purposefully subversive songs!

Music for the Soul

Naturally, music has a major effect on our emotional well-being: more specifically, our moods and the ability to influence them in a very real way. Upbeat music with a lively tempo in the early mornings can energise and motivate just as well as any cup of coffee. Listening to hymns and songs of worship help some to keep hopeful in times of despair, and soothing, chill music with a relaxed tempo may allow people to unwind. 

It isn’t just for you or me; even professional athletes and dancers use a specific music playlist to channel their emotions to achieve the right mindsets so as to perform at their optimal best. 

But why? It is believed that the tempo, rhythm and even song lyrics of music one listens to directly influences the moods of listeners with upbeat songs getting you all hyped up and downcast ballads making you feel a bit blue. 

Music also helps one de-stress and mentally rejuvenate. Research has shown that music can be a particularly effective stimulus to moderate emotional states. Beauty lies also in the ear of the beholder — music that you personally enjoy may lead to the release of neurotransmitters associated with reward, such as dopamine, or the “happy hormone”. This is especially so closer towards the musical peak of the song when one typically anticipates the best parts of the song. This improves our mood and mitigates the effects of stress and worries, as we lose ourselves in the pristine harmonies. 

Phrasing Off

“Music is the shorthand for emotion”. Famed author Leo Tolstoy wrote these words. Even in the period that he lived — Russia in the 1800s — music had already become inextricably linked with our emotions. In fact, music being used to convey and affect emotions goes as far back as the prehistoric ages, when we were banging on drums made from animal skin and blowing on primitive wind instruments to make sounds. As long as we have lived, we have used music to express and convey our feelings as well as the messages we couldn’t possibly say using merely words.

Ultimately, music as a means of expression and empathy are what makes us human, and nothing can ever take that away from us. Play on!

Sick Beats 

While not featured in our column Sick Beats, here is a playlist of the songs featured in this article!

Morning pick-me-ups: 

Grace Vanderwall — Hideaway 

Harry Styles — Adore You

Sabrina Carpenter — In The Middle Of Starting Over

Sabrina Carpenter — Let Me Move You

Imagine Dragons — On Top of The World

Sofia Carson — Chillin’ Like a Villain 

TUYU — Compared Child

When you feel like giving up (gospel):

Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli — The Prayer

Hillsong UNITED — Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) 

Tunes to destress: 

Coldplay — Paradise

Sabrina Carpenter — Can’t Blame A Girl For Trying

Ed Sheeran — Photograph 

Ed Sheeran — Afterglow

Sabrina Carpenter — Right Now

Vance Joy — Georgia 

Yiruma — River Flows In You 

Mondo Grosso — Labyrinth

For when you feel down: 

Lukas Graham — 7 Years

Andra Day — Rise up 

Queen — Don’t Stop Me Now

Classical: 

Rossini — William Tell Overture 

Antonio Vivaldi — The Four Seasons

Bibliography:

Swaminathan, S., Schellenberg, E.G. (2015). Current Emotion Research in Music Psychology. Retrieved 15 August, 2020 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273675140_Current_Emotion_Research_in_Music_Psychology

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02044/full

Schaefer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Stadtler, C. & Huron, D. (2013, August 13). The psychological functions of music listening. Retrieved 15 August, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741536/

Schwarm, B. (2020, February 7). The Four Seasons. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 27 June, 2013 from 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Four-Seasons-by-Vivaldi

DBT Centre. (2017, May 30). What is the difference between Affects, Emotion and Mood?https://www.dbtcentersouthbay.com/what-is-the-difference-between-affect-emotion-and-mood/

Affect in Psychology: Definition & Types. (2016, March 23). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/affect-in-psychology-definition-types.html.

A Play on Words

Written by: Chong Tien Ee (20-E6)

Designed by: Poh En Xi (20-E3)

“Dear Evan Hansen” tells the tale of a high school senior suffering from social anxiety who later finds himself entrapped in the lies he spun as he fabricates a friendship with a deceased classmate. However, the truth soon unravels and eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted? Through the lyrics in its musical pieces, this musical explores themes such as suicide and anxiety.

Waving through a Window

This number starts the musical off with a bang and provides the audience a first glimpse into Evan’s character and his mindset at the time. The song in question deftly introduces the dilemma of the alienated teenager and his longing to be seen and heard by others. This will be a recurring theme throughout the musical, and is something that fuels the decisions, albeit poor ones, Evan makes in  this story. Our protagonist feels detached and removed from everybody around him. When he approaches others, desperate to form genuine and caring relationships, they instantly turn their back on him and shut him out. This evokes the audience’s sympathy for the main character in this musical because we gain a deeper understanding  of  Evan’s  subconscious decision to fabricate his friendship with Connor Murphy, as he acquires more  attention  from  Murphy’s parents than he is getting from his own mother.

For Forever

This musical starts off on a cheerful note, with its lyrics illustrating a picturesque scene as Evan attempts to spin a convincing lie about his supposed friendship with Connor Murphy to his family. However, the song later takes on a melancholic and dark turn as it not only provides the first mention of Evan’s attempted suicide but also sheds light on how deprived he is of friendship and social interaction. The manner in which he describes and imagines his friendship with Connor is extremely saturated, dramatized and overall, rather unrealistic. Not only does this highlight the guise of our protagonist’s narrative, it shows just how unaware he is of true friendship and all that it entails. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that his descriptions of his relationship with Connor seem rehearsed, almost as if it was something out of a movie. The lyrics also reveal more about Evan’s yearning for a friend, or even just someone who genuinely cares for him (who he never had before), and it is the portrayal of loneliness that causes our hearts to go out to him. This number marks the start of Evan’s downward spiral into self-deceit as he continues to spin more and more lies that will eventually catch up with him.

Words Fail

Possibly one of the most heart wrenching moments in the musical,  Evan’s lies have finally been brought to light and he  bears his heart out to the Murphys, offering them an explanation to his deception. The song brings listeners through a rollercoaster of emotions, starting off with Evan fumbling for the right words to explain his actions. However, as he realises that the root cause of his behaviour towards his family and schoolmates was the intense longing for a false reality, he slips into nostalgia, sadness and loneliness. As the song reaches the climax, we realise the extent of Evan’s self-loathe and shame after deceiving the Murphy family about the nature of his relationship with Connor. As the number ends, it dawns on him that there really is only one solution to his predicament – come clean and “step into the sun”, a bold first step in overcoming his sense of isolation. 

With powerful songs and profound messages, this brilliant and nuanced piece is incredibly relevant to teenagers our age and applicable to everyone because we have all experienced feelings of remorse, guilt and struggled to connect  with one another at some point in our lives. The songs featured in this musical not only aid in furthering the plot, but also allow the audience to empathise with Evan as a deeply flawed character. Peppered with incredibly moving musical pieces, this musical delves into topics such as mental wellness and explores the emotions brought out by the dark side of the human psyche such as loneliness and depression, therefore making “Dear Evan Hansen” definitely worth seeing.