Isn't it terrible the news has swung from the masses' respect for Mr. Lee to Yee's massive disrespect? I think it is worse than that.
When I read that Amos Yee is being charged for trying to wound the religious feelings of Christians, I can't help but have the image of myself enjoying Palm Sunday mass with my son. My son was fascinated with the stalk of palm leaf and was trying to wave it without poking anyone in the eye, and I was tearing a bit out of spiritual nostalgia when the hymn, Love It Was That Made Us, was being sung. After mass, I crossed the road holding my son's hand to catch the bus, and I felt so blessed. It was going to pour and Mr. Lee's funeral procession was going to start. I felt thankful.
I would be massively mad if my son was to do what Yee did, it would reflect horribly on me as a father. But should the boy (yes, the BOY) be punished under the Penal Code? Surely he is misguided, and needs the firm parental hand, but to grant him the media attention he craves and let him have martyrdom he seems to seek, surely we are giving in to his wish fulfilment, and not getting him to learn from the mistakes?
This Friday I will bring my boy to church again, no mass, only a solemn service to commemorate Christ's crucifixion. I hate the idea that the boy is going to be punished and made example of on our account.
Forgiveness and a new life of love is the takeaway I am trying to teach my son this weekend. What Amos Yee needs is tough love and guidance, not exemplary punishment. I hope prosecution will bring about the former outcome.
"Born of God's love we must love Him
That's why He made us to love Him
But only when we love all men can we partake of God's love."
Daniel PS Goh
*The writer is an Associate Professor at National University of Singapore and a member of the Workers' Party. This article first appeared on his facebook page here.