Shoot3

Was watching this new series call Shoot3 showing on channel U today... The topic was whether Singaporeans are willing to give crime offenders a second chance.

My personal opinion is that yes we should give them a second chance if they are serious in turning over a new leaf. But in reality and sad to say this, I feel that the society today doesn't give these offenders a second chance at all. I mean we can go on to argue that we Singaporeans should be more forgiving and that these ex-offenders have paid a price for their crimes so on and so forth.... but seriously how many people are willing to do that? It is easier said than done.

Even though this show did give examples of how some ex-offenders are doing well because people gave them a second chance, I believe that they are the exception. Cos I dun see why an employer would hire an ex convict over someone else who has a clean sheet even if both can do the job just as well... unless this employer is a true kind hearted soul that wants to specifically hire these ex-convicts or the employer himself is an ex-convict so he understands the plight of these ex-offenders, how difficult it is to find a job and so on. From the employer's point of view, he might be worried of hiring an ex-convict because of the lack of trust and he might fear that by hiring him his fellow workers that have clean sheets might not get along with him.

The fact is that it is a cruel world out there. Once u make a mistake, the society does not forgive u and the road ahead gets tough.

Perhaps what is more important is for these ex-convicts to believe in themselves, to regain their confidence and not to give up. Though i would think that getting a good job (ie high pay and high status) is difficult, but as long as they are willing to turn over a new leaf, willing to take up any jobs first (be it a low paying or a long working hour job) and from there move on with their life, I think they will not go hungry in Singapore.