A Mistaken Halloween Prank

(Murder of teen at Downtown East, 01 November 2010)

For full article, go to:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1090720/1/.html

Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October 31, primarily in Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States. It is believed that on this day, the border between this world and the other world becomes thin hence spirits (both harmless and harmful) are able to pass through.

Common Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, committing pranks, telling ghost stories and watching horror films. Just two days ago, a nasty trick happened at Downtown East, Singapore. A 19-year-old teen was thought to be prank by those who witness, when it was actually a true “horror film” unfolding. A 19-year-old teen was hacked repeatedly by a group of people and eventually died from his severe injuries.

  

The fight ensued after a starring episode. According to psychologist, Daniel Koh, individuals feel challenged when they are stared at. However, I feel that it is not a good reason for the group of teens to start a fight. Violence is not the way to solve problems. It will only aggravate matters and may result into something unfortunate and regretful.

 I am appalled that they had hacked the 19-year-old individual multiple times as if it was just a game. Did they play too much computer games? The group of teens even carried dangerous weapons around with them! This shows that they had been geared up for a fight all the time which is a frightening fact. It is obvious that they are “violence-managed”, believing that violence can solve their problems. It is shocking that they are so bold to commit such a crime at a crowded place too.

Some people feel that is it because of their incorrect upbringing that resulted to their current mindset. (http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=33894&page=3) Indeed, parents play an important role model for their child to follow. But, it may be also due to other factors that cause one to have the incorrect moral behaviour such as mixing with the wrong company. This incident just shows that it is essential that students are inculcate with the proper moral values and taught proper behavioural management since young.

“Spare the rod and spoil the child”. I hope parents and teachers would pay more attention to their child’s upbringing and correct them before it is too late.  

Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

http://forums.asiaone.com/showthread.php?t=33894&page=3

Done By: Kwek Wan Ling
Admin Number: 103503L