Wednesday, May 20, 2009
An interview with my father on a book that he had read when he was young ( For LA Assesment) @ 12:09 AM
S= Si Jian F= Father
S:What book that you read when you were young left a lasting impression in your mind?
F:Hmm, I remember this book that is entitled " Animal Farm ". I also believe that some classes in HCI are reading on that book.
S:Can you give me a brief summary of what the book is about?
F:This story is set in Manor Farm,and the author uses third-person narrative to write the story. However, the animals were rallied by a pig, stating that their owners, the humans did not treat them fairly and a rebellion should be held against the humans. They successfully overturned the humans and renamed the farm " Animal Farm", having 7 commandants of Animalism. However just as the animals were living happily, they realised that they were under the control of the pigs all the while, Instead of what the pigs said of each animal being treated fairly. This can be clearly seen in some politically unstable countries and is most probably the reason why the author decided to write the book during the WW2 period.
S:What have you seen or learnt from this story.
F:Those who lead us will always be one step ahead of us and thus their power will in turn be a danger instead of goodness to us.They will in turn use their power to control us and brainwash use.Power is something that one desires and there is no turing back when you have misused it.
S:In reality, how can we make sure that one does not get influenced by POWER?
F:No matter what position we hold or take, we must be aware of our surroudings and know the consequence of our misuse of power. Power is easy to control, but once it had been overly-used, good will in turn become bad. Take for example Singapore,if you have noticed, we became a first world country froma third world country in such a short span of time.Why? It is because our government knows how to use "power" properly and knows how to make the people think as if they are the same level as them, preventing conflicts of power.
S:What was the vocal point that retained a lasting memory in you?
F:Power must be used properly and to the benefits of others, or a slip mmay even cause the worst change.
S:May you take a character and compare it with the modern world now?
F:Erm,the Old Major can be compared to people who debate over the government decisions, like at the Speakers' Corner. He rallied the animals when he thought that his views were for the better, just like during the sudden economic crisis where people debae over the government, rallied by someone who has the same opinion as them.
S:That marks the end of the interview.Thank You.
F:Welcome