Why should we care about what happens in places far away from where we live?

We are all living in this world where every continent and country is connected to each other, in some way or another, be it economically or socially. Such is the life that we live, and to ensure a safe and happy life for each and every one of us as far as possible, understanding the things that happen far away from where we live, the current affairs around the world, is important.

Firstly, these 'things' that happen could be something major like a natural disaster, and therefore a possibility of affecting our country's economy. For example, recently there was a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in Japan. These kind of disasters are important for our knowledge. Countries all around the world are all connected in one way or another economically, and as Japan's industries are affected, so are ours. Not only will these disasters affect your country's economy, it might also affect your social life. You will also be informed about the dangers that it may cause, and therefore take necessary precautions against it. For example, there is currently a nuclear radiation problem around Japan, and by taking necessary precautions against it (like obtaining certain chemicals for consumption) you can avoid being affected by radiation.

Secondly, the things that happen around you can be of a technological advancement. As we know today, technology is something of substantial importance to our lives. The computer is a good example. It could be used to create documents, and even for entertainment. By knowing what's going on around the world of Technology, we could keep ourselves updated about recent innovations, and therefore help ourselves out when we come across something that one needs to use, or perhaps just something to keep ourselves occupied.

Thirdly, these information that you gather from current affairs could always come in handy. If you are writing a report about, for example, Japan's earthquake and what could be done to help, everything that you know about Japan would become useful. When you have no idea what's going on in Japan because you're ignorant, then good luck with your report. Other documents also include blog posts. Even in school such information would be required. There might be components of your grades which consist of an assessment of your current affairs knowledge (For example, debates and discussions, or a Community of Inquiry). Next time when we grow up, and we want to become a lawyer or maybe a teacher, such information and knowledge would be something pre-requisite and would play a big part in your mission for a successful career.

Some would say knowing things outside of the country we live in is unimportant. They claim that their lives would not be affected either way, but as the recent earthquake in Japan as well as the rebellion in Libya has shown, this is not true. As I say again that countries are inter-connected through one way or another, one will be affected sooner of later by something as major as these. When one has no knowledge of current affairs, academic progress might be slower. In Hwa Chong graded components such as the Current Affairs Debate is going to require substantial current affairs knowledge. Some also say that maybe such stories will upset them or maybe make them depressed, or perhaps guilty. It's not really about the news, because sooner or later this person will have to go through this experience. Everyone has to, and it will be quite unlikely that one is sheltered his/her whole life without experiencing any much hardships.

In conclusion, knowing about things that happen far away from where we live is ultimately important, as it affects our lives either directly or indirectly, or even your future.

Dear Japan...

Block 459 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 #12-69 Singapore (680459)

22nd March 2011

Dear Nick Jones,

How're you doing? I have heard of the earthquake in Japan, and heard that you survived the earthquake. I have read through your article on Yahoo! SEA, I am worried about your well-being, and I have few words of encouragement to help you get over it.

As a survivor and someone who witnessed the disaster unfold, I'm sure you would have many things to say about this earthquake. This earthquake, as bad as it came, is a devil. Bringing the tsunami with it, it not only took away the lives of many, but destroyed properties as well has the homes of many thousands more. You decision to move to the west of Japan is a good one, as safety is always the first to consider. It also shows your care and concern for your family. As recent studies have shown, the radioactive plumes and clouds would not be of a problem for areas outside of a certain radius outside Fukushima, and they will dissipate quite quickly. So, you don't need to worry much about that.

After the disaster, I know that you and your family are wrecked. As a good friend, I'll try everything I can to help you get over this emotional crisis. Whatever you do, do not forget that your family survived the earthquake, and are fine. Try to take things from a different perspective, maybe thinking a little more positively. Something else that you can do is to offer your help to the major victims of this devastating earthquake. Offering your help might cause you come problems, especially the radioactivity around Fukushima, but you will definitely take joy in doing all this volunteering work. In that case, you would be writing the article in a different perspective. I'll do all I can to help you get out of this 'spiral of hysteria'. You just need to calm and settle down, and everything will be fine. Government executions are under way, and other countries are already offering much of their help to help Japan with this huge problem. Soon the problem will be largely solved, and you and your family can move back into your daily lives.

Please take care of yourself, and help me wish them to have a good stay, and stay healthy. I look forward to your reply and assurance about your own well-being (:

Stay healthy,
Your good friend,

Caspar