Flogging dead horses: Groupthink and 377A.

Heh, I know, I know.

It's over, why bother talking about it still, because it would just make me seem as someone very keen on flogging dead horses. Right?

Well, I have a bit more free time now, and this post was a long time coming. Just did not have the time to do it.

So to launch straight into my thesis, I would like to suggest another angle from which the 377A thing can be viewed from.

I hypothesise that one reason why the movement for repeal, along with other similar protests against certain policies failed, is because the leaders of the state are operating within a mode of thought called 'groupthink'.

If I may quote Wikipedia, symptoms of this affliction comprise:

1. Illusions of invulnerability creating excessive optimism and encouraging risk taking.
   
2. Rationalising warnings that might challenge the group's assumptions.
   
3. Unquestioned belief in the morality of the group, causing members to ignore the consequences of their actions.
   
4. Stereotyping those who are opposed to the group as weak, evil or stupid.
   
5. Direct pressure to conform placed on any member who questions the group, couched in terms of "disloyalty".
   
6. Self censorship of ideas that deviate from the apparent group consensus.
   
7. Illusions of unanimity among group members, silence is viewed as agreement.
   
8. Mindguards — self-appointed members who shield the group from dissenting information.

Perhaps this could be another reason why some policies effected by said leaders are viewed as irrational by the Singapore populace, and do not sit as easy with the latter group, simply because these policies have been formulated as a result of 'groupthink'?

To conclude in MINDEF-speak (another organisation also very much afflicted by 'groupthink': For your consideration, please.