Patriotic Journalism

Reading online copies of SEA Games news from web sites of participating countries game me a glimpse of what a patriotic journalism is. I did not read it elsewhere and haven't even tried to Google it but the term is exceptionally obvious. Masquerading in the disguise of half editorial, half info sharing, newsmen stir citizens to show their support through news items filled with emotion more than anything else.

Read this one from Gary Lim of The Electric New Paper on the eve of Singapore-Indonesia football game:

THE Young Lions are in defiant mood as they warm up for their do-or-die clash against Indonesia today.

The Young Lions say they are ready for their next do-or-die match with Indonesia.

After Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Vietnam in their opening match at the South-east Asia
(SEA) Games in Bacolod City, anything less than a win in their remaining three matches is likely to dump them out of the semi-finals for the third time in a row.

Skipper Baihakki Khaizan knows all about Indonesia. He was in the Tiger Cup team that defeated them in the final in January.

He told The New Paper: 'Yes, they have a formidable team.

'But I can tell you, bring them on. It won't be easy to beat us.

'If we are scared of them, we might as well just pack up and go home.

'We have three important matches to play in the tournament.

'But the result of tomorrow's game will decide if our final two matches are of any significance.

The very next day, Gary painted rather a bleak picture of what Singapore's chances in advancing the SEA Games football tournament. After two matches, Lion City team only came up with a point, which means they are in danger of missing the semifinal mathes.

They did not lose to Indonesia; they did not beat Indonesia either. That meant after two games, Tiger Cup champions were in danger of not making past the eliminations.

JUST what is wrong with the Young Lions?
The players after their opening match against Vietnam ended in 2-1 loss. The faced disappointment again yesterday.

They had travelled to the Philippines with high hopes.

After all, Singapore had won the Tiger Cup, supposedly South-east Asia's top prize in football, not too long ago.

Players seemed to reassure the press that they have little trouble to appease the constant pressure by countrymen and the high expectations from Koreans are.