Straits Times Research Articles

The national press & its framing of Singlish: print media as a language planning and policy tool

ABSTRACT This article explores a significant gap in research on Singlish by examining The Straits Times (ST) as a language planning and policy tool. Using representation theory, legitimisation theory, and framing, it analyzes ST’s media coverage of Singlish across two periods. The article demonstrates how ST has not merely reported on Singlish but has actively engaged in status planning by legitimizing Standard English and delegitimizing Singlish. It argues that while ST does not formulate Singapore’s English language policy, it plays a crucial role in shaping public attitudes and containing Singlish. By analyzing ST articles, the article reveals how Singlish was initially portrayed as a ‘bogeyman’ but later acknowledged for its identity functions, suggesting a shift in how Standard Singapore English and Singlish are perceived in different social contexts.

Analysis of the effect of Regional Stock Market on the Jakarta Composite Index using Markov Regime Switching Regression

Purpose: In the current era of information, global stock market interconnections significantly influence investment decisions. Changes in one market rapidly affect others. The co-movement of stock markets presents challenges and opportunities for investors, whereas volatility spillovers complicate risk management and investment strategies. Research Methodology: This study examines the influence of the Nikkei 225, Straits Times Index, and Shanghai Composite Index on the Jakarta Composite Index across the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic phases. Results: Utilizing the hidden Markov model with regime-switching regression, this study identifies changes in market behavior due to economic shifts during the pandemic, revealing two regimes: synchronization and desynchronization. Limitations: Pre-COVID-19, the Jakarta Composite Index shows strong synchronization with the Nikkei 225 and Straits Times Index, while the Shanghai Composite Index has an insignificant impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, frequent desynchronization occurred due to high uncertainty and volatility, with only the Straits Times Index significantly influencing the Jakarta Composite Index. Post-pandemic, synchronization between the JCI and regional markets strengthened again. This study highlights the consistent influence of the Nikkei 225 and Straits Times Index, while the Shanghai Composite Index remains insignificant. Contributions: This study contributes significantly to the understanding of regional stock market relationships and offers valuable insights for academia and practice.

BEYOND THE GAME: INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ATTITUDES TOWARD INDONESIA'S CANCELLATION OF THE U20 WORLD CUP

In March 2023, Indonesia was confronted with a situation that was also a worldwide concern. The hosting of the U20 World Cup in Indonesia has been cancelled. This study, however, will not address the reasons why this could happen but rather the attitudes of the world's newspapers in reporting on the subject. It is significant because, as a nation which constantly seeking global recognition, Indonesia should be introspective by understanding the global community's perspectives on the problems that exist in Indonesia, which can be illustrated by news about Indonesia that exists in foreign newspapers. Furthermore, attitude analysis can be done using Appraisal Theory. This study sampled three articles from online news: BBC, CNA, and The Straits Times. The data were analyzed by adopting a mix-method. The results obtained that the three news articles had negative attitudes perspective. Furthermore, the findings of this study's analysis can be used as teaching material for language and communication students interested in becoming journalists or writing articles for print and online publications.

Representation of social actors in The Straits Times and The Independent Singapore: A comparative critical discourse analysis of the repeal of Section 377A in Singapore

Section 377A was a decades-old law introduced in Singapore in 1938, which had made sexual intimacy between gay men, even when consensual, punishable by a maximum sentence of two years in prison. In Aug 2022, in what many considered as a historic moment in Singapore, the Prime Minister announced its repeal. Following the announcement, several related news articles were published by the news outlets The Straits Times and The Independent Singapore. This study, therefore, sets out to undertake a critical discourse analysis of these news articles, focusing on the representation of two groups of social actors, namely the Singapore government and gay people. Guided by a framework that constitutes the theoretical approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Fairclough, Van Dijk and Wodak’s perspectives on power relations as discursive, as well as Van Leeuwen's theories on discourse construction and representations of social actors, the analysis of the textual data reveals distinct patterns in how the Singapore government and gay people are represented. In an area where there is little comparative critical discourse research on how more powerful groups and less powerful groups are represented in news coverage following significant legal and sociopolitical changes in a society, this article aims to deepen readers’ understanding of such discursive patterns and foster media literacy, thereby attaining the practical result of pointing readers in the direction of change – a desired outcome that CDA seeks through its research.

Pengaruh Straits Times Index, Harga Emas Dunia, Dan Inflasi Terhadap Ihsg Di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2018 – 2023

The aims of this research is to determine and analyze the influence of the Straits Times Index (STI), world gold prices, and inflation on the Indonesia Composite Index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2018 - 2023. The population in this research is time series data for 60 months from the ICI price movement on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period July 2018 – June 2023. The sampling technique used saturated samples so that the samples obtained were 60. The research method used was multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this research show that 1) the Straits Times Index (STI), World Gold Prices and Inflation simultaneously have a significant effect on the ICI on the IDX for the period 2018 – 2023, 2) the Straits Times Index (STI) partially has a positive effect and significantly to the ICI on the IDX for the period 2018 – 2023, 3) World gold prices partially have a positive and significant effect on the ICI on the IDX for the period 2018 – 2023, 4) Inflation partially has a positive and significant effect on the ICI on the IDX for the period 2018 – 2023 Keywords: Straits Times Index, World Gold Prices, Inflation, ICI

Analysing Risk & Return Profiles: A Comparative Study of the Indonesian Stock Market against International Benchmarks

The Indonesian stock market, also known as IDX, has emerged as a prominent player in the financial landscape of Southeast Asia. It has attracted the interest of investors who regard it as a potential source of massive returns. Nevertheless, empirical research has consistently demonstrated that developing nations’ stock markets tend to exhibit a notable degree of volatility. This volatility is well recognised for its propensity to amplify risk levels for domestic investors, potentially leading to a decrease in the demand for stock market investments. The observed phenomenon in Indonesia reveals a very low degree of stock market engagement when compared to benchmark nations. This suggests that the high volatility in the market may be a contributing factor. Understanding the risk-return characteristics of the IDX in comparison to recognised benchmark indexes is crucial for making educated investment decisions. This study will conduct a comparative analysis of the risk-return attributes of the IDX in comparison to six well recognised benchmark indexes, specifically the S&P 500 Index, the Straits Times Index, the FTSE 100 Index, the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite, the BSE Sensex, and the BOVESPA Index. The study employs several risk and return measures, such as standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and the Sharpe ratio, to assess the relative performance of the IDX. The objective of this study is to evaluate the comparative appeal of the Indonesian stock market when compared to international benchmarks, with a specific focus on risk and return. The aim is to determine the optimal level of stock market involvement and the inclination towards risk aversion or risk-seeking behaviour among retail investors in Indonesia.

Malaysian newspaper coverage of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games

ABSTRACT Background: The Olympic Games, as a major global sporting event, have received extensive media coverage. However, there is no published study on the media coverage of Malaysian newspapers in the Games. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the newspaper coverage of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games across four English-language Malaysian newspapers. Methodology: The primary objective of this research is to scrutinize all articles and photographs published from the opening day to the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Various factors considered in the analysis include the frequency of coverage, total number of articles and photographs, size of articles and photographs, nationality, gender representation, and article placement. The sample for this study includes Malay Mail, New Straits Times, The Sun, and The Star. Data collection involved gathering articles and photographs published during the specified time frame of the Olympic Games. The collected data were then analyzed using quantitative methods to determine trends and patterns in newspaper coverage. This study utilized a summative content analysis method to determine and compare the frequency, amount, and size of newspaper coverage. Results: The findings indicate a decline in overall coverage from 3,009 articles in 2012 to 2,783 articles in 2016. Additionally, there was a decrease in the size of news articles, from 33,422.823 square inches in 2012 to 30,670.271 square inches in 2016. However, the size of photographs increased substantially in 2016 compared to 2012, rising from 24,349.514 square inches to 40,254.556 square inches. Most of the coverage was concentrated on the sports pages, with only 14% of articles in 2012 and 4% in 2016 featured on the front page. In terms of gender representation, males were prominently featured over females in both 2012 and 2016. Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of articles and photographs showcasing foreign nationals compared to Malaysians in both years. Conclusion: The study reveals significant differences in the newspaper coverage of the Olympic Games between 2012 and 2016 in Malaysian newspapers. These findings provide valuable insights into the media portrayal of the Olympics and contribute to a better understanding of the role of newspapers in shaping public perception of sporting events. To our knowledge, this is the first data on Malaysian newspaper coverage of the Olympics. Most articles were published in the sports sections, and the average size of articles and photos was larger compared to other countries. There were more articles featuring male subjects than female subjects, with males receiving more coverage overall. Additionally, there was more coverage of foreign athletes compared to Malaysians. Future research could explore the bias in reporting gender and nationality in Malaysian English-language newspapers.

The Moderating Effect of Ownership Structure in Affecting CSR on Financial Performance

CSR activities are becoming a trend that companies do to be able to compete in increasingly fierce business competition. The company's consistency in carrying out CSR activities can have an influence on the profits generated by the company, which is shown by the company's financial performance. However, there are factors that can influence CSR on financial performance, one of which is ownership structure. The company's managerial ownership structure will have an impact on how well business decisions are made. The ownership identity applied by the company will support management decision making in implementing CSR efforts and improving financial performance. This study was conducted to examine the effect of ownership structure as a moderating variable on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in companies located in Indonesia and Singapore. Furthermore, it was also tested by comparing CSR disclosures in the two countries by focusing on companies listed on the LQ45 index and the Straits Times Index. The test analysis uses panel data regression analysis and Mann-Whitney test to determine the level of difference in CSR in Indonesia and Singapore. The results obtained are that there is no significant difference in CSR in Indonesian and Singaporean companies. Furthermore, the role of ownership structure in strengthening the relationship between CSR and financial performance can be proven in Singapore companies, but cannot be proven in Indonesian companies.
 

Asian values in Confucian masculinity: A discourse analysis of parenting advice to fathers

This article examines parenting advice to fathers published in the state-regulated English newspaper, The Straits Times, in Singapore. In November 2020, The Straits Times introduced ST Smart Parenting, with articles written as instruction guides for parents and autobiographical narratives. What is distinct about ST Smart Parenting are the articles written by and for fathers. Fathers are rarely the focus of parenting guides, as mothers have historically and in the present been positioned as having primary responsibility for childcare. Moreover, The Straits Times launched ST Smart Parenting amid two significant developments in Singapore – the publication of the White Paper for Singapore Women's Development as well as constitutional challenges to and the subsequent repeal of Section 377A. I argue that gender essentialism and heteronormativity is entrenched in parenting advice to fathers. As feminist critiques of gendered expectations make their way into public discourse, it is no longer tenable to criticize women per se or blatantly espouse practices that subordinate women and reinforce gender inequality. Consequently, parenting advice to fathers articulates the importance of fathers as benevolent providers of the family, gender differentiation in the family, and the conflation of marriage and parenthood.

Social Actors and the Language of Othering: A Corpus-Assisted Analysis of the Representation of Covid-19 in Selected Western and Asian English Newspapers

As of May 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused approximately 3.5 million deaths and 168 million confirmed cases worldwide. Unfortunately, this crisis has not only resulted in a devastating loss of human life but has also given rise to racism, national insecurity, and general xenophobia. This phenomenon can be understood through the concept of ”othering,” which refers to the exclusion of individuals or entire groups based on their ascribed or enacted identities. This study aims to investigate how social actors are constructed by selected Western and Asian English newspapers in relation to Covid-19. Specifically, it seeks to examine whether language of othering is used by different English users (West vs. Asia, inner circle vs. outer circle) in representing the 2020’s deadliest pandemic. To achieve this, the researcher has custom-collected six different newspapers: New Straits Times (Malaysia), The Straits Times (Singapore), Philippines Daily Inquirer (Philippines), The New York Times (US), The Guardian (UK), and The Australian (Australia). A simple corpus query language is used to analyze common nouns in the corpus, focusing on proper nouns and possessive nouns, which will be ranked by frequency. The semantic preference of the most frequent nomination strategy for social actors will be further explored through tagging and categorization of collocates. This study aims to reveal if any social actors were dehumanized or discriminated against through the language used in relation to Covid-19 across the selected Western and Asian newspapers.
 Keywords: Covid-19, othering, newspapers, social actors, corpus

Representation Of Lung Cancer in Online Malaysian Newspapers

The study examined the representation of lung cancer in online Malaysian newspapers published in English. The objectives were to: (1) compare the frequency of information on severity, susceptibility, recommended actions, benefits and barriers in the newspapers; and (2) describe themes and sub-themes of these Health Belief Model constructs. The 12 online newspaper articles (2 New Strait Times, 4 The Star, 1 The Borneo Post and 5 The Sun) were analysed using the Health Belief Model. There were 89 instances of information on lung cancer. The newspaper articles crafted the threat of lung cancer through emphasis on severity (25.84%) and susceptibility (23.60%), particularly death statistics and tobacco smoking as a risk factor. The articles also recommended the public to take health protective actions (19.10%), and dealt with benefits (16.85%) and barriers (14.61%) to adoption of these behaviours. A chi-square test of independence showed significant differences among the newspapers on the frequency of information on severity, susceptibility, recommended actions, benefits, and barriers. However, the newspaper articles were similar in the highlight on the key benefits which were reducing deaths, improved health, and good treatment outcomes, and barriers which were inadequate knowledge and addiction. Half of the recommended actions to counter lung cancer were about the proposed tobacco ban for those born after 2005, and the rest were policy implementation issues, lifestyle changes and self-education. The study suggests that there is need for diversity of information on lung cancer in the media for better public health education.

Examining the Intersection of Cultural Identities

This essay aims to present the intersections that constitute the cultural identity of Malaysian Chinese and suggest how their migration and settlement experiences have shaped their sense of who they are and who they are becoming through personal and family histories. I utilise a methodology analogous to the microhistory framework, where the individual assumes an active role in the process of memory formation and exercises agency in the selection, alteration and transmission of memories. This perspective encourages “understanding people in light of their own experience and their reactions to that experience.”1
 Most scholarly publications on Malaysian Chinese identity use a macro-level approach, emphasising the study of social and political institutions while giving less attention to personal introspection and micro-level research. A September 17, 2022, New Straits Times article quoted Danny Wong, a Malaysian historian from Sabah, as saying that family history, tales and memoirs help people comprehend both their past and their future trajectory. Wong believes that scrutinising one’s personal history through the medium of family narratives can lead to a critical evaluation of the interconnectedness of familial, communal and national dynamics.
 My artworks, reproduced in this article, aim to visually portray these submerged and accumulated layers of intersecting identity through a microhistorical perspective. Through my art, I present the intersecting and multi-layered inner reality that has accumulated traces of lived experiences. This inner reality is distinguished by its multicultural, multi-religious, multi-lingual character and multiracial experiences that combine to influence identity formation, under the impact of constantly changing social environments. The evolution of these inner realities is conveyed using visual assemblages combining printmaking, photography and digital manipulation in order to visually represent the socio-cultural formation of a Malaysian Chinese individual. The artworks reproducedconvey the mutable nature of ethnic identity in conjunction with variables such as geographic location, degree of interaction, era, and age group.

PORTRAYALS OF RURAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN ONLINE NEWS REPORTING

The growth of the Internet has provided a new way to support rural women’s empowerment in online news reporting. However, rural women are often seen as falling behind in terms of benefiting from development. Therefore, this study aims to examine the roles of the media, to analyse issues concerning rural women, and to identify themes of rural women’s empowerment in online news reporting. In-depth interviews were conducted with five experts in the women- and media-related field. The study used a content analysis method to examine the themes and paragraphs of articles from two online mainstream newspapers: Berita Harian (BH) and the New Straits Times (NST). The results showed that spreading awareness and motivation, education, decision-making, balanced and fairness, online participation, local organisation, freedom of expression, and newsworthiness are important factors for empowering rural women in online news reporting. Furthermore, the study found that changes in the ruling government have impacted how news portrays the empowerment of rural women, particularly in relation to their representation in politics. As a result, the media tends to emphasize the benefits that rural women receive in social theme news. This study contributes to the understanding of Media Framing Theory and the Women and Development (WAD) approach. It sheds light on how rural women are depicted and issues that hinder the empowerment objectives.

Reforms and Media Depictions of the Death Penalty in Malaysia

Malaysia has retained the death penalty for violent crimes and some nonviolent drug offenses. Major news dailies, controlled by political parties in the ruling coalition, have helped justify this stance in the past. This situation changed over 22 months when a new coalition, which campaigned on abolishing capital punishment, took office and sparked renewed public discussion on this issue. Depictions of the death penalty debate were analyzed by conducting a content analysis of two major English-language newspapers, The Star and New Straits Times. Our findings suggest that The Star provided more international coverage and the New Straits Times prioritized domestic coverage. While both outlets provided comprehensive, and sometimes, critical coverage of executions elsewhere, they downplayed the fact that Malaysia engages in the same practice. There was no evidence to indicate that they were pushing an agenda as neither took a formal position on the issue. Content to transmit the differing views on the subject, neither functioned as forums to air nor shaped policy positions. This posture was possibly shaped by preconceived notions of what their readership wants and/or self-censorship—a legacy of past subjugation that will hopefully change when press freedom is perceived as a right, not a privilege.

Cointegration of Asian Developed and Frontier Stock Markets: An investigation of Diversification Opportunities

This study examines the cointegration relationship of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with developed Asian markets (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore). The main objective of the study is to identify potential diversification benefits that exist in Sri Lankan stock market. The stock market indices are Hang Seng Index (HSI), Nikkei 225(N225), Straits Times Index (STI) and All Share Price Index (ASPI). Daily closing prices of stock market indices were selected for the period of 2013- 2019. The main theoretical base forthe stock market integration was the Law of One Price. The Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test used toanalyze data, revealed an insignificant cointegration relationship between CSE and developed stock markets. The ASPI has statistically significant short-run relationships with the STI. HSI and N225 did not provide any evidence of a long-run relationship with the ASPI. A negative insignificant correlation between ASPI and HSI indicates a good combination to have a well-balancedportfolio gain both long and short-run diversification benefits. In conclusion, the non-existence of cointegration among the above stock markets provides opportunities for international diversification of portfolios and possibilities for risk hedging.
 Keywords: Cointegration, Frontier and Developed, Stock Markets, Portfolio Diversification

THE LIFE OF TAN SRI HARUN M. HASHIM: A MEMOIR

This article will provide an insight into the colourful journey of Tan Sri Harun Hashim – his life experience, education background, his distinguished career path and achievements as well as contributions made especially to the education sector and the legal profession. It is also an attempt to provide a glimpse of the other side of Tan Sri Harun Hashim, off the limelight – as a father, a grandfather, a mentor and a friend, as he left his footprints firmly etched in the memory of his loved ones. This research employs a qualitative method focusing on in-depth interviews as well as a comprehensive analysis of relevant books, articles, newspaper reports and documentations. In this article, fragments from the colourful journey of Tan Sri Harun Hashim come from stories narrated through interviews with those who were close to him and had personal encounters with Tan Sri while some other information is extracted from his well-known column, “The Benchmark”, appearing in the New Straits Times from 1994 until his demise in 2003. “The Benchmark” provided useful insights into the ideals and aspirations of Tan Sri, and relayed some first-hand information on his life journey and extraordinary experiences. Some information on Tan Sri’s personal life is gathered from exclusive interviews with Tan Sri’s family members themselves, conducted by the authors and Hisham Harun, Tan Sri Harun’s son. This article aims at offering a unique biography of Tan Sri Harun Hashim who was known to be a gem to the nation, especially in the legal and education sectors in Malaysia. It is an effort to highlight and set in stone the legacy left by him so that it becomes a benchmark for the younger generations to follow and emulate.

Analisis Contagius Effect Menggunakan Garch Model: Bukti dari Asia Tenggara

This study aims to investigate the impact of the dynamic relationship dynamics during the Covid-19 pandemic between gold prices, oil prices and stock returns in Asean-5 countries related to the contatagion effect theory with evidence using GARCH Models analysis. The types of samples in this study are saturated samples, namely Gold prices, Oil prices, Composite Stock Price Index (Indonesia) JCI, Kuala Lumpur Composite Index/KLCI (Malaysia), Straits Times Singapore (STI), Securities Exchange of Thailand Index/SETI (Thailand). ), and the Philippine Stock Exchange/PSE (Philippines), during the Covid-19 pandemic, from March 11, 2020 to October 30, 2021, totaling 430 samples. The analytical technique used in applying the GARCH model in this study uses the Eviews 10 software program, with the results for the gold dependent variable the results state that the Indonesian Composite Stock Index (IHSG), Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI), STI (Singapore), Securities Exchange Thailand Index/SETI (Thailand), and Philippine Stock Exchange/PSE (Philippines), have a consistent relationship with the price of Gold, the contingent theory of effects is proven to occur in 5 countries in the sample. As for the dependent variable oil, the results state that the price of the oil price variable is only the theory of contingent effects, which has been proven to occur in 4 countries and has not been proven to occur in the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) Malaysia.

Empirical Test of Composite Stock Price Index: Regional Stock Index

The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) is an indicator of price movements of all shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange where one of the factors that can influence the movement of the JCI in Indonesia is the Global Stock Index. This study aims to determine the effect of the Global Stock Index on the Composite Stock Price Index (CSPI) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, and to analyze the Global Stock Index which has a dominant influence on the JCI. The object of this research was conducted on 5 global stock indices that are located close to and which have a major influence on the world economy on the JCI on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, which consist of the American index with the Dow Jones (DJIA), the Japanese index with the Nikkei 225 (N225), Singapore with the index Strait Times Index (STI), Malaysia with the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and Hong Kong. with the Hang Seng Index (HSI). The data used is secondary data in the form of monthly. The analytical method used in this study is Ordinary Least Square (OLS) with Eviews version 9 program analysis. The results of the study show that DJIA, Nikkei225, STI, and HIS partially have no effect on the Indonesian Stock Exchange Composite Stock Price Index, while KLCI has an effect on the Indonesia Stock Exchange Composite Stock Price Index.

The Framing of Anti-Fake News Law in Malaysian Newspapers

The government of Malaysia enacted an Anti-Fake News law right before the 14th general election. In more ways than one, this law relates to Malaysia’s practice of development journalism, which is a tool for the government to foster economic growth and nation-building. The main aim of this study is to explore the differences between Malaysian serious newspapers and tabloids in terms of frames employed in the Anti-Fake News Law reports. This study applied the generic frames of the framing theory in quantitative content analysis. The serious newspapers chosen in this study were Bernama and The New Straits Times, while the selected tabloids were The Sun and The Malay Mail. Results from the analysis of the 212 news reports retrieved showed that serious newspapers favored the use of the attribution of responsibility frame, while tabloids favored the use of the human interest frame. Additionally, the findings showed that the attribution of responsibility frame was more susceptible to a positive tone and the conflict frame was more susceptible to a negative tone in reports. In conclusion, this study gained insights into journalistic role performance under the practice of development journalism in Malaysia, particularly pertaining to the Anti-Fake News Law.

Malaysian Newspapers’ Coverage of Anti-vaxxers: Implication on Vaccine Intakes

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) named anti-vaxxers as one of the top ten public health hazards in 2019. Anti-vaxxers are a health danger since they are mostly responsible for the re-emergence of deadly contagious diseases such as measles, which has increased in recent years. The media such as newspapers, are responsible for disseminating messages and public knowledge about health issues, particularly health hazards. To particularly combat anti-vaccine views online, newspaper must provide critical information, such as scientific and verifiable facts. Newspapers need to also take a clear stand against anti-vaccine sentiments. Method: A quantitative content analysis was conducted on four newspapers (Harian Metro, Berita Harian, New Straits Times, and The Star) over a three-year period beginning 1 January 2019 and ending 30 September 2021. The 43-month period offered adequate data for analysing reporting trends. Result: The findings suggested that newspapers do significantly report about the antivaxxers with 247 news were focused on them. Conclusion: However, the newspapers tend to only publish generic information about the antivaxxers and rarely make compelling arguments against them.