I do not think we need police running around terrorizing the populace. I feel that Singapore takes things too far. I do realize that they have extremely low crime levels - at what cost? I feel that our problem is that of western societies in general. Individualism is valued above the greater society. People feel that they have the right to do whatever they want. Traditional (and in this case, Confucian) societies place more emphasis on the group, and I think the individual there feels that he or she has more obligations to society and is therefore less likely to act in ways not considered appropriate by the rest of the population. Look at the kids in Toronto. They seem to have honestly felt that torturing a cat was "art" and within their rights. As far as I'm concerned, they should be put away for a few years, preferably with a few bikers to teach them what domination really is.
I especially feel that Canadian and American society, particularly the younger crowd, is highly cynical, and if it's not the latest thing, it's not cool. The "artists" in Toronto thought they were pushing the envelope, breaking barriers. In my opinion, this is only partly their fault, as since birth, they have been conditioned to stand out by their family, peers, and most of all, the media. I should also take a moment to point out that I am strongly against this new "American Teen Idol" thing.