Saturday, August 18, 2007

Challenges facing Singapore as the country plays host to more people from different backgrounds and cultures

Singapore has a variety of races, ranging from Chinese to Malays to Indians. Being the majority of the society, there is a need to work hand in hand with one another, as it is impossible to just stick with one race all the time. Last Friday, The Strait Times surveyed a few families living in Singapore, and many said treated their neighbours like family, regardless of the color of their skin. Exchange of gifts, words of comforts, and even acts of kindness flood the residential area, which is made up of a few different races. It is really comforting to see how genuine and kind people can be even towards people of other nationalities.Looking at the above, one can admit that Singapore as an advanced nation has indeed done well in terms of promoting and exercising racial harmony, but there should not be any denial that there is still some conflicts yet unresolved. In fact, it is pretty acceptable to say that racial discrimination is still prominent in certain areas. These areas are often areas dominated by one race only, and a sight of someone darker or possibly lighter creates much discussion among the people. Racist jokes are heard all the time, cracked by many in the pretense of humor, but the truth is, that in itself is a form of discrimination.
If a Caucasian comes to Singapore, he would be treated like a king, but under similar circumstances, someone darker would not be treated as well. Is this not a form of discrimination? The truth is, we often value people for what backgrounds and countries they come from, and not for who they are. Respect for each other should come from the heart, and not done superficially just of being morally right.
Elsewhere in the world, the recent riots in Paris and Sydney have underlined the importance of integration and unity, and the vital need to narrow the gap between Us and Them. The issues of belonging,nationhood, integration and unity are complex and multi-layered. Human nature is such that people will band together by virtue of race or background.
if nothing is to be done to preserve the social harmony in country, riots happened, death results and there will be no peace. People would live in fear, innocent people will be killed. Also, would anyone want to come to a country where there is bloodshed and chaos everywhere? Obviously, investors become less attracted to invest in the country and economy of country would definitely deteriorate. When a country faces economic crisis, unemployment rate increases as more people lose their jobs. This can be linked to the reason why crime rate shoots up when economy of a country falls. People lose their monthly income, and thereby resorting to stealing.
But as our country plays host to more people from different backgrounds and cultures, the need to recognise, understand, and assimilate differences is all the more urgent. Consequences of a disharmonious society can be fatal and destructive as people's lives and the country's well-being are adversely affected.

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