http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_275631.html?vgnmr=1
However, the point of this entry is not to listen to the whining or the "shortfalls" of the government. The reason for this entry is about the diversity that Singapore is achieving through the constant inflow of foreign workers. Just walk down Clarke quay on a Friday night, u will be surprised to find foreign friends almost everywhere. With the additions of so many different races to our small and cozy country, Singapore prides herself as a multi racial country. In my opinion i feel that with so many different nationalities in Singapore, this is provides an excellent opportunity to expand our horizons. We should grasp this opportunity whenever we can. Be in school or at work or even while in public places to learn more about how different people behaves in the same situation. Also it is really interesting to see how different people interpret things differently. Already in Singapore, different races have different reactions to the same scenario what more people from other national backgrounds. We can learn about the approaches they use to organize their thoughts and how they perceive information. We can observe the reactions of others just by carefully taking note of their actions
for instances when i was travelling in Taiwan, i was really amazed by the way they abide by the "rule" that you should keep to the right on the escalators. Back in Singapore, although some of us practice this, not everybody does it. This is only one for the many differences i have observed.
Apart from that, i recently had the privilege to bring a Turkish friend on a one day tour around Singapore. apart from showing him the numerous choices he had in the food courts and hawker centers, i had the chance to learn a bit about his culture and "adventures" when he is back home. What struck me the most is when he asked, "what are the cultural NOs in Singapore?" well. I really couldn’t answer him. Could someone point that out to me? I truly believe that Singaporeans have learnt to accept different races so willingly that we gladly adapt to their actions.
Imagine if Singapore just had only one race. How ignorant will we be?
14 comments:
i agree that Singaporeans have gradually accepted the different cultures that people practice in Singapore.In my opinion, it is good that people are accustomed to the increasing numbers of foreign immigrants because Singapore is a very small country and people should learn to accept each others' race in order to live in harmony.
I don't think all PRs in Singapore feel like Ms Chan does. In fact, many a few are grateful to be given the opportunity to work and reside (usually more comfortably and safely than their own homeland) in Singapore. Some even feel so much at home that they give up their original nationality in exchange of a Singapore citizenship.
I guess one of the social No's is to disregard or offend other's culture or religion. From kindergarten we have taught about the much emphasized "Racial Harmony" I feel glad that many of us are comfortable with mixing with people of different backgrounds and could even pick up the different languages (here and there).
Yup actually i too feel that some of them are grateful for being able to work here. after all singapore is one of the better places to work in in the world today. i guess over time u begin to stop appreciating what u have and start wanting more.
with regards to your Social Nos. i feel that being racist or offensive is a global NO instead of one that is uniquely singapore. i actually meant like "touch a thai on their shoulder or head" kinda social NOs
Everyone's coming to singapore because of its safe environment, assurance and stability. Look at thailand and malaysia, political unrest everywhere. I sure agree that the PRs in singapore are happy to be here.
I also enjoy having more people of different races here, it makes singapore a little more happening, being able to listen to different people speaking different languages on the streets, trains and buses. I hope more japanese will come here =D
As for the culture NOs, i guess there arent really any but its advised not to say "good morning" or "Hi" to strangers on the streets or others will think you are crazy. Unlike in other countries where people are more friendly and open and greed each other on the streets.
well, first of all, there is a difference between racial harmony and racial tolerance. and indeed, we have got to really search deep into our hearts as to which applies to singapore. no doubt a sensitive issue, but it is all part of what makes up a diverse society.
and nic, with regard to not greeting strangers, it all boils down to us still being confined to a rather high context society, and that itself, will take some time to change.
hey nick although sometimes people give u the weird look when u greet them i find it pleasantly enjoyable. like how a smile in the lift or as u walk long the street can some how make someone esles day
As far as cultural no's go, I can't really think of anything. Like what has been mentioned, we have a great degree of tolerance and reasonable understanding of the main different cultures that exist in Singapore (Thanks PAP for your Racial Harmony Day efforts!) But what needs to be improved on is our general manners. Simple things like a greeting of "Hey man, good morning!" or even "Please" and "Thank you" when requesting or receiving things. The service industry here, as we might all be aware of, also has a long way to go in terms of reaching the impeccable japanese or thai standards. Manners matter people. Sometimes it's the simple thoughtful actions in life that help perk up your day, like what you said Jerome.
Aren't we fotunate enough to have a multi-racial cohort? We were forced to love and live with one another and that is what makes Singapore what she is today. However, i am still sad to say that racism is still very much evident in work and sports. I would like to highlight a discussion i had with a classmate of mine. She saw a muslim lady being taunted and cursed by a chinese man on the bus just because she was standing next to where he was seated and for some reason, he did not appreciate it. He started to curse her religion which in my opinion is disgustingly atrocious, (i swear i would have given him a piece of myself if i was on that bus) and raised her voice at her. Racism is evident in sports too, those who play football should know who "owns" the game in Singapore.With that said, i have no animosity towards any of race in singapore.We should all live in harmony and honour each and every race and religion. we humans are afterall, a collective "race" of our own.
well, Singapore do has its merits and she is attracting all people over the world in, be it business, pleasure or safety!
yet is Singapore really so ideal? i think about the hospitality of singaporeans, of how they rush by everyday with the same old routine, without a care for people around them. look in the public transports say buses and mrts. how many a time do we see strangers interacting with each other? we don't even give up seats for elderly... :( how many smiling faces and greetings do we receive from strangers on the streets? (don't include those with friends around them)
i feel that though the government is successful in attracting, but its not doing its best to deter us from leaving. i feel for foreigners, when they come and witness the ugliness of singaporeans. :p
I can understand why the lady is unhappy with the current system and how PRs are "treated". However,I feel that this would be the case no matter which country any migrant decides to move to. Although ideally they would be given equal opportunities and privileges as compared to the locals, it is inevitable that they will be looked upon as second-class citizens. I'm not advocating the prejudice but I'm just being a realist here.
I think you're absolutely right in the fact that we should take advantage our our multi-cultural,maybe even multi-national society to learn more about people from overseas. It is a privilege to be in such a diverse, yet harmonious society.
Cultural NO-NOs of Singapore? I have one.
1.Do not try greeting someone or a random stranger.They will think you are some guy with mental issues.
The "Racial Harmony" we have here is merely an illusion amassed by the simpletons who have an intellectual capacity of a comatose goldfish.Racism does exist,and even more so when you peer into the dark underbelly of Singapore.
People are too afraid to admit their failings and this ,in my opinion is one of Singapore's biggest failings,that she thinks that just because no one is "out there" being racist does not mean that that racism does not actually happen in day to day activities.I have traveled around the world and Singapore is the only place(being Singaporean myself) where I have encountered more racist and unfriendly people.
That PR lady sounds like she likes to whine too much.Nothing is going to change because in my opinion and certainly in my own perceptual view of living here,the middle to lower income gap of citizens have it worst.
with globalisation comes the integration and assimilation of different races, cultures and religions. it comes as a price for singapore's need to stay competitive and productive in the ever changing world. foreign influx will only increase in order for singapore's economy to stay valid.
suck it up, live with it
Siewmai really puts it nicely with his parting comment .
This is our identity , we have to accept it and grow with it . Singapore is really lucky to have such a divergent multi-racial society that is able to live side by side peacefully with minimal if no animosity at all . Take for example down under . The foreigners in Australia , especially chinese people , get attacked with racist remarks so often that my friends who study there told me it's a common thing that happens day to day and they just shrug it off .
In accordance to the topic of racial harmony in Singapore and what Lucas said , I definitely feel that it's more of tolerance than harmony . I mean sure we have a handful of friends from other races and stuff but there's still a way to go before we can truly bond as a nation and look at someone of a different race , anyone , and say that's my brother .
With regard to the PR lady's opinions , let's not say that it's whining or such and do have an open mind about it . Most of us are Singaporeans , born and bred so we may not truly understand how a PR feels . But just to assure all you PRs out there , you're not invisible and Singapore does appreciate your contribution to her as a nation and you are all definitely part of us ! =D
Mahjulah Singapura !
Singapore is a salad bowl of cultures, with a bit of this and a dash of that, being culturally sensitive is a duty of each and every citizen.
with regard to social 'rules' (e.g. on the escalator), these are things which each of us need to uphold individually even if we don't see others practicing it. our fast paced and stressful environment has churned out selfish and narcissistic individuals, and this often leads us towards the Tragedy of the Commons.
to sum up, we cannot save the world, but we do what we can. if we choose to join the people we detest in their actions, then we have become the very people we are commenting.
Post a Comment