Different Races Of Singapore
In a society that embraces diversity, all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect
regardless of religion or skin colour. The one
thing that is not tolerated is bias and
discrimination. As Singapore celebrates her
38th birthday, we look at how the different
ethnic communities are able to maintain
harmonious relations with each other.
Tolerance vs. Harmony
I don't remember the phrases 'racial tolerence' & 'religious tolerance' ever sitting well with some people, for example me.To exercise tolerance
towards different ethnic and religious groups
imply that these were issues one had to
endure. Are other races & religions so
abhorrent that we feel compelled to 'put up'
with them?
For one thing, exercising tolerance can also
mean being open-minded enough to embrace
the beliefs and opinions of others. Perhaps,
when we elucidate on issues of race and
religion, a better term would be 'harmony'. For
a society to enjoy racial and religious harmony,
it means that different ethnic and religious
groups are interacting in full and perfect
agreement with one another. There is a sense
of complete rapport and kinship, where
individuals not only share common values with
the rest of society, but also actively cultivate
their own cultural heritage.
Singapore's Ethnic Landscape
Singapore is a multi-ethnic and multicultural
society where all individuals are given free
reign to practice the religion of their choice. It
consists of four major racial groups - Chinese,
Malays, Indians and Eurasians. However, with
the influx of professional and blue-collar
workers from around the world, this ethnic
landscape is constantly evolving. The island
republic has also managed to overcome severe
ethnic skirmishes in the '60s to achieve
harmonious relations between the various
racial groups.
A conscious effort has always been made to
ensure that the different ethnic groups in
Singapore are equally represented. In fact,
racial and religious harmony constitutes one of
Singapore's five shared values. A merit-based
system ensures that all individuals have ample
opportunity to nurture their talents and fulfill
their ambitions. The governing administration
also looks out for tensions that threaten to
tear Singapore's multiracial and multicultural
social fabric apart. They have reason to be
vigilant, since racial and religious strife is alive
and well globally. The Tamil Tigers rebellion in
Sri Lanka, the recent Bradford riots, and closer
home, the massacre of Madurese by Dayaks in
Kalimantan are stark reminders of the need to
promote mutual respect and understanding
between different ethnic and religious groups.
So how do we maintain our current state of
racial & religious harmony? More importantly,
how do we enhance our current ethnic
relations, and pass these values on to the next
generation so that such harmonious ties will
survive intact?
Tearing Down Prejudice & Racial
Stereotypes
One of the biggest hurdles encountered when
trying to achieve racial harmony is a lack of
interaction between ethnic groups. Ignorance
and isolation are some reasons why the seeds
of suspicion and prejudice are allowed to
flourish. If we are encouraged, from a young
age, to regard people of other ethnicities as
being 'alien' or 'different', we are predisposed
to harbouring preconceived notions and
stereotypes of other races. Such prejudice and
xenophobia can be eliminated if one is exposed
to an education that puts a premium on
multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism fosters respect, understanding
and acceptance of cultures within one's
society. An education where it is emphasized
recognises that all ethnic groups are equal,
and such a diversity of cultures can be a
tremendous asset to society. In addition,
multiculturalism affirms and enhances the
individual's self-esteem by instilling pride in
one's cultural heritage. It also gives us the
opportunity to appreciate the customs and
practices of others. Such cross-cultural
interaction and understanding can eliminate
ignorance and prejudice, bringing us a step
closer to racial harmony. According to Home
Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng,
"We must go beyond just tolerating others
because tolerance is rather shallow. We
must take a step further and have a
better appreciation of other people's
beliefs and religions. We must cherish this
harmony. In that sense, we deepen our
understanding of one another and
strengthen our social cohesion. These ties
will bind us in good times and bad."
The Straits Times, 12 May 2001
National Education
In Singapore, multiculturalism is a way of life
that has enabled individuals from different
racial groups to live and work together
harmoniously. It has also given each
community the opportunity to showcase their
identities by allowing them to cultivate their
ethnic vernacular and customary rites.
In schools, the concept of multiculturalism is
taught through National Education. Launched
in 1997, the main idea was to impress upon
students the importance of maintaining
harmony between different ethnic groups.
Every year on the 21st of July, students
celebrate Racial Harmony Day to commemorate
the 1964 racial riots in Singapore, which left 20
dead and about 500 injured. The celebrations
on that day consist of various activities that
help students appreciate the customs and
cultures of other races. Students also
celebrate the festivals of other ethnic groups,
like Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and
Deepavali.
Racial Harmony!!
