RACIAL HARMONY DAY
When one hears the word 'racial harmony', pictures of people of different colors holding hands immediately comes into mind. Well, last Saturday was Racial Harmony Day. A day meant to be celebrated by every single individual in this diverse community. What exactly does Racial Harmony mean? In my opinion, racial harmony signifies the peace in society, regardless of race or religion. Everyone living together with no discrimination, no racial or religious conflicts, that is racial harmony. Judging by this definition of racial harmony, is it really true to say that Singapore practices racial harmony? Or is there still some discrimination that is hiding in between the superficial ties among different races?
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.
Just few days ago, an article about Thailand's efforts to improve inter-faith relations was published in The Straits Times. The article talked about how Singaporeans have a high level of trust and satisfaction with racial and religious group relations. It further stated that Thailand should follow in Singapore's footsteps to make their society more aware or racial harmony. I raised an eyebrow in wonder when I read the line – 'The city-state is today extolled as one of the world's most harmonious multicultural societies.' Is this really true in our society?
Perhaps it is true but only during certain times and under certain conditions. 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.
In addition, racial harmony should not be mistaken for pity. Many a times, people offer help or words of kindness to someone of a different race out of pity. They think that they're being really nice and not having any discrimination towards them. The stark irony is that this is actually a form of discrimination. By even having the thought that people of other races are worse off than us, we are already discriminating against them. Singaporeans should understand that every race and every religion is equal, and that no one deserves a right to be more superior than others.
Seeing as Singapore is being chosen as an example to be followed by Thailand, maybe it is time for the people themselves to really bring some truth and justify the phrase – 'Racial harmony in Singapore'.
When one hears the word 'racial harmony', pictures of people of different colors holding hands immediately comes into mind. Well, last Saturday was Racial Harmony Day. A day meant to be celebrated by every single individual in this diverse community. What exactly does Racial Harmony mean? In my opinion, racial harmony signifies the peace in society, regardless of race or religion. Everyone living together with no discrimination, no racial or religious conflicts, that is racial harmony. Judging by this definition of racial harmony, is it really true to say that Singapore practices racial harmony? Or is there still some discrimination that is hiding in between the superficial ties among different races?
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.
Just few days ago, an article about Thailand's efforts to improve inter-faith relations was published in The Straits Times. The article talked about how Singaporeans have a high level of trust and satisfaction with racial and religious group relations. It further stated that Thailand should follow in Singapore's footsteps to make their society more aware or racial harmony. I raised an eyebrow in wonder when I read the line – 'The city-state is today extolled as one of the world's most harmonious multicultural societies.' Is this really true in our society?
Perhaps it is true but only during certain times and under certain conditions. 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.
In addition, racial harmony should not be mistaken for pity. Many a times, people offer help or words of kindness to someone of a different race out of pity. They think that they're being really nice and not having any discrimination towards them. The stark irony is that this is actually a form of discrimination. By even having the thought that people of other races are worse off than us, we are already discriminating against them. Singaporeans should understand that every race and every religion is equal, and that no one deserves a right to be more superior than others.
Seeing as Singapore is being chosen as an example to be followed by Thailand, maybe it is time for the people themselves to really bring some truth and justify the phrase – 'Racial harmony in Singapore'.
