Comments, opinions and an occasional ramble
Racism in Singapore: The sequel
I didn’t expect to have such a strong reaction from Jimmy Mun, a fellow SAP graduate over my comments. My discussion with him can be found here.
I shall highlight some things I found to be interesting:
My question:
“Why can’t we have institutions where people of all races sit together in the same class and then have teachers teach about the heritage of everyone’s race all in one sitting?â€
Jimmy’s reply:
“Because people dont want to. You will have to force them, with quotas, just like HDB flats, or the racial mix will never be right. Birds of a feather flock together.”
Two other quotes:
“You cant hate people you dont have to spend time and share space with.”
“I spent a total of ELEVEN years in my all boys SAP school, from Pre-Primary to Sec 4, but I had no problem befriending Malays and Indians (or girls) in JC, because I have no prior racial prejudices to speak of. In fact, I feel I have more racial prejudices today than when I was 17, as the bad experiences accumulate.”
Jimmy admitted to having racial prejudices due to accumulation of bad experiences. I do wonder such prejudices would have develop later on in his life if he had the chance to interact with other races when he was younger.
See the following 3 videos (from YouTube) to further understand my point. Thanks to my dear fianceé for providing me the information!
The first video
The second video
The last video
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about 5 years ago
I think that most “minorities” in Singapore accept the fact that racism is a way of life here. We have come to accept second class choices of schools (no special assistance for any of us!), in terms of military vocations, in terms of jobs etc. It does not really help us to consider that things might be better than in Rwanda for example! What irks is when people say that there are equal opportunities here!
about 5 years ago
Hi Paul,Â
I don’t think that we should accept the fact that racism is a way of life here. Rather than accepting the fact, we should, as educated people, think about whether this is right and where to move from the state we are currently in.
I was talking to a Malay friend yesterday and she mentioned how she doesn’t understand why certain lables are tagged on the Malay people in general. And, I totally agree with her. For every label that is slapped on the minority people, you can find many Chinese people who fit the exact description. People are just deluding themselves into thinking a certain way, and this is something that is not right.
As an educated individual, since I can see and understand clearly the different dimensions to the racism issue, I think I have a moral obligation to do something about it. The same applies to second class schools, jobs and so on. It is a fact that for now, there are no equal opportunities here, or at least, somewhat equitable opportunities.
However, if we don’t do something about it, we will never get there. A step in the right direction in my opinion is better than staying put.
about 5 years ago
interesting video. thanks for sharing.
about 5 years ago
Excellent set of videos.
about 5 years ago
I’m glad to be able to offer a little more insight.
about 5 years ago
Excellent videos. Very Educational. I might ‘ve seen these videos too when I was in primary school. Can’t recall for what lessons though. Cheers Aaron.
about 5 years ago
I never got to watch it when I was in primary school though. I’m glad you enjoyed it nonetheless. We all need a little reminder from time to time that racism is not right!
about 5 years ago
This method is hard to be implemented in Singapore, we don’t have many people of different eye colours
about 5 years ago
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html
You got my fingers googling. Pay it forward.
about 5 years ago
Wow, thanks! I’ve been wanting to see the adult version!!!
about 5 years ago
I recently stumbled across your blog from The Intelligent Singaporean and found it really interesting. On the issue of racism, being one of the minority Indians here, I can say that racism is definitely prevalent here although it doesn’t reach the extreme form of violence (refer: racial riots).
People’s mindset’s are affected by what they experience in their immediate environment and the realization that the majority in Singapore is Chinese, their views would unconcsciously be biased towards the notion that the majority is better. Coming from a neighbourhood primary and secondary schools and currently studying in one of the better-known JCs, I myself have encountered many instances of racism. Being different from the rest forces one to be self-consious of every single action one takes and think of how the others would react to it. The problem in Singapore is that the majority Chinese have never gone through such an experience and thus, do not understand how it feels to be the minority. Although the videos show one way this can be achieved, I believe that such an implementation in Singapore would cause much controversy with the education system =) (like there isn’t enough already…)
I believe that racism and discrimination is one of the elements of the human instinct. Humans discriminate to feel superior to others and it is just easier to discriminate when one has different characteristics from oithers. If given a chance, I believe that anyone would discriminate against anyone else, same race or not. This is examplified in the videos you have posted where children discriminate based on something that they were initially comfortable with.
In my opinion, racism and discrimination in Singapore could be reduced (and the MOE has done quite a good job actually…) but could never be eliminated.
about 5 years ago
Dear Varun,
Well, I’m just promoting the idea that different races are merely, different. No one race is superior over another. What you can find among the people of one race, you probably can find one in another race.
As human beings, I think we have the intellectual capacity to realise that discrimination and racism is wrong. If these ideas are wrong, we would be wrong if we do not try and eradicate it.
I’m glad you think that MOE has done a good job, but I think that more can be done. If it was indeed such a good job, why is it that you say that you have encountered many instances of racism?
about 5 years ago
Friends, refer to Sunday Times (ST)26/11/2006 Pg 18/19.Can anyone tell me why the the article on India and its unruly youth is Capital letters. The only other article that had capital letters amongst its headlne was the word REVENGE in an article about Iraq.
Please don’t say the editor slipped up. The font should not be that big.
about 5 years ago
Sorry about the typos. relying too much on MS word.
about 5 years ago
I’m an Indian in Singapore and I can say that I’ve had more than my fair share of racist experiences.
There’s a poster under my void deck about someone who was robbed in the area. Everthing on that poster was in Mandarin. Don’t the Indians and Malays have a right to know about what’s going on too?
And then there’s the Chinese language requirement for jobs that don’t even require the language to begin with. It’s really ridiculous. I mean seriously, even part time waitresses have to speak Mandarin. Can’t she just call one of her co-workers?
There used to be a campaign with the tagline “Speak Mandarin. It’s an asset.” Sure it’s an asset…TO THE CHINESE! Not to the ordinary Indian like me.
about 4 years ago
I feel that sometimes the minorities are oversensitive when concerning issues on racism. Even when the system was transparent and fair, the minorities would cry foul at the slightest percieved discrimanation when in actual fact, the incentive was actually awarded to the better player who happen not to be a minority. We as minioritirites should not wallow on our status, but appreciate and work towards our vision. I feel that our system as been fair and any discrimation encountered has to be taken as an isolated incident rather than conviently genenralise it.
about 4 years ago
Singapore, I find it hard to live being an Indian. The younger generation Singaporeans are not racial. But the older generation still can’t digest Indians. Even though not openly stated lot of prejudices against Indians and it seems Chinese people don’t like Indians. Most of the Indians who made it in Singapore are recent migrants.
Singapore doesn’t like Indians in higher positions and they just want docile donkey Indian workers. Indians who cannot escape Singapore only continue to live there. People who are capable moved to other parts of the world. Singapore is absolutely not a place for Indians if they are ambitious and thinking of reaching a high position. At some point their progress will be blocked by various ways. This is what I observed being an Indian and spent sometime in Singapore.
about 4 years ago
Yes, racism in Singapore is inevitable and everywhere, whether you like to admit it or not. However, explicit racist incidents have been few and far between. As an Indian, you won’t believe the number of times I have been a victim of racial prejudice, especially from the Chinese. In school, people will be chattering among themselves in Chinese, both teachers and students. This is completely disrespectful and degrading to the Malays and Indians. I hate to say this, but a majority of the Chinese in Singapore are incandescently arrogant, superficial and selfish. To be fair, most Singaporeans are what I have described above.
about 4 years ago
no racism just facts.
indian workers…illegal or otherwise loitering in hdb void decks and molest singaporean girls in mrt and orchard road during festive gatherings. ( documented in Straits Times )
illegal workers also provide gay sex in klang lane ( hdb area) for 50 dollars. documented on Channel News Asia
all facts thanks. pls check.
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/viewPost5731.aspx
about 4 years ago
Kria
i’m sure that if you would take the effort to look. People from other racial groups (yes even us chinese) arent above the behavior you describe.
So what’s the point of you stating those “facts”?
about 4 years ago
Hi,
I accidentally came across your blog and found this discussion. Just giving my 2 cents worth, I would like to comment on Jimmy’s way of arguing (hope he will be seeing this).
First of all, I advise him to take up a formal course on logic. He displayed very little understanding of how logic works by coming into so many false conclusions (putting words into Aaron’s mouth for example).
Quit using big words that doesn’t add much value to your argument when you can use simpler words. Your choice of diction only further reflect your attempt to cover up your ignorance.
Oh, and take up a course in argumentative writing. Again you displayed that you just don’t know how to argue. By coming into false conclusion, being overly biased, and over generalizing, you are not arguing in an intelligent way, but in an intimidating way. And please use more modality in your writing. What you say are not universal truths.
Aaron said something that Jimmy is an intelligent person, but I feel that he has very little knowledge of what he thinks he knows. This is very dangerous as he appears more like a bigot than an intelligent person.
about 4 years ago
there is a lot of racism in singapore whether you want to deny it or not.
what we should do is break away from the minority notion of accepting failure as the norm and the majority who are chinese should
break away from the old chinese belief that everybody outside china and those with darker are barbarians and ae stupid,
thats the situtation right now.
i get racism everyday,
about 4 years ago
hey guys,
lets not talk abt racism. ang mos will spit at chinese/asians as asians will spit at others . by the way , your singaporean girlfriend or wife is probably sleeping with some ang mo coz they think that ang mo are superior. lets talk abt facts instead. relax check out this site
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/viewContent.jsp?id=11257
about 3 years ago
I think ignorant and selfish people are racists. The Jews had almost become extinct in Europe during the 2nd world war. The world blamed the Nazis’ and Stalin. Recently, Israel celebrated 60 years of independence, millions of Palestenians have died and have become homeless since the creation of Israel. We hold the Jews responsible for the ‘Nakba’ (read catastrophe). The Japanese massacared the Chinese, during the occupation of Manchuria. The Chinese since then hated the Japs; and the Japanese still look down upon the Chinese as an inferior race.
The biggest tragedy is that we human beings are yet to learn to live like brothers, instead of so much bloodshed in the name of race,religion and region. Our race,face,racial pride cannot give us the real peace, these attributes will continue to generate more hatred and bloodshed and people like Hitler, who once said that ‘I do not see why man should not be just as cruel as nature.’
Can there be unity amidst diversity?Can the people of the world co-exist? I think we all know the answers. It’s is such a shame.
about 3 years ago
Singapore is the most racist country that I’ve ever visited.
JEEEZE!!! I can’t believe it!!
However when the majority of the Singaporean chinks reside outside of Singapore, they scream racial discrimination.
Learn to speak English dumb ass Singaporeans!!
about 3 years ago
Racism seems to be ingrained into the Chinese being. I don’t know why, but I have noticed it whether I am in Singapore or in Canada. Of course, racism is less in Canada than Singapore.
What disturbs me even further is that Indians, as a group, have good education rates, incomes, socioeconomic factors, and etc. In some areas, like university degree attainment or income, they are higher than the national average. And yet, they face the most discrimination. Why? The answer is obvious. Darker skin. Education, success, influence, etc, doesn’t seem to matter to us (Chinese) and skin color is more important than all of that. Really disturbing, isn’t it.
I respect people like yourself, Aaron, who have grown in environments which create racism but do not adhere to it themselves. And that’s what a lot of Chinese Singapore communities are like, they are pre-disposed to be racist, not in the overt American way, but in a subtle way.
Ironically, Japan, which has always been the big example of a xenophobic and ethnically intolerant country, is actually seeming to open up and become a bit more tolerant and less racist, and is far better than Korea and especially China in that regard. There’s a blog by a black guy in Japan who actually doesn’t experience that much racism at all. In comparison, the black person in China will be reminded every second that he is black.
When I visited Canada, I visited an Indian friend whose daughter was in her room playing with a neighbor (a Cacausian). Apparently the neighbor girl just came up to her one day and said “wanna play” and then the parents brought her over and they became friends. Somehow I don’t think the same thing would happen in Singapore. It seems more likely the Chinese parent would say “no, no, daughter, come play with our Chinese friends here, come on”. And the daughter, what’s she going to do? She listens to her parents and the racial intolerance continues.
Another Chinese friend of mine in Canada lived next door to an Arab family and they were best friends, their children played together every day and they went on vacation together. Honestly, do you think that would happen in Singapore?
It all goes back to an almost artificial kind of growth in Singapore. Places like Canada and America were once racist. They organically matured and grew out of it, and most people in Canada today don’t say racist things just because they don’t feel like it or know that it’s wrong. But I think most people in Singapore don’t say racist things because they might get in trouble or they know it’s not allowed.
about 3 years ago
I see a lot of racism from some Chinese in Singapore. Somehow they think they better or something because they have slant eyes. Well let them go to hell, let them go to Jakarta and let them be slaughtered by the Javanese. Or even better: let them go to Tokyo and beaten up by the Japanese.
Spent quite a few years in Netherlands and never experienced one single form of racism by the local white people. And these Chin-gaporeans mother-fuckers chivai think themselves to be superior. If they do not change this racist attitude then within 10 years Singapore will be wiped out.
about 3 years ago
well,let’s face it, racisim exist in one form or another.The govt,had implemented enact many laws to safeguard the right’s of the minorty’s.It emphaise on “Multicultural” outlook.However,there are still some undesirable elements,which still exist.For,instance when a job applicant apply’s for the job,he had been rejected on the basis of his race,not his qualifications or experiance.In,some case’s even though appliants are fluent in a specfic laugauge, are rejected too,on the basis of their race.Frankly,it’s each employers right to choose an employee,which seem fit.he can employ anybody he feel’s,who fit’s his criteria.But our society,is made up of many community’s,who make up this nation.This type of mentality is formula for disaster.An highly educated minority race,talk’s how he was rejected for a job,due to his race.Despite,having graduted with flying colour’s.This incident took place more than 15 years ago,he talk’s with so much aunger,as though it happended yesterday.
The point,is anybody who had been discrimminated,due to his race or religion,will rember it.It create more animousity and hatred.Some might even resort to violence.
Even,though a specific race is majority in sg,but in the region they are surronded by nations,where a another race’s are in majority.This race happend to be a minorty,forming lower-end of socio-economic pedigree in sg.They are mostly discrimminated and viewed with suspsion.
Our govt,had long enjoyed good bilateral ties with it’s neigbours.Just like the unexpetcted global econimic downturn,it could change,If our neigbour’s govt had been taken over by a religious based govt.It just happend,they are not in good terms with spore.
It can lead more chaos and mayhem..maybe a civil war..of course,it’s not likely today,as we have able leaders,maybe in another 50 years…..maybe not in our life-time.If,we fail to address the problem of racisim,it slowly and gradualy destroy the fabric of national unity of our nation,like a cancer.
We must bear in mind,our resouce’s are our peole,we should treat everybody with respect and dignity
about 3 years ago
During my last visit to Singapore, I was fortunate enough to have a lovely Chinese gentleman take me and my family around town. He spoke politely and humorously with us, not giving a damn about the fact that I’m a Malay.
I honestly hope to find more people like him and yourself, Aaron, the next time I visit.
Cheers mate.
about 2 years ago
I was actually considering on moving to SIngapore from the USA, but looking at many articles on the web more or less indicated its not a wise things to do…keep in mind..not everyone on the WWW lies, and yes you may not want to generalize thisng based on the stuff you read but u know what why would one want to take chances when most of the stuff you read is not so encouraging…
and the thing that bothers me assuming that its true is that ther is no friggin law in Singapore that promotes diversity at work place.?? WTF…
really wonder how this country has come to be perceived as one of the most transparent countries in thr world when it comes to the government..someone was indeed smoking something on that committee..
PEace
Live and Let Live
about 2 years ago
This is all very interesting.. I wanted to move to Singapore to relax and work for a year after my degree, with a change in scenary. I heard that it is very multidiverse, nice weather and its very safe. I’ve read many things that say otherwise though. I was born and raised in Canada, so I haven’t really experienced alot of racism even though my parents are from India…maybe it makes a different that they are from the north and thus my skin color is a lighter brown? Anyways, I’m very disappointed to hear that Singapore is not more open about the topics of racism as it is here in Canada…you’re educated on these things in primary school. I am aware that racism is present everywhere in the world, however, I did not expect it to be so prevalent in Singapore…anyone care to share their thoughts? Thanks in advance!
about 2 years ago
just need to point out – what right do the chinese have to be racist – they are the immigrants here – singapore is NOT mainland China. i heard before coming here that singapore was a multi cultural city state – what a joke. i have encountered obvious racism and also obvious jealousy at the fact that i have a British accent.
about 2 years ago
also – i’d like to pint out that the chinese estate agents that showed us around when we first arrived told us that the landlords don’t like indians so she would say we were from london. are the chinese racist? YES. WHY? they believe they are superior… are they? hell no (no-one is) but the whole world looks down on china – so some advice my chinese amigos – start making friends with your neighbours whatever their race – because the world cruel enough.
about 2 years ago
I just wanted to add to my comment made yesterday – i am basing my views on how i have been treated and percieved by many of the ethnic chinese i have encountered in singapore. the world truly is cruel enough so people should be friends first and base this on the person as a human not a shade of brown.
about 2 years ago
hey Brit
Iam not surprised as to what your experience is, Iam in the U.S for hte last 9 years and I barely come across a friendly chinese person in my everyday life either at work or anywhere. However I docome across some friendly Indonesians and thai folks.
The funny thing is these folks come all the way to a different country and they show their arrogance even though they are the minority in the country, what a shame.
NOt sure what makes them think that they are superior, is it the eyes, the color of the skin or rather the food they eat!!!!?? I dont get it. Also, dont want to be a stereotype either but I came across a bunch of idiotic drivers too.
bottomline, these folks are educated and still exhibit that blatant and deliberate ignorance only to prove more and more that they are idiotic.
this applies to any race, but I ahve seen these folks barely assimilate into the culture of the land where they live in. Shame on those people who do that.
My 2 cents, when these idiots can come all the way to US and show their arrogance, I would not be surprised if they are doing the same thing in Singapore, which is pretty close to Mainland China, thus giving these folks the entitlement attitude..Peace…
about 2 years ago
Me a local indian, been gone through a hell lot of racism.. The chinese just can`t accept an indian sitting high.. they are only comfortable seeing indians as puppets.. and some indians on the otherhand enjoy being a puppet to the chinese! Anyway it took all races to build s`pore.. not just chinese alone..
about 2 years ago
Cheers to Aaron. It’s easy to be against racism when you’re the one being targeted. I do feel selfish as I have always complained in the past about what affects myself, but I have rarely thought about what others have to go through. May we strive to be like Aaron. Respect to you my brother, today I can sleep well knowing that the world still has some hope.
about 2 years ago
You should understand that chinese perceive dark skin as dirty and look down upon all dark skin people ( within their country and elsewhere). In Singapore I have seen girls hook up with white guys who would have no luck in their countries. It does not seem to matter how they look , age as long as they are white……
I get lot of looks in US, Europe but here just looks of suspicion
about 2 years ago
Yup, I cant agree more, here in US, all these Asian (non indian and I cant figure out who is from China, thailand, indonesia…) chicks are all over these white guys..lol…not sure what they want in life..I have been here for 10 + years and I never came across a Asian girl with someone other than a white guy. For some reason these chicks dig these people, I really pity them for their standards in life. IAm so glad Iam not one born in their country…no offense…I am proud of who Iam and never ever I felt inferior to any other human being.
I have to say that these Chinese (or whoever) these girls are so obsessesed with this white color. What a shame and yeah do you know how much fun these americans make fun of these people like thier eyes, skin color, the food they eat and the way they smell etc..Also the other day a standup comedian was making fun of Chinese people that these folks dont close their mouth when they yawn,,bbla bla and not to mention the grudge many americans have ‘coz everything is made in china and most of the stuff is cheap quality…I tell you the list is endless…
well, I hope our Chinese folks realize soon what is important in life and what is not…and most of all, TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY THEY WANT TO BE TREATED!!!!
Peace
J
about 2 years ago
Singapore is the most racist country in the World because of those chinky assholes. Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese are the horrible people in the world. They are barbarians and sick minded assholes. China chinese are good people and much much better than them.
about 2 years ago
@Muggz…
Ok, appreciate your insight, but it would be nice if we all could be civil…live and let live…
but arent the Chinese in Singapore and Malay are the same as the ones in CHina…what is the difference..just a curious question…
I dont think we can stereotype the whole race…nonetheless..
peace
about 2 years ago
@Logiclife
Those Chinese from CHINA have their own culture. They have been taught good things since they were young. But you all dont have any culture. You all think yellow skin is so superior and shows your arrogance to minorities. What the hell of good qualities you people have….Nothing…except dress up nicely….but it does mean you people are civilized.
about 2 years ago
Muggz,
China is a big place. So which Chinese people from which part of China are you talking about? So the Chinese from China are so civilised? Pray explain why the Uighurs in Xinjiang were recently butchered by the yellow skinned Chinese from China who were taught good things since young? Perhaps you would like to explain the brutal actions of yellow skinned Chinese people in Tibet as well.
You are either 1) a complete idiot and moron or 2) a flamer out to incite ill-will among different races. Fortunately, Singaporeans, regardless of race, are not anywhere close to you in terms of stupidity, so you can shut up now. Then again, if you indeed fit the profile of a complete idiot and moron, it is likely you will continue posting your rubbish because you are too stupid to understand the words of a civilised yellow skinned Chinese man.
about 2 years ago
Aaron,
Another thing you people can do well apart from dressing well…show arrogance and anger. Your post proved that. I am not a stupid…I have got a Master degree from NTU…All of your people must be sent to Woodbridge…Correct place for you all to live.
about 2 years ago
Muggz
@You all think yellow skin is so superior and shows your arrogance to minorities. What the hell of good qualities you people have….Nothing…except dress up nicely….but it does mean you people are civilized…………
also Muggz, you say Chinese from china are good…are you by any chance belong to that category of chinese, tell us for disclosure purposes so i can better understand where you are coming from with your points..
I never ever even when iam not in my senses thought that people are superior based on their color. It is ridiculous. look at my post wrt to Chinese in US. you will know my perspective. I absolutely will condone if any of my friends from my race talk/discriminate verbally or thru any means about any race, what is the point? We all f$’ing live and breathe the same friggin’ air and created equally, so what makes one think they are superior.? Its nothing but deliberate ignorance, lack of values and most of all sense of entitlement ‘coz of their so called ‘color’ and bloody arrogance.
Needless to say, Chinese are not the only ones who think they are superior, in USA, also some other races (you must know) also feel entitled coz they have better paying jobs among their immigrant peers in IT, healthcare etc. So, what if you are so called highly educated and earn well, good for you, go do something for the community. There are millions of people for example in INdia/China who lack basic necessities like water, food and primary school education. Oh, if we everyone of us did that, geez, no, Planet Earth would become the most sough habitat in the solar system…doesnt it..and oh oh we dont need that..do we?
Gee, case in point here, I so f’ing despise anyone who think they are superior, regardless, period.
about 2 years ago
Hi Friends…I am an indian who studied and is now living in singapore and have many good and close chinese as well as malay friends….however, I would like to throw some light on the social behaviour
1) When we are trying to built up a multi-culture society, why is no one noticing, when so many recruiters are openly advertising that mandarin speaking is must (even for jobs that do not require interfacing too much with clients/vendor). Does it mean that a person’s capability is influenced by his race?
2) As a resident of singapore, I find it very disheartening when I see house/room rent ads mentioning only chinese tenants welcome. Same when an estate agent says so. Come on! we are also human like you guys and we also need roof.
Well,many things we do experience in our day to day life. But lets remember that no society is racisim free and I have seen more of it in my native country. But we can work together to be happy,if we try.
about 2 years ago
@indian man
Assuming that India is your native country is… at least I dont believe in India there are recruiters looking exclusively for one race.It is not legal….My point is if people in smaller countries with relatively lesser ethnic groups (countries like Singapore, Indonesia), cant get along and co exist , how can you expect big countries like India or whatever with ridiculously large of amount of social classes can? There is no way I am saying that is an excuse, but I hope you get my point here.
also, atleast in India, I dont think I ever came across any jobs/rent ads/real estate etc advertising seeking only one race/religion. I think its against the constitution and hence illegal.
However it is quite hypocritical that singapore govt encourages all these activities and yet… yet I have no idea how the country is called to have one of the most transparent govt in the world…
At one point we were seriously considering Singapore and thanks to feedback on the internet and blogs like these…we dropped it…and I have no regrets..
about 2 years ago
@logiclife
well,in reply to your feedback,I would comment that wat I found about singapore government, is that they are very efficient and transparent, as compared to d government of my native country.I feel the government here really cares for its citizens, and thats wat every citizen want from their representation. Well done!..However, few areas,we do need to look at in Singapore.
I also wanna comment that people talk of indian communal riot,based on watever info they get from the media and then come to a conclusion. Well, I wont say that communal riot never happened. It did happened and will happen as we have so large diverse society.But the media exagerate it so much, people outside comes to conclusion based on what media tries to communicate.
In india, I have never seen people making friends based on race,caste or religion. These things never came in our mind also. Also I have never seen job ad saying that “Only marathi speaking can apply” or rent ad saying “owner prefer hindus”
Thats why India is largest democracy, thought the government isnt so efficient.
about 2 years ago
Hmmm..I’ve always wondered- it would be great to teach our children basic courtesies in the key local tongues. Why not include a non-mother tongue as part of Primary CCA/ECA and motivate children interested in other local tongues/cultures?? This would be a good initiation for the younger generation and surely worth a try! Better still why not institute Awards for pupils excelling in languages that are not their mother tongues? or make these languages non-academic…to spark genuine interest among the non-sporting, non-dancing pupils?
Having lived in Singapore for 5 years, I have observed that the older generation, regardless of their mother tongue could speak other tongues quite fluently. A stark contrast to our generation and the next one.
about 2 years ago
tintin
that is indeed a great idea..however I always thought that taking a second/third language in schools at least in US is part of the norm….not sure if its mandatory or not. In countries like India, where there are many languages, kids do learn other languages other than their native one. But I see your point. In a so called diverse countries like Singapore, etc, if the govt walks the walk, the things you mentioned should have already been in place..Its jsut not enough to observe some days like NAtional Heritage day or whatever , but actions by the govt and people should go beyond the eyewash and rhetoric.