Why is it important to foster social cohesion?
If people can live together in peace, this will bring about a better life for everyone. Harmony in Singapore has made progress possible. One of the benefits of living harmoniously in a multi-ethnic society is the security and peace that all Singaporeans enjoy. With peace and stability comes economic progress. Foreign investors invest and set up their companies in Singapore because their investment would be protected. An example of an economic benefit of maintaining peace and harmony in Singapore is the tourist industry. Tourists generally avoid visiting countries that are caught in violence and conflict. In addition, the multi-ethnic characteristics of Singapore's population attract tourists from all over the world.
Information was taken from EPB Pan Pacific Social Studies.
Video was taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvjvTzV-cjk&NR=1&feature=fvwp
2:37 AM
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What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion in multi-ethnic Singapore?
There are various measures taken to foster social cohesion in multi-ethnic Singapore. Firstly, building a national identity. For example, the policy of multi-racialism promotes equality among the races, with no special rights granted to any particular or religious group. Favouring a certain group of people because of their race or religion is prohibited by the Constitution. Therefore, everyone has equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background. Thus, a sense of national identity as Singaporeans is created. Common practices such as singing the national anthem, taking the pledge and attending the flag rasing ceremony are carried out in schools. These common practices help to foster national identity. In 1966, the policy of bilingualism was introduced in school. Students were expected to learn English and their own Mother Tongue. With bilingualism, English is used as the language linking the different ethnic groups. Mother Tongue language is used to impart moral values and cultural traditions of each race. As English is a non-native language for all the ethnic groups, no one has an advantage over others. The use of English has helped improve communication among Singaporeans. Next, safeguarding the interests of the minority groups. The policy of minority representation gives minority groups a say in governace. It is also a way to safeguard the interest of the minority groups. The Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR) and the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) are two examples of how representation of the minority groups is achieved. Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), Mendaki and the Eurasian Association play an important role in helping members of their community who are less fortunate to get aid in their studies and training for their jobs. Self-help groups also give moral support to members of their own community. This helps Singaporeans to cope ans compete with one another on an equal footing. By doing so, people from the minority groups will be able to improve their social and economic positions in the society. Lastly, Developing common space. Common space refers to the time and place that people come together. This common space provides opportunities for Singaporeans to interact. Through this interaction, understanding among Singaporeans from the different races can be deepened.
Information was taken from EPB Pan Pacific Social Studies Texbook.
Video was taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F205DPtbRY&feature=related
12:50 AMWhat are the challenges of multi-ethnicity in Singapore?
In a multi-ethnic society like Singapore, issues such as race and religion can be used to cause conflict among the different groups.
Firstly, the lack of understanding among the racial groups can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among racial groups. In 1964, Singapore experienced race riots which resulted in many people injured. The 1964 Race Riots were a series of riots that took place in Singapore during two separate periods in July and September between the Chinese and Malay groups. Which the first incident occurred on 21 July during a Malay procession that marked Muhammad's birthday. Overall, the violence killed 36 people and injured another 560. Around 3,000 people were arrested. The riots are also known as the Prophet Muhammad Birthday Riots, 1964 Racial Riots, and 1964 Sino-Malay Riots. These race riots not only caused the loss of lives as well as the damage to property. Efforts were made to call for calm and Goodwill Committees were also formed to help foster stronger bonds among the people from the different races and religions. Committee members went from house to house to spread the message of living peacefully with one another. The race riots illustrated how easily the peace and harmony in Singapore can be broken. Irresponsible media reporting and a trigger like the issue of race can cause suspicion, distrust, and even hostility among Singaporeans.
Information was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_race_riots_in_Singapore
Video was taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekpJL6z8Bgs
Next, differences in religious beliefs and practices are also issues that can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. This was illustrated by the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950 . The outbreak of violence left behind destruction and loss of lives. In 1940s, a Dutch couple was imprisoned by the Japanese. Thus, they placed their daughter, Maria Hertogh, under the care of a Malay lady, Aminah. Then, Maria was raised as a Muslim at the age of 13. Soon, her parents came back and demanded that Maria to be back to them, a court trial followed. This court trial had wide media coverage and provoked much unhappiness among the Muslim community. After much consideration, the court decided to give custody to the Hertoghs. In additions, this sparked off anger the Muslims and even the European and Eurasian communities which resulted in the outbreak of the riots. The events throughout the court trial had much media coverage in English, Malay and Tamil newspapers. These developments created unhappiness in the Muslim community which give them a idea of their welfare was not looked into. During the riots, the government placed a 24-hour curfew for two weeks. We learn that the riots showed that if religious issues were not handled carefully, hostility and distrust could occur among the people, thus affecting the relationships among the different religious groups.
Lastly, Transnational terrorism refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact. These acts can tell us if the bonds of the people in Singapore are close. Therefore, Singaopre needs to handle this threat carefully as it may divide the people. As Singapore is a multi-ethnic socities, race and religion can be used to create ill feelings among the different ethnic groups. In 2001, Singapore experienced the threat of transnational terrorism. This can be illustrated by the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) arrests in Singaopre since 2001. In response to the arrest, there were calls by political and religious leaders in Singapore for people to remain calm and be committed to living in harmony with other racial and religious groups. Here, I learn that it is not easy for a multi-ethnic society to achieve and maintain social cohesion and racial harmony.
Information was taken from EPB Pan Pacific Social Studies Textbook.
Video was taken from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J9f3jw7zLk
8:59 PMHow different are we as Singaporeans?
Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with people from many different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. Despite these differences, it is possible for people to live in peace and harmony. Under Singapore law, the maintenance of the religious harmony act ensures that religious activities do not spill over into inter-ethnic tensions. The Presidential Council on Minority Rights examines all pending bills to make sure that they are not disadvantageous to a particular group. It also reports to the Government on matters affecting any racial or religious community and investigates complaints. One of our NE Messages is 'We must maintain meritocracy and uphold incorruptibility'. Being a meritocratic country, all individuals in Singapore are treated equally regardless of their religion or skin colour.
4:03 AMA warm welcome...
Hello everyone!
Our group has created a blog specially for a project work based on the challenges at social cohesion that Singapore has faced and is facing today. At here, we appreciate the importance of social cohesion for the peace, security and the progress of the nation. Thus, we would like to present our ideas and share our learning as well as our reflections of issues on our day to day living in a multi-racial society. If you are puzzled by anything, do not hesitate to ask or leave us a comment. ^^
Our group has created a blog specially for a project work based on the challenges at social cohesion that Singapore has faced and is facing today. At here, we appreciate the importance of social cohesion for the peace, security and the progress of the nation. Thus, we would like to present our ideas and share our learning as well as our reflections of issues on our day to day living in a multi-racial society. If you are puzzled by anything, do not hesitate to ask or leave us a comment. ^^
3:14 AM