Swan SHIT?
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Building social cohesion: Start them young
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->WHEN Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in his National Day Rally speech that Singapore is harmonious like a graceful swan gliding across the lake while MPs paddle away beneath the surface, it was a very apt metaphor - perhaps more than he intended.
It exemplifies how the Government makes extensive efforts to know its people, highlight cultural differences and cater to them - and how it ends there. Singaporeans are still shamefully oblivious to the diverse cultures surrounding them.
I suppose it is wrong to use the word 'culture' so loosely - the real issue in Singapore is race, the most overt form of one's identity. It is embarrassing how so many of us still assert that Indians speak the language 'Indian', given India is home to many distinct languages and there is no such language as Indian.
And yet, with such misconceptions abundant, we have the cheek to tease minorities and crack racial jokes. Granted they are mostly light-hearted and rarely meant to offend, the consequence of incessant mindless teasing is often not considered. It surreptitiously eats away at the insecurities of their victims.
When you are referred to as 'the Indian' or 'the Malay' more often than you are given credit for your achievements or character, it is easy to wonder if you have any real identity or are of any significance to your peers.
It is generally thought that the younger generation is more tolerant and wise when dealing with its peers from different cultural backgrounds. But the sad truth is that we are just more tactful and adept at sweeping our underlying sentiments under the rug.
Yes, race and religion are visceral fault lines in our society. When Mr Lee took a micro approach, I had hoped he would narrow it down to schools, and address the issue of cultural clashes there. After all, it is best to nip the problem in the bud.
It is really time for Singapore to step up its civics lessons in primary schools. More focus on learning and understanding the practices of different cultures would be a huge step towards automatically fostering the 'social cohesion' that is so broadly and vaguely emphasised.
S. Nikhita (Miss)
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Building social cohesion: Start them young
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->WHEN Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in his National Day Rally speech that Singapore is harmonious like a graceful swan gliding across the lake while MPs paddle away beneath the surface, it was a very apt metaphor - perhaps more than he intended.
It exemplifies how the Government makes extensive efforts to know its people, highlight cultural differences and cater to them - and how it ends there. Singaporeans are still shamefully oblivious to the diverse cultures surrounding them.
I suppose it is wrong to use the word 'culture' so loosely - the real issue in Singapore is race, the most overt form of one's identity. It is embarrassing how so many of us still assert that Indians speak the language 'Indian', given India is home to many distinct languages and there is no such language as Indian.
And yet, with such misconceptions abundant, we have the cheek to tease minorities and crack racial jokes. Granted they are mostly light-hearted and rarely meant to offend, the consequence of incessant mindless teasing is often not considered. It surreptitiously eats away at the insecurities of their victims.
When you are referred to as 'the Indian' or 'the Malay' more often than you are given credit for your achievements or character, it is easy to wonder if you have any real identity or are of any significance to your peers.
It is generally thought that the younger generation is more tolerant and wise when dealing with its peers from different cultural backgrounds. But the sad truth is that we are just more tactful and adept at sweeping our underlying sentiments under the rug.
Yes, race and religion are visceral fault lines in our society. When Mr Lee took a micro approach, I had hoped he would narrow it down to schools, and address the issue of cultural clashes there. After all, it is best to nip the problem in the bud.
It is really time for Singapore to step up its civics lessons in primary schools. More focus on learning and understanding the practices of different cultures would be a huge step towards automatically fostering the 'social cohesion' that is so broadly and vaguely emphasised.
S. Nikhita (Miss)
