Do we have racial harmony in Singapore? If yes, is it based on understanding or tolerance.

'' We are different flavours melted together in a pot.''

This statement made by a Singaporean best represents what Singapore is really about. It is what makes Singapore unique, racial harmony, whereby the four races live under one roof in harmony.

Or is there?

Is the presence of various races really racial harm or racial harmony? There has been many racial and religious misunderstandings in Singapore before. In 1950, there was the Maria Hertogh riots. Recently, there was also the racial disputes by a group of young bloggers discriminating the Malays. There also has been incidents where fights broke out due to the different races shunning each other. Alot of these also has to do with the skin tone and being ostracized .

There also has been racism circulating around workplace and in school on a daily basis. If this happens on a bigger scale, the minority and the ethnic enclaves could rise up against the other races and cause an uproar. However, it is not just the majority who are behind this but rather everyone against each other due to their parochial mindset.

The truth is that racial discrimination does exist in different permutations. It is according to the current situation in Singapore. For example, a high unemployment rate might get the minority ethnic groups to start opposing. Their train of thoughts might lead them to thinking that the Chinese are getting the job when in fact everyone is affected, However, they could be right sometimes as some companies would only accept Chinese and not other races who can speak Chinese proficiently. Certain priorities are also given to the majority and it seems like the other races are left aside. This is when racial tension increases and racial bonds weakens.

However, besides these minor matters, there has never really been major racial disputes or riots in Singapore. It is common for such misunderstanding in every country especially one like Singapore where a myriad of races live together. However, i would like to say that those relationships forged by different races are mutual and by understanding and not just mere tolerance.

DONE BY PAVITRA S