Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Final Task : Reflections
1) How different are we?- We, Singaporeans are different in many ways. Each of us is sure to come from racial,cultural and religious backgrounds which are not similar with each other. With different beliefs thus,we celebrate different special occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
2) What are the challenges of multi-ethnicity in Singapore?
- Challenges that we as a multhi-ethnic country is that some conflicts and unhappiness could occur as we practice different beliefs. Firstly as an example the beliefs of most chinese to burn jossticks and making offering on pathways could give some inconvenience to others. Those people would get angry if others accidentally step or hit it. They would feel that their religion were not respected and thus argument occurs. Secondly the challenges could be that our language and names may sound funny to others and they will make fun of it. The victims would fell hurt and their parents might even complain. It will then complicate things further.
3) What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion (unity among the people)in multhi-ethnic society?
- Measures would be in different forms. For children or students would be on having mixed school. Activities are being put up so as the different races could interact with each other and working as a geam.This could make them feel more comfortable mixing with others and could make them learn about other's beliefs, thus, respect them too. Excursions to places where it shows cultures such as kampong glam,chinatown or little India would make a very educational trip. For the elders, they could take part on aerobic activities, taichi classes or karaoke session. These kinds of activities are less vigorous thus, suitable for them. They could also lead a healthy lifestyle from there. Lastly the others such as working people or even housewife could engage in a 'family' kind of events set up by the public or even community centres.
4) Why is it important to foster social cohesion?
Firstly,social cohesion is the bringing together, in an integrated way, economic, social, health and educational policies to facilitate the participation of citizens in society. Social cohesion is being fostered in Singapore.The term is used to describe the bonds or "glue" that bring people together in society, particularly in the context of cultural diversity. It is important as in Singapore,there are many different types of races,embracing different types of culture as well as different backgrounds of knowledge and history.With social cohesion in Singapore,maximum understanding would be encouraged with one another.Thus,it can also prevent social instability.Problems such as misunderstanding due to miscomunication or even riots will be prevented as a result.
5) Explore other ways to foster social cohesion in singapore- Other ways could be by mixing other races and religions on a particular day for them to be together. It could even be a reality show shown on television.Things that they could even do are like singing, active antics or even dancing together. This will help to improve communication and thus, uniting people as one.