Wednesday, July 25, 2007


Racial Harmony

29 Days to Prelim 2.

84 Days to the 'O's.

Ever since young, I had a rather “confined” environment growing up. Since I started schooling at four, I hardly came into contact with other races despite living in a multi-racial Singapore. I was brought up in a very “Chinese” environment. That was four years ago, when I knew almost zilch about the other ethnic races. Most of my knowledge, albeit sparse, was obtained from watching cultural shows on TV.

Imagine the culture shock when I set foot in Victoria School! There were numerous racial cliques everywhere; my eyes were dazed from the ethnic diversity. Somehow, a growing ball of awkwardness formed in my stomach and I felt awfully suppressed. Naturally, I found it hard to approach the other races for fear of offending them. The first few weeks were rather lonesome as I could not adjust to my new class. But I guess after a while, the walls of unfamiliarity crumbled and interacting with my fellow classmates of different races was a piece of cake. As such, my social circle just expanded steadily and I felt proud to be in the school.

Racial harmony in Singapore is usually commemorated in schools across the island, so much so that it has become synonymous with in-your-face celebrations where different ethnic groups perform their art form --- usually traditional song and dance for the school population. Some people find it hilarious but I simply dismiss such mockery as a lack of knowledge about other races. Worse still, I find that they are disrespecting their fellow Singaporeans with their raucous laughter.

I for one, thoroughly enjoy these cultural performances. They remind us of entertainment passed down from our forefathers and how these performances used to be of such regalement to the common folk. I feel that the school has been a wonderful avenue for students to be exposed to others cultures and knowledge religious practices present in out institution. Of course, everyone loves to bask in the atmosphere when teachers and students alike dress in their own or the ethnic costumes of others.

Finally, who can ignore the wide variety of food that Singapore offers? With hundreds of food originating from each individual race, we are spoilt for choice. I am sure there are delicacies that are pleasing to even the most refined palate and everyone has his or her favourite food! My favourites would definitely be the Hainanese Chicken Rice and Indian Roti Prata!

Being in Singapore we are lucky to be exposed to so many cultures. Already we have four resident cultures and cultural shows all the year round. We also have shows which blend the four. If that is not enough, occasionally we get cultural events from other parts of the world. Racial Harmony is definitely an important part of our Singaporean lives.

Living harmoniously and accepting each other graciously for who we are makes us a unique society and we will continue to be one for years to come!

_____________________
Hail Mary.


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Nicolas Yee
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30 Jan '91
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