Interactions in a Diverse Society Flashcards
What are some interactions in a diverse society and common space?
The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs) are a social space established in 2002. They are inter-faith platforms formed in every constituency to promote racial and religious harmony. The IRRCCs carry out interfaith dialogues and encourage the celebration of religious festivals by all members of the community. Having regular interfaith dialogues encourages understanding of different religious customs and beliefs. This leads to more appreciation and acceptance of the different religious groups in Singapore.
What are some cultural exchange and appreciation in a diverse society?
Cultural exchanges take place through programmes such as the ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF). Through AYF, ASEAN Youth Fellows commit themselves to forging closer partnerships and strengthening connections with other ASEAN leaders across the region. They exchange best practices in areas such as sustainable development and also share their experiences of living in their home countries
What are some exchange of knowledge and skills in a diverse society?
Multinational companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific have their research and development centre in Singapore with over 2000 local employees and 80,000 employees globally. Singaporeans in the company are encouraged to collaborate with employees from different cultures and with different experiences and expertise. The company also collaborates with other Singapore-based design firms, universities, and research institutions such **Temasek Holdings and the Economic Development Board (EDB) **as to produce PCR test kits during Covid-19.
What are some stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in a diverse society?
In June 2021, an interracial couple comprising a man of Indian and Filipino-Spanish descent and his Thai-Chinese girlfriend were accosted by a local Chinese man along Orchard Road, who accused the man of “preying on a Chinese girl” and ordered him to date “people of his own race”. The episode was **widely circulated on social media and the couple shared that they felt humiliated and hurt by the way they were treated by a Singaporean. **Racist prejudice and discrimination can lead to resentment and strained relationships between the different ethnic groups. People who face discrimination will feel hurt, disrespected, and even unsafe in their own country.
What are some competition for resources in a diverse society?
In 2013, the government released a report which predicted that Singapore’s population would increase by 100, 000 people each year, mainly through immigration of foreigners. Many Singaporeans were concerned by the projected increase in population as they felt Singapore was already overcrowded and there was too much competition for jobs, which had led to low wages for workers and inequality. This resulted in the largest public protest ever organised in Singapore’s history. Real and perceived competition over resources can lead to unhappiness and negative experiences for people in the country. It may also prompt xenophobia where foreigners are discriminated against and blamed for a country’s problems.
