Responding to a Socio-Cultural Diversity Flashcards
How can individuals respond to a socio-cultural diversity?
When a social media influencer posted an insensitive remark mocking two Sikh men in turbans at a concert in 2019, the president of the Young Sikh Association (YSA) reached out to the influencer. Using the incident as an opportunity to reach out and promote understanding between different ethnic groups, he invited the influencer to an informal tour of a Sikh temple to learn about their customs. The influencer accepted and also participated in the community kitchen of the temple. By promoting understanding of different cultures, individuals can raise awareness and address areas of ignorance. This can lead others to be more aware of the consequences of their actions and avoid potentially hurtful and discriminatory remarks and actions.
How can community groups respond to a socio-cultural diversity?
Welcome In My Backyard (WIMBY) is a youth-led group founded in April 2020 to raise awareness about the lives of migrant workers in Singapore. When migrant worker dormitories were built in housing estates, WIMBY volunteers started several initiatives such as engaging Singaporeans to write welcome notes to the migrant workers and organising games and conversation sessions between the migrant workers and residents of Bukit Batok. By making a collective effort, citizens can maintain harmonious interactions in a diverse society. By taking proactive measures, these groups can shape the attitudes and actions of the general public to develop a deeper understanding and trust of people of different nationalities.
What are the assimilationalist policies in France?
Education - All children in France regardless of citizenship status are required to attend school until 16. In French classrooms there is no discussion of religion except in History, Literature, and Art classes. Adaptation classes are introduced to children of immigrants to help them improve their French and assimilate into French schools. Children of immigrants may benefit by **having shared experiences with their schoolmates **and bonding over these experiences. However they may also resent having to give up their migrant roots or feel marginalised as the country does not recognise their diverse identities.
What are some tensions that may arise from assimilationist policies in France?
For example, France introduced a law banning the wearing of visible religious attire and symbols in public schools. Muslim and Sikh students were not allowed to wear their religious headscarves and turbans in schools. Many demonstrations broke out in in French cities, particularly Paris as a result. Consequently, it disrupted the French Society and the tourism industry. When citizens are not allowed to practise certain cultural or religious beliefs, they may feel discriminated against or vulnerable as the state does not protect their right to practise their own religion or traditions. This leads to a weakened sense of belonging to the country.
What is the integration policies in Singapore?
Common experiences with locals can help immigrants adapt to being part of the Singaporean society like National Service. Second-generation PRs are expected to dedicate 2 years of their lives to serving the nation despite not being native to Singapore. These experiences bring people from diverse backgrounds to train and live and serve together in the Armed Forces. This thus **encourages them to mix with people from diverse religions and cultural backgrounds and to put collective interest over **oneself, fostering greater cohesiveness and creating a sense of National Identity.
What are some tensions that may arise from integration policies?
In 2004, a Chinese migrant family found they could not tolerate the smell of their Singaporean Indian neighbours cooking curry. Even though the Indian family would shut their doors and windows whenever they cooked curry, the Chinese family deemed this measure insufficient, and entreated their neighbours to refrain from cooking the dish altogether. Many Singaporeans were angered by the perceived intolerance that the Chinese family displayed towards the cultural practices of another ethnic group. This was viewed as unacceptable behaviour that was contrary to Singapore’s inclusive and multiracial society.
