Discrimination (Research) ; Racial Harmony

Ideal:
- Currently racial riots are curbed and have not happened for a long time. In 1964, Singapore had a few tragic occasions of racial riots when many were killed and injured, including the Maria Hertogh Riots. Thus compared to many other countries where social stability is not present, Singaporeans are fortunate.

- Especially important now as Singapore faces the threats of terrorism; relationships of different races are under strain due to suspicion. With racial harmony, education on the different teachings of religions of different races will reduce such suspicions.

- To promote racial harmony, the cultural heritages of different races in Singapore had been preserved over years, contributing to the economy as revenues are brought in by tourists.

- When integration of races takes place, people can live together harmoniously and accept the way people are.

Not Ideal:
- When it is solely based on tolerance, no true harmony, empathy and understanding of different races is present. This means racial harmony which is present is just an illusion and might escalate into riots when there are small disputes.

- When the government tries to improve racial harmony by ensuring all races have equal standing in the economy through giving a certain race more aids. Causing the possibility of other races viewing it as biasness.

- When segregation takes place, awareness on the presence of different races being present is Singapore is raised. People become more cautious in the sense of being “more careful of their backs”. For example, recently in US, people are once again reminded of the stark difference between blacks and white in terms of lifestyles and quality of life. [ST; 7/7/07; Integration just a pipe dream in US?]

Conclusion:
Of course racial harmony has it positive consequences but when it is overdone, it becomes something that is done deliberately and insincere. This is when it loses its meaning, instead of fostering better relationships; some races might even be offended in the process which leads to the negative effects. Therefore I think the more difficult question to think about will be, when will racial harmony be deemed as enough.