Is singapore racist society?

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cole

racism is definitely present in singapore. I've been looking for a new house to move into and it has been very difficult - even going through house agents. If u tell them that u r not chinese, they don't call u back. I have seen tons of advertisements which say "no indians" (more frequent) or "no china chinese" and furthermore, ads which are posted in chinese to eliminate undesirable tenants. You can look up property classifieds, call up a few agents and check for urself. For people like me, finding a suitable house now has become next to impossible.

Recently, one house agent - singaporean, fixed an appointment with us for a viewing. We waited for 1 hour and the guy didn't show up. When we finally get through to him, he admitted that he saw us. We asked him why he didn't call us and he says "Yeah i could've. But I've left now and I got another appointment, sorry". He came all the way to meet us, and decided just by looking at us - no reason given, not even a courtesy call. This is just one of many incidents. For people to make blind judgements like this without assessing level of education, background or a person's character is definitely evidence of a racist mentality. Check out the sources.

â™«â™¥TheBearâ™¥â™«

Generally I would say that Singaporeans are more open in many ways and tend to be less discriminative rather than anything else. As with all other users have responded to me regarding the Malaysian racist scene, racism exists in all countries regardless of where we come from and so forth... the only problem is at what extent it is being practiced.

Singaporeans have a good mix of political standards and racial make up in their parliament, unlike the Malay-only style of administration in Malaysia (and they say it is harmonious with the multiracial system). They have an Indian president, His Excellency Mr. S.R. Nathan... being the head of state while it is predominantly Chinese. I doubt any Indian or a Chinese will ever become a Prime Minister of Malaysia as long as they uphold the Ketuanan Melayu doctrine in their politics... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketuanan_Melayu)

Personally that is what I feel and how I look at Singaporeans. They are a bunch of fun loving, can-do people. I am aware of the social issues and egoistical problem and some 'neighbors' claim that Singaporeans are the proudest people in the region... I don't deny that though... but it doesn't amount to racism as a state approved practice unlike the Malaysian government.

Hope this helps... there's nothing ground solid here. Just experiences and thoughts...

underground

During my dad's time, while working on a ship in one of the shipyards near to a navy base, he noticed a sign near to the cook house saying,"NO Malays, and Dogs."
That was then you say where I will say YES! it was. Racism is now just not as clearly and crudely established within the society.

I for example cannot get a part- time job because I'm not Chinese, non- Chinese companies that I went to refused me because I cannot speak the language in Singapore; all this told directly to me on over the phone of course!The majority tend to hang out with the majority and the minority with the minority. A fusion is not rare but just uncomfortable amongst many. One question that a visitor may raise if he dares is, would the next prime minister be Indian or Malay or........?

Local TV channels airing English shows suddenly blast out irritating Chinese commercials where due to being a majority, two channels are dedicated for the language.
The government in their policies to a certain degree shows utmost equality and indeed is to the best interest of the people of all races.

I do believe racism is present in Singapore but the adaptability of the people living in this country shows that racism can be dealt with and if with proper authority, controlled where the majority trots around and the minority just lingers here and there in fear, a sign of tolerance or just adapting!?

The society now is showing a change but to by degrees of mere microns and the government is aware and recently announced for action.

I am not a racist and I certainly do have friends and family members of many races in Singapore. I love this country because I've adapted to it since young. The flow of things now and things to come and things in need are in balance though for how long, I am not sure.

wan y

Remember the Singapore National Anthem - We the people of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people. Regardless of race, language or religion........... We are One United Nation since 1965.

plooshiepoo

Well, I won't say racism totally does not exist in Singapore. There's bound to be a handful of Singaporeans out there who have no racial tolerance, but it's the same everywhere else.

Tourists from all over the world have visited this multi-racial, multi-religious country. The government of Singapore has been careful to maintain ethnic harmony and racial harmony has been emphasized in all aspects of society, including the Singaporean education system, military and housing. So far the policy has been largely successful. You won't experience blatant racial discrimination here, that's for sure. People are generally open-minded and friendly here :)

Ooohnik

So much for racial harmony huh? It's not completely racist, no. I do have friends of different races and we get along very well. But the unfair treatment amongst the races is definitely one of the reasons why I want to leave this place. If you're in the majority here, of course you won't feel the prejudice. But just look at the free newspapers given out in the morning and the two languages they are printed in. There are thousands of others who do NOT speak those languages, but why are they only serving to the majority? Jus reflect on this phrase in our pledge:

Regardless of race, language and religion. To build a democratic society, based on justice and EQUALITY.

Vico

Well if they are, they do it very discreetly.

Passo L

Generally, Singapore welcome everyone provided these foreigners behave themselves properly.

Hyde

Majority of singaporean are not racist except the older generation. I had seen some funny reply here.

You want to leave the country because only Chinese and English(the majority 2 language) free newspaper are distribute here? MUHAHAHA. Do you know why these newspaper are free in the first place? It's because of the market! The main cost of newspaper is not the printing, but the picture and article that is publish! If there isnt enough reader all the advertisement will cost cheaper and it mean less profit!
Chinese commercial appear in English channel? Do you know English commercial appear in Chinese channel too? Yup it isnt as frequently as chinese commerical but it's the market again. Do you know how many people are viewing Chinese channel instead of English?
Ang Mo mean white man in chinese dialect. gui mean ghost. ya it's negative, but chinese call themself cheena too.

No China Chinese, no Indian advertisement? erm.. sorry do you know Singapore has a law that advertisement cant state any race, gender or even religion they want? You are funny. Did you understand those Chinese advertisement? Most of them are finding helper for chinese food stall or similar stuff which the owner can only speak Chinese or little English. Please take note there is a big amount of Singaporean cant speak English for those above 40.

You cant find a part time job? Is it cause of your ability & look or your race? If so i am surprise why most of my part time colleage are Malay.

I am surprise an Ang Mo/white will feel Singaporean is racist to him. In fact some Singaporean treat the white as higher class(Singapore was once colonise by British, remember?).

Yes. Equality.
Regardless of race, language and religion. To build a democratic society, based on justice and EQUALITY.

bRoken_dReaMz

i hav been staying here for more than 4 yrs!
and s'pore is definitely a not racist society!
i believe it!
sg is a harmony place!
hahaz
there are 4 main races here!
everyone seems communicate well!
and the govt here also coping with the probs well !
=)

floozy_niki

Singapore has got 4 major races living together like a melting pot for many many years. We have also got close to 1 million foreigners out of a population of 4.5 million. So, I would say, no. We are no racist.

frankstronoch

The most racist society if you really want to know is the blacks in Detroit. Boy do they have a chip on their shoulders...somehow they think the world owes them somethings and they do not have to work to earn anything.

deon

Nope. Majority of us are not. only a small handful might be due to some old fashion thinking but i guess for all the younger generations is a "NO-NO".. racial harmony is preached over here. =D

boeingboeing

we have a major chinese population
we have an indian mr president
we have a malay national anthem n
we speak english oweing to our eurasian roots

so racist society?... hmmmm at press time.. im still thinking.... r we? ...i dun think so

Agent Oange

Coming from a singaporean myself i would say generally no. We respect everyone as equal and even though we make fun of other race but never in public. If you are a visitor in sin we will welcome you and if permanent we will make friends with you. I think its stupid and not practicer to be a racist fore the world is getting smaller and smaller each day. Why wanna make life difficult for you and others when you will be able to live and work with each other everyday in who knows the future?

tamarindwalk

No, as long as you are Singaporean.

janjan

About 2 Months ago, I met a Singaporean - Chinese Girl. We fell in love, and are trying to build a relationship since.

I was shocked to find out that the usually very friendly Chinese people in Singapore showed a different face.

Suddenly I was "Ang Moh Gui". As I know now, not such a nice term for Caucasians.

What I do not understand, and cannot accept is that people have a judgement ready, without even taking the trouble of getting to know me.

Our intentions to start a relationship are sincere. However, with most of the the family and friends, opposing this relationship, it is hard to hang on.

Are Singaporeans Racist? I am certain now that there definitely is prejudice against "Ang Moh Gui".

LiangMoi

Don't think so.They are too competitive among themselves anyway.The Kiasu syndrome has taken up too much of their time to worry about other thing.

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