Sunday, September 7, 2008
English Blog Post 3
Article"Residents air dorm fears to their MPs" by Melissa Sim
Thursday, September 4 2008
The Straits Times
Page A4
SynopsisThe article talks about the fears and concern raised by the middle-class residents of Serangoon Gardens over the announcement to situate a foreign-worker dormitory that would house 1,000 such workers nearby. Many residents were up in arms at a Meet-the-People’s session, citing reasons such as security (including alcoholism and loitering), over congestion and property value as reasons against the move. The article mainly exposes the perception of Singaporeans towards foreign workers.
Other articles that were referenced:
“When in S'pore, do as Singaporeans do” 30/09/2007
“Foreign workers? Not in my backyard” 03/09/2008
Personal commentaryWhen I read this, I couldn’t help but suppress a smile upon realizing how nicely this issue ties in with my Geography assignment on the perception of Singaporeans towards foreign and foreign skilled workers.
This is not any new issue. As a human instinct, all humans, somewhat or another, would have a certain sense of wariness against strangers. Similarly, this is what is happening here. To add fuel to fire, all it takes would be a few black sheep to tip the scales into negative light.
I suppose we have to understand that all of us are humans after all. These “foreign workers” fill up jobs we shun or bring our economy forward. There is a clear distinction between the treatment of foreign workers and foreign skilled workers, that is to say foreign talent. Why? Simply due to the mindset that has so deeply been ingrained. As such, practical solutions would be not to expect a sudden change in perception.
In addition, we examine the concept of place and meaning of home. What does the term “home” engender with it? Home brings a sense of security and belonging. Similarly, human instincts tell us we would want to belong, to have a group that understands to interact (for that is the basis of society). Hence, the notion of home is held so dearly to us with great importance. When we have an influx of people who have different societal norms and customs, our sense of belonging is threatened and in turn, the notion of home.
I do believe that many of the reasons against the move stem from personal gain. Pragmatic values are certainly seen at play through the housing valuation but we cannot really say it is wrong to think as such. After all, Singapore is a society built upon, amongst others, pragmatism. Security issues may only apply to some of the bad sheep among the flock but given the sentiments already present, they merely worsen the perception.
My personal suggestion is to have a place for all the foreign workers. Perhaps one that is further from the Singaporean housing estates and closer to the industries where they work. Also, the government could aim to provide more recreational amenities within the complex so as to given the workers more incentive to stay there and not loiter around the estates. A good step could be to allow the sale of alcohol, under control of course, in the complex themselves. Another course of action could be to have “induction/orientation programmes” to introduce these workers to the social norms of S’pore. This would definitely aid in their assimilation. After all, if we can do these for PRs, it should be extendable to these workers, perhaps conducted by other workers who have worked here for some time.
An article today in the Sunday Times shows that most foreign workers do have a good perception of S’pore. Let us live up to that and be, the long-advocated-for, gracious community.
494 words.
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