Polarisation of Race- The Singapore Story

Dear XXXX,

Thank you for confirming that you have registered me for the 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008'.

The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously?

To my simple mind, I would think that the nation's budget is something that would affect all residents equally without the special need for dialogue on a racially-segregated basis.

I can well understand that a budget would/could affect different income-groups in different ways, and perhaps the organisers could enlighten me if there are indeed certain aspects which require the dialogue sessions to be conducted on an ethnic basis.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Narayanan N


This was written by a dear friend of mine to REACH singapore, who, with the Ministry of Finance Singapore, is counducting a Feedback Exercise for various communities in conjunction with next years Budget debate.

The series of dialogue sessions organised by REACH is for the various 'communities' and will be held from November 2007 to January 2008.

"The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously? "

Now don't you think Mr. Narayana has a point?

This is a nation that still clings fast to the idea that race differentiates its population in its actions, while saying all the while that it is a multi-racial and racially tolerant society. I personally cannot concieve of any race or religion specific issue that needs to be raised in a national budget debate.

In fact, this smells an awful lot like a racial profiling excercise.

Lets call these folk up and ask them for their opinions. Then lets collate their views. Since these are racially segregated views, lets attribute these views to the person's race.

So in other words, if you're an Indian and you made a comment about the rising cost of milk, someone is probably going to prepare a report that would read 'Indians concerned about rising costs of milk'.

While I am a very objective person in general, my ire is often roused by examples of institutionalised racism which seems inherent in Singapore.

Interestingly, REACH Singapore is yet to provide an answer.

deviousDiv

Take My Wife Back

Ramankutty Nair, a middle aged Indian immigrant had made it big in Dallas, Texas, USA. He bought a brand new convertible Porsche. He had to show it around so he took off down the road and pushed it up to 100 MPH and was enjoying the wind blowing through his (thinning) hair. "This is great," he thought and accelerated to an even higher speed. But when he eventually looked in his rear-view mirror there was a Ford Crown Victoria Police Car behind him, blue lights flashing. "I can get away from him with no problem" thought the man and he floored it some more, and flew down the road at over 150MPH to escape being stopped.

Then he thought, what the hell am I doing? "I'm too old for this kind of thing" and pulled over to the side of the road, and waited for the Police car to catch up with him. The Policeman pulled in behind the Porsche and walked up on the driver's side.

"Sir, my Shift ends in five minutes and today is Wednesday 22 November a day before Thanksgiving " If you can give me a good reason that I've never heard before as to why you were speeding, I'll let you go."

The man looked back at the Policeman and said, "Last week my wife, who is from Kerala ran off with an American Policeman and I thought you were bringing her back".

The Policeman said, "Have a nice day, sir"

Rajini Endorses Singapoor

Courtesy: Somewhere along the way in Sivaji's "Athiradi Style".
Take note of left breast pocket.

To celebrate the great bilateral success of our 2 nations. Namely importing computer engineers and other qualified professionals and exporting rojak, hainanese chicken rice and sarong party girls, Super Star decides to glorify our nation with a very very familiar Singapore flag.

Now which SAF storeman did this get ripped off from? To think some of us actually consider it a form of great pride to be able to wear the Flag Patch on our uniforms [only reserved for international missions and those who have represented the country internationally]

I'm back. Bit by bit.