Monday, July 22, 2024

taken from https://geniebook.com/cms/storage/app/uploads/public/64b/8bd/e49/64b8bde49ba58898350930.webp

Every year on 21st July, Singapore commemorates Racial Harmony Day—a moment to reflect on our history, particularly the racial riots of 1964, and remind ourselves why maintaining peace among different races is crucial. Schools conduct activities, students don traditional outfits, and conversations about tolerance and unity take center stage. But as the day ends, so does much of the active discourse on racial harmony, only to be revisited a year later.

This begs the question: Why do we observe racial harmony on just one day when it should be a way of life?

The Problem with One-Day Commemoration

Racial harmony is not a switch that we flip on and off, nor should it be a mere annual checkpoint. If the goal is to foster deep, meaningful connections across racial and cultural lines, it cannot be a once-a-year event. A single day of heightened awareness does not dismantle deeply rooted biases, nor does it foster genuine understanding.

Children, for instance, do not naturally distinguish others by race. Studies show that young children do not have an innate concept of racial divisions. They play with one another, learn from one another, and form bonds without concern for skin color. It is only through societal conditioning—through the words and actions of adults—that they begin to form categories, to assign meaning where none originally existed.

The Absence of Race in Asian Folktales and Myths

Interestingly, many Asian folktales and myths do not specify the race of their characters. In these stories, the focus is on virtues—kindness, bravery, wisdom—rather than racial identity. Animals are often used as stand-ins for human diversity, illustrating the idea that differences should be celebrated rather than used as barriers.

Take, for instance, the Twelve Zodiac Animals in Chinese mythology. These creatures—ranging from the clever rat to the diligent ox—each symbolize different qualities, yet together, they form the entire zodiac cycle. Their differences do not create divisions but rather a complete, functioning system where each has its strengths and place.

Similarly, the Ramayana, a beloved epic across multiple Asian cultures, does not specify the race of its characters. The focus is on duty, love, and the struggle between good and evil. Hanuman, the monkey god, is revered for his loyalty and devotion—not his skin color or racial identity.

Then there’s the Indonesian fable of the Mouse Deer (Sang Kancil), a small yet cunning creature who outsmarts larger, stronger predators. The story is retold in Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore without any racial context—only lessons of wit and survival.

These stories remind us that racial identity was never the focus. They highlight values that transcend skin color—values that, at our core, we all share.

Reverting to Our Innocent Selves

If children are born without racial prejudice, how do we, as adults, return to that state of mind? How do we strip away societal conditioning and truly embrace harmony—not as a concept, but as a way of life? Here are some practical steps:

1. Speak Each Other’s Language—Literally

One of the simplest yet most profound ways to bridge racial divides is through language. Singapore is uniquely positioned with its multilingual society. Instead of sticking to just one language, we can make an effort to learn basic greetings or phrases in other languages—Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, or even dialects like Hokkien and Cantonese. Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a gateway to understanding culture and fostering empathy.

2. Celebrate Cultural Practices Daily, Not Just on Special Occasions

Racial Harmony Day often involves dressing up in traditional attire, but what if we engaged in cultural appreciation throughout the year? This could mean trying out different cultural cuisines, attending various religious festivals, or even learning about traditions beyond surface-level knowledge.

3. Question Our Own Biases

Prejudice, no matter how subtle, stems from conditioned thinking. When we catch ourselves making assumptions about someone based on their race, we should pause and reflect. Why do we think this way? Where did this belief come from? Unlearning racial bias is not an overnight process, but self-awareness is the first step.

4. Teach Through Stories

Just as Asian folklore used animals and timeless virtues to teach moral lessons, modern-day storytelling can be a powerful tool. Parents and educators can introduce books, movies, and discussions that celebrate diversity without making race the defining factor. The more children see and hear about diversity in a natural, integrated manner, the less likely they are to internalize racial divisions.

5. Create Safe Spaces for Conversations

One of the reasons racial issues persist is because conversations about race are often seen as taboo or uncomfortable. But silence does not solve problems—dialogue does. If we foster open, judgment-free spaces where people can share experiences and perspectives, we take a step toward greater understanding.

Towards a Future of Everyday Harmony

Singapore’s Racial Harmony Day serves as a crucial reminder of our history, but it should not be a substitute for daily action. True harmony is not about tolerance—it is about acceptance, understanding, and integration.

Imagine a Singapore where racial harmony is not just a lesson in schools but a lived reality. A place where we do not just remember our shared history once a year, but actively create a future where race is not a dividing factor. A society where, like the characters in our ancient folktales, we are judged not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.

That future is possible. But only if we choose to make racial harmony more than just a day.

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