Forum Letter

Racism a thing of the past? Think again

I BEG to differ from the views put forth by Professor Lee Wei Ling in her letter last
Saturday (Singaporeans are mostly not racist).
Prof Lee posits that racism is a phenomenon limited by and large to the elderly and the less
educated, and cites the substantial Indian population in her working environment and in her
social circle as evidence of that claim. Yes, this does illustrate Singapores racial diversity, but
it tells us nothing about the supposed absence of racism. The writer seems to be suggesting
that most Singaporeans are colour-blind, which is to say that we disregard racial
characteristics when taking a person into account. It seems apparent to me, however, that
this is far from the truth. I believe the conclusion that Singaporeans are mostly a colourblind people is an assumption that members of the dominant racial group here, such as Prof Lee
and myself, are privileged with, since we do not bear the brunt of racial discrimination and
prejudice. Racism is not just about Indians and the Chinese from the Peoples Republic of China,
and it is not just about migrant workers, though it plays out most explicitly in the majoritys
relations with the minorities. It involves all of us, and it is present whenever we derisively use
the term PRCs'; whenever we treat a Caucasian with more respect or accord him more attention
than we would an Asian; or whenever we dismissively refer to any group of dark-skinned men as
Banglas regardless of their ethnic origins. It is present in our media, in our television
commercials, advertisements for new condominiums and fashion spreads that make out our
country to be full of successful, happy and wholesome Chinese, pan-Asian and Caucasian
professionals and families.

AQ Sample
(1) ATTENTION GRABBING INTRODUCTION
(2) VARIED DISCOURSE MARKERS
(3) SUCCINCT CONCLUSION
(4) LESS MECHANISTIC APPROACH
Sample Writing (based on Examiners Report for 2012 A-Levels):
[Introduce the topic/issue] If music be the food of love, then play on, wrote Shakespeare.
[Link the selected issues/ arguments to Singapore society] In Singapore, music is not
just the food for love, but it carries out other functions, many of which have been raised by
the writer. Yet, the development of local music has not taken off with astounding success.
[Clearly state your stand in the introduction] As such, while I agree with most of the
writers views, there are a few that do not reflect my observations of Singapore
society. [Introduction]
[Reference to writers argument and state your stand R/EX] The writers citing of music
as a means of healing is evident in my society. [EXplanation/Elaboration/Clarification of
writers argument in your own words] Music is fantastic way to put a person in a good
mood to start the day, or unwind and drown out stress at the end of the day. [Setting the
context / Providing /EXplantion/reasons/rationale for peoples behaviour] Hence,
unsurprisingly, many people put their headphones on to listen to music while on the train or
bus, and many drivers turn the car stereo on while on the road. [EXplantion/Setting the
context/ moving from general to specific] More specifically music and movement as a
therapy approach is established for people with disabilities. [Providing examples based on
Singapore societys characteristics/context EXplanation] In Singapore, the schools for
the intellectually disabled or severely autistic children help tediously prepare their
young charges for dance or singing performances. [Link the example to the selected
argument Coherence/EValuation] These items could seem simple for the layman, but
are essential for such children to stretch their potential and achieve a new milestone that is
part of the healing process for both the children and their family of caregivers.
Beyond specific categories of people, the writer puts forth that even the nation can benefit
from music that promotes patriotism [Reference to writers argument R/EX]. This view
does not apply to everyone for all occasions [ State your stand/judgement EV + provide
reasons EX]. The quality of the music and the context in which it is played also has an
impact on whether music can nurture patriotism (question assumptions / providing
insight and evaluation). I do not think the daily singing of the anthem by bleary-eyed
(personal voice/language) students can hardly contribute to patriotism as much as the
anthem sung on very special occasions such as National Day celebrations or military
National Service ceremonies. It has even been sung with conviction during antigovernment demonstrations (twice in 2013 at Hong Lim Park protests)[must provide a
range of specific local examples
What is missing?
Another point of the writer that I find contentious is his claim that
HW: Select an argument that you disagree with and write 1 paragraph

Yet, all things considered, the potential of music in my society is still immense. As society
evolves and becomes more open to ideas, the benefits of music could be even more
significant than ever. [Conclusion]