PM Asks "What kind of people do we want to be?"

[mamago]

3Boys:

There is something about basic human decency, that once transgressed and if not challenged and bashed straight back into the ground where it belongs, becomes corrosive. That's why I do not accept any mitigation for the vitriol that pours forth against foreigners. Criticism yes, vile abuse, no.


Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?

The problem with accepting this type of behaviour is that it is difficult to reverse once it gains momentum. And then, bad elements who seek to exploit this for their own gain will fan the flames. Then how do we differentiate those who are blowing of steam, versus those who are just plain maliciously xenophobic?

We can't.

That is why we must never accept it. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

I quote; \"Words can create an attitude. If a person says something loud enough and often enough, he creates a climate. And under that climate, all sorts of things can happen.\" <http://www.aish.com/ho/o/48954321.html>

We will never be the Nazis, but Singaporeans are showing an ugly xenophobic face, and it is disgraceful.

:goodpost: by a Singaporeean!

[verykiasu2010]

3Boys:

There is something about basic human decency, that once transgressed and if not challenged and bashed straight back into the ground where it belongs, becomes corrosive. That's why I do not accept any mitigation for the vitriol that pours forth against foreigners. Criticism yes, vile abuse, no.


Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?

The problem with accepting this type of behaviour is that it is difficult to reverse once it gains momentum. And then, bad elements who seek to exploit this for their own gain will fan the flames. Then how do we differentiate those who are blowing of steam, versus those who are just plain maliciously xenophobic?

We can't.

That is why we must never accept it. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

I quote; \"Words can create an attitude. If a person says something loud enough and often enough, he creates a climate. And under that climate, all sorts of things can happen.\" <http://www.aish.com/ho/o/48954321.html>

We will never be the Nazis, but Singaporeans are showing an ugly xenophobic face, and it is disgraceful.

:goodpost: and government must ALSO recognise and help solve the problem of work place discrimination by FT against SC, or put it another way, FT's preference for their fellow countrymen FT over the local SC.

an openly liberal MOM \"policy\" of allowing the influx will create resentment amongst SC, or its lack of policy in judging who is the deserving FT / PR to be allowed in. Granted, it is a fine balance between filling up the gaps due to lack of sufficient births and the need for real expat to bring in FDI and econ growth....and that is why we pay them super high to solve the problem

xenophobic trend cannot be tolerated and work place HR policies need to be sensitively balanced

[atutor2001]

3Boys:

....

Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?
.

Ever wonder why Jews and not some other races? Is such feeling against them still existing today?

PS
My father taught me : If you borrow a match from a Jew, he will borrow a cigarette from you in return.

[corneyAmber]

3Boys:

I quote; \"Words can create an attitude. If a person says something loud enough and often enough, he creates a climate. And under that climate, all sorts of things can happen.\" <http://www.aish.com/ho/o/48954321.html>

This quote echoes my exact sentiments and in particular I am pointing to negative energy. Whether it is fact or untruth, there is no more distinction once a negative attitude has been formed. Therein lies the danger when people lose their discernment and minds become clouded. Prejudices, persecutions, riots, strikes, witch-hunting all begin this way.....

[corneyAmber]

atutor2001:

3Boys:

....

Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?
.

Ever wonder why Jews and not some other races? Is such feeling against them still existing today?

PS
My father taught me : If you borrow a match from a Jew, he will borrow a cigarette from you in return.

Again this is generalisation that a parent would perhaps teach a child when they are very young but as they grow up with more discernment coming with maturity, the child should be taught about generalisation of such statements and how to apply discernment. Also if I look at this teaching positively, I think there is a lot to learn from the Jews how to borrow cigarette instead.

[atutor2001]

ksi:

...Also if I look at this teaching positively, I think there is a lot to learn from the Jews how to borrow cigarette instead.

Yes, the positive note is that Jews are shrewd businessman. However, perhaps they should not take too much advantage and be more reasonable in their deals. Mention Jews, and I think of George Soro - the man who crashed the pounds. Such stereotyping is bad. However, I would not have responded this way if his action is a one off case regarding Jews. I am sure there are also many Jews doing good. Ya, human tends to remember and highlight bad deeds and overlook good. However, there have to be a trend. Otherwise why is Jews being singled out internationally and not other races - it is cause and effect.

PS
The anecdote on the borrowing of match was not a personal encounter by my father. It was a common saying among the Chinese business community after world war II - a perception on the Jewish community in Singapore which is very small. Yet such view was formed back then.

[Dora1]

verykiasu2010:

3Boys:

There is something about basic human decency, that once transgressed and if not challenged and bashed straight back into the ground where it belongs, becomes corrosive. That's why I do not accept any mitigation for the vitriol that pours forth against foreigners. Criticism yes, vile abuse, no.


Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?

The problem with accepting this type of behaviour is that it is difficult to reverse once it gains momentum. And then, bad elements who seek to exploit this for their own gain will fan the flames. Then how do we differentiate those who are blowing of steam, versus those who are just plain maliciously xenophobic?

We can't.

That is why we must never accept it. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

I quote; \"Words can create an attitude. If a person says something loud enough and often enough, he creates a climate. And under that climate, all sorts of things can happen.\" <http://www.aish.com/ho/o/48954321.html>

We will never be the Nazis, but Singaporeans are showing an ugly xenophobic face, and it is disgraceful.

:goodpost: and government must ALSO recognise and help solve the problem of work place discrimination by FT against SC, or put it another way, FT's preference for their fellow countrymen FT over the local SC.

an openly liberal MOM \"policy\" of allowing the influx will create resentment amongst SC, or its lack of policy in judging who is the deserving FT / PR to be allowed in. Granted, it is a fine balance between filling up the gaps due to lack of sufficient births and the need for real expat to bring in FDI and econ growth....and that is why we pay them super high to solve the problem

xenophobic trend cannot be tolerated and work place HR policies need to be sensitively balanced

:goodpost: I couldn't have said it better.
3boys, I understand all that you are saying. And as I posted earlier on, the last thing I want to see is for the online nastiness to become real social unrest. However, if the root cause is not solved, any propaganda to stop the xenophobic behaviour is going to get a reverse effect - it will be perceived that the gov is encouraging the foreigners to bully us, and we are expected to just keep quiet about it. This perception is already quite deep rooted in the online community, the way I see it. So the more the gov or PM or whoever \"up there\" condemns Singaporeans xenophobic behaviour, it is just going to fuel the behaviour, if no other concrete actions to address the root cause are taken in parallel.

Silent hermit, I agree with you. I entered stat board with the hope that I can help singaporeans. But for the first 12 months of so, everyday I found myself fighting with the bueracracy and the senseless layers and layers of red tape, just for the sake of helping my fellow singaporeans. After that I am seriously very tired of all the fighting and red tape, and I just do what I can now. I can't afford to spend all my energy and waking hours to fight the system. I have my responsibility towards my family as well. If I am single with no family commitment, I might just be the matyr and try to change the system.
I can't elaborate more because it will be very sensitive, but yes you are right, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
But do remember why the Gov woke up last year..... :evil:

[corneyAmber]

atutor2001:

ksi:

...Also if I look at this teaching positively, I think there is a lot to learn from the Jews how to borrow cigarette instead.

Yes, the positive note is that Jews are shrewd businessman. However, perhaps they should not take too much advantage and be more reasonable in their deals. Mention Jews, and I think of George Soro - the man who crashed the pounds. Such stereotyping is bad. However, I would not have responded this way if his action is a one off case regarding Jews. I am sure there are also many Jews doing good. Ya, human tends to remember and highlight bad deeds and overlook good. However, there have to be a trend. Otherwise why is Jews being singled out internationally and not other races - it is cause and effect.

There might be an element of truth in the cause and effect but that applies to everyone. As for why Jews? Because Jews are the \"chosen\" people so there is more attention on them? :rotflmao: ok this is a joking point.

Btw, internationally blondes are also singled out to be \"dumb\" in jokes but that is surely not true what...

I do understand when we talk we just like to point to some trend as a pre-requisite for us to size up certain situations like a referral to a chart. However, I hope after sizing up, every one is given an opportunity to be viewed as an individual with their unique personalities and values. In general, a group of people may still behave the same due to cultural background but the point here is don't look at the world with coloured lenses from the start. Sometimes it is to our disadvantage as you may not know you may lose out an opportunity to make a very good 'ngam-key' friend.

[Imami]

3Boys:

There is something about basic human decency, that once transgressed and if not challenged and bashed straight back into the ground where it belongs, becomes corrosive. That's why I do not accept any mitigation for the vitriol that pours forth against foreigners. Criticism yes, vile abuse, no.


Go read about how the German society was turned in its darkest days from being mildly anti-semitic to a mass-murdering nation under the Nazis. It all starts with subtle discrimination, in the guise of correcting for imbalances in the economy (the Depression then). Finger pointing against the Jews, slowly escalating to a steady stream of public outcry and abuse. Places in schools, business licenses, special taxes........sound familiar?

The problem with accepting this type of behaviour is that it is difficult to reverse once it gains momentum. And then, bad elements who seek to exploit this for their own gain will fan the flames. Then how do we differentiate those who are blowing of steam, versus those who are just plain maliciously xenophobic?

We can't.

That is why we must never accept it. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
I quote; \"Words can create an attitude. If a person says something loud enough and often enough, he creates a climate. And under that climate, all sorts of things can happen.\" <http://www.aish.com/ho/o/48954321.html>

We will never be the Nazis, but Singaporeans are showing an ugly xenophobic face, and it is disgraceful.

:goodpost:

[atutor2001]

ksi:

.....In general, a group of people may still behave the same due to cultural background but the point here is don't look at the world with coloured lenses from the start. Sometimes it is to our disadvantage as you may not know you may lose out an opportunity to make a very good 'ngam-key' friend.

This is the point I was arriving at. Due to cultural background, certain nationality behave with a certain trend. You may not have noted. Once foreign workers from a certain country were employed as cleaners ... They were very hardworking and quiet. Then a couple of vicious attacks by these group of people happened and innocent lives were lost. Yes, the attackers made up less than 10 individuals. However, I hardly see any of these foreign workers here now. Why?

I am not against foreign workers but we must be very careful. We are letting in a huge number from a certain country now. Those who have experience with them will know that the initial group coming in many years ago were good - hardworking and knowledgeable (not a typical profile of their people). The moment more come in without thorough screening, we are getting the average people who will exhibit their general characteristic - usually loud, friendly, lazy and worst - corrupted. I know many of them. Singapore is just a stepping stone, they have no plan to stay on to build the country. Their dream is US or make enough and return to be a rich man in their own country.

I think it is this type of FT that many are upset with.