Thursday, August 20, 2009

Xenophobia in some Singaporeans

I've heard of Singaporeans being unhappy over foreigners competing with them in school and at work. In school, locals see them as strong rivals where examination grades are concerned. They claim that teachers show favouritism towards the foreign students. I believe there is a reason for that. Foreigners have a better studying attitude as they are aware of the amount of funds used in their move to study here. Locals tend to take their education for granted. If the tables were turned, locals would exhibit the same characteristics in a foreign country. Locals should instead use their presence as motivation to do better, shouldn't they?

At work, foreigners have been accused of snatching the rice bowls of local workers. Is that a fact, or did it stem from insecurity? This attitude can cost locals their jobs, in their refusal to co-operate with their foreign colleagues. Such is the perception towards foreigners, who aim to earn a living as we do. Truly, this is a narrow-minded mindset. It also indicates distrust towards our government's concern for our welfare, doubting its desire to provide for its people.

Many privileges have been granted to the locals and some are even at the expense of the foreigners. Should we not be grateful?! They have borne the brunt of things. Our minister mentor brought out a very harsh truth, that if our own standard of English is not high enough, we cannot expect the foreigners to have a high level of English as well. First look at the plank in your own eye before the speck of dust in your brother's eye.

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