The Singapore Spirit- Races

Singapore is a very diversified country. Nonetheless, race itself is diversified throughout Singapore. Hence, there is a necessity for a "common race" or "common belief" among people in order for unity.

This "common belief" would be the infamous "Singapore Spirit". This Singapore Spirit is highly ambiguous. Many people have many different opinions and interpretations of it. To me, the Singapore Spirit acts like a bridge and common platform among all the races in Singapore.

Over the years since Singapore's independence we have been plagued with many racial disputes and collisions. The 1964 Prophet Muhammad Birthday riots, for example, was certainly unfortunate. It was a very depressing sight- Singaporeans killing Singaporeans. The violence killed 36 people and injured another 556. About 3,000 people were arrested. Racial disturbance was very high in Singapore. I would hence classify these killings and racial disputes as the lack of the Singapore Spirit.

Despite all the unhappiness and anger among the races, there were also positive and brighter sides to racial relations in Singapore. A very good example would be the 2003 SARS outbreak. The SARS virus was a deadly virus that affected 37 countries all around the world with more than 8200 cases and 775 deaths. The virus was deadly and also the first time Singapore faced an epidemic or such caliber. However, medical staff risked their lives to try and save patients from this unknown disease. In this period of darkness, heart-wrenching and inspirational stories of courage and selflessness emerged. A doctor even said: "We went in there 90 per cent expecting to die,". However, Singapore stood as one, as one nation, as one race, as one body. This is true Singapore Spirit.

The Singapore spirit is very important to Singapore. It is very powerful as shown in the SARS crisis. The Singapore Spirit is a spirit in people in which at the end of the day, regardless of race, religion, age or position, you are a Singaporean. As a Singaporean you are responsible for Singapore and every other Singaporean. That, is the real Singapore Spirit!