Migrant Workers: Do They Get A Raw Deal? (Part 3) : Racial Stereotyping?

In multicultural Singapore is racial stereotyping an issue? Former Singapore Democratic Party  member, Vincent Wijeysingha, argues that racial profiling is very much alive and well.   The outspoken former politician believes that racism is entrenched in the areas of public policy such as racially oriented self-help groups; race based housing quotes and the SAP school system (Special Assistance Plan). But when it comes to migrant workers the panelists believe Singaporeans are guilty of classism and not racism. They cite the case of the proposed plan to build foreign worker dormitories near a private estate in Serangoon Gardens in 2009. The proposal had residents up in arms, terrified that the value of their properties would drop dramatically with the arrival of migrant workers.  It was an interesting saga, said the panelists,  as it forced Singaporeans to look closely at their attitudes. There was a similar outcry when plans were announced to build the Toh Yi elder centre. The bottom line, claim the panelists, were that residents did not want to integrate with people from a lower social strata.
The continuous flow of immigrants into Singapore has aroused a feeling of territoriality. Singaporeans, say the panelists, are afraid of immigrants competing for the same jobs in the work force, which causes a lot of feelings of insecurity. This can create a resentment that is not necessarily racist in character.
To find out more, tune into  part 3 of Talkabout and listen to this hotly discussed episode of racial stereotyping in Singapore.

Host: Kenneth Liang
Speakers : Professor Alan Chong, Kelvin Teo, Vincent Wijeysingha, Debbie Fordyce, Abul Khaeer Mohammed Mohsin, Jewel Biswas,

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