About identity and stereotyping

Photo courtesy of Jing Quek

Don't the photo question your tendencies to define characters and cultural stereotypes in Singapore?

Today I read about the lives of the Indian construction workers in Singapore from The Straits Times Special Report. It dawned upon me how stereotyping we are as Singaporeans when a worker was quoted that he received wide berth and shun from other local commuters on the train. He was conscious of that and actually make it a point to wash up and put on lots of spray before he go out everytime.

Is that how we should thank these people who build our houses and construct our roads? I am impressed by their technical skills which were trained and tested back in the BCA (Building and Construction Authority of Singapore) training centres in Chennai before they were brought to Singapore. In fact, a handful of them are actually armed with a degree or diploma!

I think its time to reflect upon ourselves and be more sensitive to the society.