Rational Harmony Day
By Sharon Schweitzer
Singapore’s identity as a cosmopolitan nation has evolved. The first of two racial riots in six weeks occurred in Singapore on July 21st, 1964, resulting in 36 deaths and over 500 injuries. Many racist events that have recently gone viral have elicited strong emotions and soul-searching about the prejudice that various communities in Singapore face.
The historical occurrence serves as a reminder to Singaporeans of the importance of maintaining racial understanding and tolerance among Singapore’s many ethnicities. In 1998, the Ministry of Education declared July 21st as Racial Harmony Day, with schools hosting programs to teach children about race and concepts such as accepting diversity.
It aims to serve as a reminder for Singaporeans to be empathetic toward people of all races and faiths. Community Development Councils and People’s Organizations were formed to strengthen ties between people in various communities. Since its inception, Racial Harmony Day has undergone several expansions in order to broaden its appeal.
The goal was to ensure that Racial Harmony Day would not become just another event on the school calendar to be observed every year with little significance. The commitment reminds us to put aside our differences and embrace our Singaporean identities to work together for a prosperous Singapore. The significance and uniqueness of racial harmony day are discussed with the children to summarize Singapore’s history. This starts the day with basic information to keep children informed about the day’s main goal, which is to celebrate the unity of people of diverse races and beliefs.
While the day is focused on racial and ethnic unity, there is a more broader concept as well. Unity in Diversity-A concept that emphasizes the strength that comes from having a diverse population. It acknowledges and celebrates the richness different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds bring to a society. It’s an ongoing principle that guides how a society functions throughout the year.
In 2021, more than two decades after this speech, PM Lee said the day is commemorated annually “not to proclaim that Singapore has ‘solved’ this problem, but to remind ourselves this is something we need to continue working hard on”. Our racial harmony is an ongoing process that evolves and takes on different aspects and complexities with each generation.
Photo by Image by library-blog.csu.edu.au
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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