REACH 241 - Views on racism (SK)
09 Jun 2021 (11am - 7pm)
REACH
[9:55 am, 09/06/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
Welcome back! π
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Megan π
[10:10 am, 09/06/2021] +REACH: π’ Topic π’
Political leaders and watchers have come out against racist remarks made in an incident last Saturday (June 5) in which a Chinese man was caught on camera making racist remarks to an interracial couple. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media.
π¬ What are your views on this incident? Do you think we should call such incidents out when we witness them? What are the ways in which we can build a truly cohesive society?
Describing the incident as "quite unacceptable" and "very worrying", Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said that he used to believe that Singapore was moving in the right direction in terms of racial tolerance and harmony, but in the light of recent events, he is "not so sure" any more.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Facebook on Monday that there will inevitably be stresses and strains arising from the unprecedented challenges brought on by Covid-19.
"These incidents are striking, precisely because they go against what we stand for in Singapore," he said, noting that multiracialism is a daily lived reality and source of pride here, with people living, studying, working and going through national service alongside neighbours, classmates, colleagues and citizens of different races.
"It is now more important than ever, that we stand united as a community," he added.
π https://str.sg/3ZgH
π https://str.sg/3ZGW
π https://str.sg/3Zgd
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[10:12 am, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Speaking out appropriately is better than spinning out (in social media)
[10:12 am, 09/06/2021] +Wilson Leong: We should not interfere people's life. Just like LGBT, as long they don't cross the line.
[10:41 am, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: I would say confronting such behavior is necessary however putting it out on Social Media is another issue. So far all of them lost their jobs due to such incidents. Not saying it’s right or wrong but then losing their jobs doesn’t make them change their “xenophobic” mindset. In fact in might reinforce their xenophobia and turn them into extremist!
I think if we want to build a global inclusive society, we will have to deal with this from time to time. Eg US have black racial discrimination as well etc. Continue on social harmony events and promotion, don’t ever give preferential treatment to any specific race, follow the law and mete out punishment for fair and just society and harp on our diversity using food! Unfortunately covid period so it’s going to be tough. My 2.14 cents.
[10:48 am, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: I think this guy got mental issue. Law Minister no need to make comment on it
[10:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Actual tolerance and acceptance is only cosmetic for publicity
[10:53 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Which line are you referring to?
[10:54 am, 09/06/2021] +Rama: The lady on the MRT has yet ti be dealt with .
[10:55 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: It might have that effect, but might also he a warning g to others that we don't tolerate such behaviour. If people think like that and we can't change their minds then so be it. But he had no right to say such things. We also need to let victims of racist, sexist or other prejudices that those victims will be supported.
[10:57 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes, call out such incidences, make them public, be clear that it is not acceptable nor tolerated. Equally we must try to educate people why it is wrong to behave that way. Each having our own views on things is fine, but that doesn't give anyone the right to intimidate, threaten or casue harm to other.
[10:58 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Comment is needed to be clear that society doesn't accept this. The individual can be treated according their own situation. Society must speak as a whole though.
[11:20 am, 09/06/2021] +Suma pamu: Not only about this racism or anything
We must Remember one thing.
Let The VICTIMS share their Agony..
It's their choice.. let's respect that..
Many people feel Empathize with the Couple... Many give support... The strong the voices the Lower crime next time.
This is My personal opinion.
(The same goes with domestic Abuse....woman and child abuse..etc. )
[11:22 am, 09/06/2021] +Wilson Leong: We give everyone the freedom.
[11:27 am, 09/06/2021] +Dan: In order to be an open society, we have to accept some people are conservative, just as some people are more open-minded. The lecturer took his title too seriously and lecture others in inter-racial relationship which is outside his faculty. But I don't see threat nor intimidation. I felt sorry that he is facing suspension by voicing out his personal belief.
[11:28 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: the society tends to forget we are still living in an asia region where each race and country are deeply rooted to our culture
[11:28 am, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/Qewckuxa9hw
Professor Sandel book in The Tyranny Of Merit, a reflection of today's USA.
Listen, Learn and Apply Appropriately IF some of his thoughts works for you?
[11:29 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: the idea and school of racism is a 2 edge knife
[11:29 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: what is really racisms.....
[11:29 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: does the west school of thought is right
[11:30 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: look at the just our society every little thing can become a racist remark from people to food to situation
[11:31 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: my gut feel many forget we lived in a multiracial society all these while for the longest time we do not see such issue
[11:32 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: You mentioned LGBT and said as long as they don't cross the line - what line does an LGBT person cross?
[11:32 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: but with the external workforce who bring their culture in our society starts to embrace their culture the good and bad
[11:33 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: is better we stick back to our good old social studies to make our students understand what it mean to live in a society like ours and NOT EMBRACE THE MINDSET OF OTHERS EXTERNAL COUNTRIES TEACHING
[11:34 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: There is a huge danger in just letting people voice their personal belief without concern for its impact on wider society. That's how Nazi Germany started.
[11:34 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we do not need a country who is in shambles to tell us and share their good old way of being free and demoractic how singapore society should ran
[11:35 am, 09/06/2021] +Wilson Leong: Asked for repel section 377A. Just live with it. Don't cross the Asian society line
[11:35 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: As is consideration for others, respect and social well-being. I'd say these are more important than voicing concerns about mix-race couples...
[11:35 am, 09/06/2021] +Dan: Will u be brainwashed by another adolf hitler to be a Nazi?
[11:36 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: but frankly i cannot condone this as well >voicing concerns about mix-race couples...
[11:36 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes, things can get too sensitive. In this case though it was clearly plain abusive racism.
[11:36 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: is their life let it be ... why worry ...
[11:36 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: is not like the USA where the guy is abusing the lady just because she is chinse that yeah stand up for it
[11:37 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Should we debate international viewpoints or just plain reject them and only look inwards?
[11:37 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: look these 2 are still maybe in their lovey dovey stage who letthem puppy love it
[11:37 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: debate is up to the brains not us
[11:37 am, 09/06/2021] +REACH: MOH reviewing COVID-19 processes to be more inclusive of people with special needs
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reviewing its COVID-19 processes and arrangements to be more inclusive of people with special needs, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam said on Wednesday (Jun 9).
The ministry is also looking into engaging people who are trained to work with those with special needs, she said in a Facebook post at midnight.
➡️Original Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/RahayuMahzamSG/photos/a.1698147563741397/3033324530223687/
➡️Media Report: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/moh-reviewing-covid-19-processes-inclusive-people-special-needs-14977136
[11:37 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: the brains up there are paid to ensure the well being of the country
[11:38 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we might have other views but the brain power at the top is no match for us man on the street
[11:38 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: No idea what this means. Are you speaking for all of Asian society and are you defining the line? It's not clear which line and the point you are making. Are you welcoming of LGBT and other non-traditional lifestyles or are you opposing them?
[11:38 am, 09/06/2021] +Wilson Leong: I stand with our leader
[11:39 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: A whole nation was, and many people still are. Me personally, no. But evidence and history tells us that many are.
[11:39 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: π
[11:39 am, 09/06/2021] +Wilson Leong: Just stick with the traditional way of life. This is an Asian society. Our church also will oppose
[11:39 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Me too. I recall he said that he felt society wasn't ready to make changes at that time, despite his own personal views.
[11:40 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Well, let's remember that religious teachings are mostly about forgiveness, understanding, tolerance, inclusion, looking after each other. Why a Church would go against these principles I have no idea.
[11:41 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Interestingly LGBT lifestyles have been around for thousands of years, so perhaps they are more traditional then the more modern approach of rejecting them?
[11:42 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_history_in_China
[11:43 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: For example: Homosexuality has been documented in China since ancient times. Homosexuality was regarded differently among social classes and the sexes, meaning that it was at times acceptable but other times not.[1]
The Intrigues of the Warring States, a collection of political advice and stories from before the Han dynasty, refers to Duke Xian of Jin (reigned 676–651 BCE) planting a handsome young man in a rival's court in order to influence the other ruler and to give him bad advice.[2] The historian Han Fei recorded a more exalted example in the relationship of Mi Zixia (ε½εη) and Duke Ling of Wei (θ‘ιε ¬). Mizi Xia's sharing of an especially delicious peach with his lover was referenced by later writers as YΓΊtΓ‘o, or "the leftover peach". Another example of homosexuality at the highest level of society from the Warring States period is the story of Lord Long Yang and the King of Wei.[3]
Scholar Pan Guangdan (ζ½ε ζ¦) came to the conclusion that many emperors in the Han dynasty had one or more male sex partners. Many were recorded in detailed biographies in the Memoirs of the Historian by Sima Qian and the Records of the Han by Ban Gu.[4] Grand Historian Sima Qian notes that, unlike female wives and concubines, the male companions of the emperors were often admired as much for their administrative abilities as for their sexual abilities:
— Those who served the ruler and succeeded in delighting his ears and eyes, those who caught their lord's fancy and won his favor and intimacy, did so not only through the power of lust and love; each had certain abilities in which he excelled. Thus I made The Biographies of the Emperors' Male Favorites. The proverb says, "No amount of toiling in the fields can compare to a spell of good weather; no amount of faithful service can compare to being liked by your superiors." This is no idle saying. Yet it is not women alone who can use their looks to attract the eyes of the ruler; courtiers and eunuchs can play at that game as well. Many were the men of ancient times who gained favor this way.[5]
[11:43 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we not talking about homo reh
[11:43 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: homo is not a race
[11:43 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: I'm happy for people to live their lives as their own, without threat or danger to others.
[11:43 am, 09/06/2021] +Dan: That was when its 1st G, 2nd G, maybe 3rd G, when internet is inaccessible.
[11:44 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: yeah as long as they do not go about to induce or influence ppl i think is ok
[11:44 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes, it was brought up by someone in an earlier message who included LGBT as a lifestyle he accepts as long as they don't cross a line.
[11:44 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: maybe what he means is like to promote and get more ppl to live as LGBT maybe lah
[11:45 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: if that is the cas ei think is morally not right also
[11:45 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: like how certain religion teaches us NS is bad is evil
[11:45 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: i do not like it as well
[11:48 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yea, it's complicated I get that. A wide discussion and many directions to cover, beyond the scope of this topic today!
[11:49 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: yes so basically
[11:49 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: it had all along been a KNOWN FACT
[11:49 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we do not talk about other religion or races in the bad light
[11:50 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: yes we might call each other names but we DO NOT WALK UP TO a stranger and do that
[11:50 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: lol yes, it's very cute!
[11:50 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: I think it's ok to debate things on the forum, as well as giving opinions. Helps make for an informed discussion!
[11:50 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we name our buddies from the same or different race but we all know it mean no harm but to show the cloness we have in each
[11:51 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes, good way to put it
[11:51 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: like i have a friend he call me an animal but a cute one
[11:51 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: do i feel piss over it
[11:51 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: sometimes we even call each other shit head
[11:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: bastards
[11:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: aka we are of different race
[11:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: do we stone each other over such
[11:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: nooooo
[11:52 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: but by standers are kaypoh they will jump and say is racist remarks
[11:53 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Who would go up to a muslim a jew or christian and abuse them for their religion? No one, I hope! Doing that for a couple about their race is just plain wrong.
[11:53 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes friendship, banter and playfulness are healthy in this way.
[11:54 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: but to certain group of ppl they cannot take such even between friends -> these people are usually the by standers and heavily influence by the western idea of racisms
[11:55 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: if the west is such a loyal flag carrier of fair society then why is racisms flaring till today in their country
[11:55 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Not much fairness in Western society...
[11:55 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: i dun wan to name those countries but they are turning their direction to the east and trying to stir shit in this region
[11:55 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: is all a façade!
[11:56 am, 09/06/2021] +Ben: and free speech is only for those who can afford it, lol
[11:56 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: because many of these country have little society ethics and principle compare asia
[11:57 am, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: asia is a very deeply root society which ties our culture to our ancestor may it be chinese, indians, malays , euasians (i wonder if anyone remember)
[0:04 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: The WOK calling The POT.... BLACK!!!
[0:04 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst is a 2017 non-fiction book by Robert Sapolsky. It describes how various biological processes influence human behavior, on scales ranging from less than a second before an action to thousands of years before.
[0:04 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Best to CO-EXIST and find CREATIVE ways to live in a "melting pot"....
[0:06 pm, 09/06/2021] +Poh S. Lim: Racism and xenophobia is everywhere, but in multiracial developed countries it remains latent due to laws that protect minorities. In times of social stress, these tendencies surface and there will be incidents like these.
I see the solution as this: education of other cultures, promoting empathy and stricter laws protecting minorities and the enforcement of them as a carrot and stick approach. Hopefully, some day, the idea of all people being equal as individuals, regardless of race will catch on.
[0:08 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: 550 out of about 62,000 Covid-19 cases in Singapore infected with Delta variant
Of the roughly 62,000 Covid-19 cases recorded in Singapore as at end-May, 550 had been infected with the Delta variant of the coronavirus first detected in India.
This figure includes 428 local and 122 imported cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) told The Straits Times on Tuesday (June 8).
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/550-out-of-about-62000-covid-19-cases-in-singapore-infected-with-delta-variant
[0:09 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: MAS to deploy US$1.8 billion under green investment programme; aims for climate-resilient portfolio
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Wednesday (Jun 9) that it will invest US$1.8 billion (around S$2.4 billion) into climate-related investment opportunities.
These funds will be placed with five asset managers under its Green Investments Programme (GIP) to “manage new equity and fixed income mandates focused on climate change and the environment”, announced MAS managing director Ravi Menon at the launch of the central bank’s first sustainability report.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mas-green-investment-programme-climate-change-sustainability-14977314
[0:09 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Well said, is a LONG journey, for EACH HUMAN (gender, race, religion and sexual orientation) has own challenges and journeys! Always look both ends, like a reflecting mirror!
[0:11 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: The RIGHTS proofing the WRONGS in this "world class lab" called EARTH.... though can also be the other way round!
[0:13 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Two books - BEHAVE & THE TYRANNY OF CREDIT recommended to browse or read...
Then we move forward to stir the pot and heats up the WOK!
[0:16 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: ππ
[0:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: This isn't very helpful because the 62,000 is from March 2020 and the Delta variant only surfaced a few months ago. The ratio should be based on the number of cases since the variant was discovered....
[0:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: His personal beliefs should not be in the public Domain
[0:18 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Agree
[0:19 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Leave section 377a as it is
[1:50 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Preserving racial and religious harmony is vital to Singapore because :-
a. It will cause disunity - if fault lines like racial and religous friction cause racial and religious group disharmony.
b. It will cause unhappines and conflict - if racial and religious fault line surface frequently - that tear the fabric of our Society.
c. It compromise our National Security and Safety and cause our Nation to be fractitious - if different races and religions start to pick fault or manifest the differences of other groups.
d. Our history tell us that - our diverse racial and religons cannot be left to chance - as racial bickering - can trigger racial riots and violence - leading to injuries, death and destruction.
2. Thus conscious effort must be made to periodically promote activities and remind public of the importance of racial and religious harmony, recognition, acceptance and value diversity.
3. In all honesty, on the whole, Singaporeans are able to work, live and play with different racial and religious groups harmoniously. Even when coming to food, people from different races cross buy food from Malay stalls, Indian stalls, Western food etc. Likewise, I also see Indians buy food from Chinese stalls and Indian stalls. Malay buy food from Indian Muslim stalls.
4. But in some personal level, it is possible that friction do take place.
Where friction do take place - with people in ths same races or same religions - as people are affected by the current pandemic and lockdown.
Friction that happen between different races - will become more glaring and will attract more alarming reaction - as the hindsight of triggering racial or religions tension may happen if we are not careful - due to sensitvity.
5. Personally, I feel that racial and religious slight must not be leave to chance - and should respond to quickly and appropriately - as Singapore is make up of diverse racial and religous population.
[1:52 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: What has 55+years of saying the pledge accomplished!?
[1:53 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: haiya if all is so anal about all these racist stuff den Kurma will be jail long long time ago same for other comedians who made joke out from colour and people
[1:53 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: live and left liive
[1:53 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: all these youngster racist this and that
[1:53 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: i think the real racist are those who call others as racist like that guy in red
[1:54 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Kumar's boundaries does not require drinking kopi with law enforcement agencies.
[1:55 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
6. Remember how a marriage between a Dutch and a Malay trigger the racial riot in Singapore - Maria Hertogh. It looks like a family matter - but it spillover to become racial sensitivities.
[1:56 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Definitely I remember
[2:07 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: Sorry. This I think was more religious than racial π
[2:07 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: π
[2:12 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
My close friend comments :-
1. We should start by believing people harbour varying degree of discrimination but how to get people to keep their views to themselves. Rather than, assuming we can eradicate such feelings .
2. Problem is we will never know the invisible racism deep seated inside every individual.
3. When life is good, people can conceal such racial discrimination well.
4. But do we know what can trigger the racism and transform into speech and actions?
5. This is a very scary problem.
[2:12 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Yes
[2:14 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
My close friend comments and subsequent discussion on why do we need students-parents to sign up for vaccinations? :-
1. 4 vaccination centres for students.
At full capacity, the centres offer 6800 doses per day? For
400,000 students, 59 days to complete 1st dose - spillover to Aug 2021.
2. How about scheduling students class by class and school by school rather than letting parents/students choose and resulting in less optimal efficiency?
3. let teacher accompany the student based on class and school.
Provide buses to ferry them. For students under 18 years old, parent must sign consent form.
Poly and U students can go by themselves.
4. Whole class and school go got advantage. Next day let whole class take off and rest. So efficient.
5. Since it's school holidays in Jun. Should start planning now in time for school reopening.
6. Suggest that Secondary and JC students can take the morning and afternoon slots.
Give the night slots to poly and U students.
7. Once they get the 1st dose, similarly schedule 2nd doses. No need parents consent.
Thus organising by class and school for vaccination - will be more efficient.
======
[2:16 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: I wonder if G already has grassroots program(s) focused on racial harmony.
[2:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Can the G announce this Sunday plan
[2:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: F&B need to plan
[2:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: Elders said that HDB had rule whereby every block must have all race to live together for harmony reasons.
[2:17 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: dont last min again
[2:19 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: pls see Denise Phua's interview
[2:20 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: got many special needs students in main stream schools.
[2:20 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: Teachers cannot manage them for vaccination
[2:24 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Well said....To Creatively Co -Exist!
[2:27 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: The riots surrounding Maria Hertogh was more than just religious or racial. It was a combination of many issues, including the perception that the colonial legal system at that time was biased against the local community.
[2:34 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: are you running an F&B business?
[2:36 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Special needs students can go by a different route - eg. Parents arrange and accompany them.
2. Majority can be arranged class by class, school by school.
[2:39 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Likewise, the recent racial slurs are also a combination of many issues.
1. Pandemic trigger fear and insecurity.
2. Virus source (eg. Wuhan, Delta variants) - trigger fear and unhappiness.
3. Lockdown - make people inconvenience and irritation.
4. Racial slurs are just convenient scapegoat - trigger by the pandemic source and correlated with unhappiness.
[2:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: I would have to disagree. I think the pandemic is the scapegoat here. The underlying racism is a societal/systemic issue which has always been there. People are just using the most convenient excuse for their bad behaviour.
[2:45 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
It is like a puzzle of :-
1. Egg π₯ first or chicken π first?
[2:47 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: Exactly lor. So I wouldn't blame the pandemic. Even when I was a kid, the adults all used the "if you're naughty, APNN will catch you". It may not sound like much, but that's still planting a seed of racial differences and teaching the kids to be afraid of people who look different.
[2:47 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: Yes. Eventually became so when the courts got involved. The trigger was still religious over what she being a brought up as a Muslim now has to follow her biological parents beliefs in entering a convent and also seen praying to a statue of Mary. Anyway what this tells us is whether racial or religious, things do escalate to a situations that become unmanageable.
[2:48 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: *can
[2:53 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: There's a bit more nuance in the upbringing part. The underlying issue was whether she was properly adopted because there was no paperwork, but her adoptive mother treated her like her own and brought her up in the community. Then you suddenly have the birth mother showing up and try to rip this pre-teen away from the place and people that she has regarded her home for all her life. Even if you take away the racial/religious angle, it's still a very heartbreaking set of facts, if you ask me..
[2:53 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Hence racial and religious harmony cannot be left to chance.
It must be actively cultivated and promoted - bring it up to conscious level.
[2:54 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: Ok let’s not get into this too much but think the message is inherently the same.
[2:58 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: Yeah, my point in highlighting this is to show that it would be overly simplistic to reduce the Maria Hertogh case to pure racial/religious differences and a "family matter". There's a lot more going on than that or what the history textbooks say.
But other than that, I think we're all on the same page that we need to be cognisant of the racial/religious prejudices.
[3:00 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: π
[3:24 pm, 09/06/2021] +Boon: Calling people out does not build a cohesive society. It risks building a people-surveillance society where “single moment” matters are judged publicly in vids or photos. It should not be encouraged unless the govt wants Singaporeans to be vigilantes.
[3:28 pm, 09/06/2021] +Boon: We have to ask if this is a single episode (and if so, why are politicians reacting so quickly to it). If it is one of many incidences, then, shouldn’t the question be why is Singapore becoming more intolerant now, than before?
[3:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: I'm not sure if it's the case that we're becoming intolerant, or just because we expect whoever it is on the receiving end to just shut up and suck it up cos "they're not getting beaten up or killed like in the US".
[3:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Boon: If public calling out leads to cyber bullying, loss of jobs and/or societal ostracism - of even one innocent person, the govt and society should be clear who should be accountable for the harm done on this person and family.
[3:40 pm, 09/06/2021] +Boon: I agree. But if we are not becoming intolerant, why is this news and public responses labeling this case as racist?
[3:40 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: I would say it's just calling a spade a spade. There's no sugar-coating. Racist is racist.
[3:41 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: And for once, I'm proud that our local media is calling racism for what it is, and not calling a flooding "ponding"
[3:41 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: 2 new Covid-19 community cases in S'pore, including 1 unlinked; 2 imported cases
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/2-new-covid-19-community-cases-in-spore-including-1-unlinked-2-imported-cases
[3:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Stella Yip: yes, especially the innocent family members. Also we need to be careful if this leads to racial dis-harmony. We must preserve racial harmony in SG as top priority.
[3:43 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: That's MinShan query!?
[3:43 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: yay
[3:43 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: open open
[3:43 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: dine-in
[3:43 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: dine-in
[4:37 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: [Sent by Gov.sg – 9 Jun]
As of 12pm, MOH has preliminarily confirmed 2 new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 infection.
Based on investigations so far, the cases are in the community, and there are no new cases in the dormitories.
There are 2 imported cases, who have already been placed on Stay-Home Notice upon arrival in Singapore. In total, there are 4 new cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore today.
MOH will share further updates in its press release that will be issued later tonight.
go.gov.sg/moh090621update
πΉ Seniors aged ≥ 60 y.o. can walk-in at any vaccination centre (except polyclinics and GP clinics) to get vaccinated w/o an appt
πΉ The Expert Committee has clarified that mRNA vaccines remain effective against variants. Read more: go.gov.sg/mohpr-090621
[4:40 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Any news I wonder on Phase 2 next week.....
[4:41 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Good?
[4:41 pm, 09/06/2021] +Daphne See: Open le?
[4:41 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: If Dine-In will be allowed, Restaurants will need time to prep maybe!
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: I hope lor
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Maybe open to groups of 2
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: ?
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Daphne See: Hope so..
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: I hope Dine-In at least for single households, or lving together families
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: 2 adults plus kids....
[4:42 pm, 09/06/2021] +Simon: Haha. Waiting for this…
[4:54 pm, 09/06/2021] +richard Wong: PM on annual leave this week !!! Clear leave !
[4:55 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: What's the rush? Dine-in can wait. Safety and health first. Yes, hawkers are suffering blah, blah, blah. But please, it's a national effort. Let's put the bigger picture and the larger population first rather than the lining the pockets of hawkers and restaurant owners.
[4:58 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: My guess is back to 5
[4:59 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: Please don't open up so quickly. Prudence and patience is the way to beat this virus. Look at other countries that opened up the moment cases dipped. Then the cases go up again very quickly.
[4:59 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: Look at India. Number of cases still at 6 figures but they are considering wasting restrictions. Bad idea. Big mistake. Bad decision.
[5:02 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Not sure sure can beat the virus, we will have to learn to live with it unless we close our borders forever.... seems that 2 or 3 cases a day is quite minor isn't it? Enough to allow a family who live together to eat out together, with social distancing in place .
[5:02 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Tweak the relaxation according to the current situation and provable improvement.
[5:02 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: I don’t want to see it flare up again either, but a small concession would help
[5:02 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Government has repeatedly said, no total closure
[5:03 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: And service staff and all the supply chain the depend on restaurants....
[5:03 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: π
[5:05 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: But they aren't forced to close are they?
[5:05 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Back to the topic, it's good time for reflection even as the HA had helped the nation to focus on race relations
[5:06 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: NTU scientists develop reusable mask that is able to filter 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and haze
Scientists from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a reusable mask that is able to kill bacteria droplets within 45 seconds and filter 99.9 per cent of bacteria, viruses and haze particles - better than the medical-grade N95 masks used in hospitals.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ntu-scientists-develop-reusable-mask-that-is-able-to-filter-999-per-cent-of-bacteria
[5:07 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: The last I checked, many F&B are bustling. Long queues, and people waiting for their food. That's what I saw at my neighborhood coffeeshops.
[5:11 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Think there are those who are really struggling
https://mothership.sg/2021/06/disadvantaged-hawkers-online-map/
[5:12 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: πππ
[5:18 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Can we close airport then ?
[5:18 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Stop ppl from fly in
[5:20 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: We already are being very selective with in bound flights
[5:20 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we will not close airport aiyo how many times say already but NEED to scrutinize flights from countries were cases are escalating .....
[5:21 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Close during phase 2HA
[5:21 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: on the contrary for those countries who can keep a healthy low number we should collaborate with them to open traffic at controlled numbers
[5:21 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: This is in line for main land closure
[5:21 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Think eg hawker centres are becoming not just sources of affordable food, but also serve societal and social needs.
[5:22 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: My heart goes out to them
[5:22 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Need to refine the blunt tool of closing airports
[5:22 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: o maybe we can forget about the term closing airport it will not work cos cargo still need to come in and out
[5:23 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Close from ppl fly in
[5:23 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: closing of pax flight also not possible
[5:23 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: cos there are certain ppl that needs to go on business trip around the region
[5:23 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: In short, any country that can FULLY open its border to trades and travels with SECURED perimeters in checks to contain covid to a minimal insignificant, will have UNFAIRLY ADVANTAGES over all lesser counterparties!
Singapore's covid strategies for the next few years are OPEN LOGISTICS AND TRANSITS...
[5:23 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Yup
[5:24 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: we shoudl be happy the govt finally enforce further scrutinise of flights from high risk country
[5:24 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: It's getting a better handle imho
[5:24 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Let's see which country achieve full open borders first
[5:25 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Yes
[5:25 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: also dun forget who are the one tell the govt they dying without incoming flight of workers WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
[5:25 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Sounds like you have serious concern about relaxing HA?
[5:25 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: IS THE BUSINESS IN THE SOCIETY
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: not even the taxi and phv drivers are screaming like babies but business
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Watch USA, they are reopening now..
Learn the shortcomings and advantages too!
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: And finally separate their arrival point
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: Think about it are we chasing those currently here back ?
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: why can't company be more innovative and extend these workers for a few more mth with slightly higher pay
[5:26 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: I hope the connect@changi are tight in infection control.
If not become virus connected to sg
[5:27 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: I believe they are
[5:27 pm, 09/06/2021] +Kevinn Wang: die die must have new batch of workers, keep cost low at the expense of public health ?
[5:27 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Will. U see changi airport...
[5:28 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: We believe in them. But let us down
[5:28 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: Lol
[5:29 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: Airport employees work segregation areas is suppose to mitigate
[5:30 pm, 09/06/2021] +Caleb Wang: It was only segregated this month.. lol
[5:31 pm, 09/06/2021] +Joseph Ong: I think its ok to allow inbound air travel, but we need to have strict quarantine procedures in place, Place all incoming travelers on Quarantine in dedicated Quarantine facilities immediately. This is where we need to be kiasu.
There is no point stopping the community spread and implementing movement restrictions while we are allowing potential carriers from overseas to move freely within our community. Its about time we stop being naive and realise that not everyone can be trusted to strictly follow SNH orders and/or self-isolate.
[5:31 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Like earlier said, opening up must be guided by math and science - in beating this covid.
2. The last one week moving average looks good - single digit community cases.
3. The only dent - there are still some unlink cases.
4. Having say so, can we slowly relax Phase 2HA comes 13 Jun 2021?
5. Look like, slowly relaxing is possible (but bear in mind, there are some unlink cases - and Delta variants are fast spreading).
6. Having say so, Government will have to assemble its medical experts group to study how the recent waves have been triggered and spread:-
a. Changi Airport breakthrough in high risk zones.
b. Changi Airport food court.
c. Anchorvale food court.
d. TTSH maskless settings.
e. Jems and Westgate close settings.
etc..
7. Based on all the above facts and considering the transmissible Delta variants, Government will need to design the relaxing of restrictions of Phase 2HA surgically :-
a. If dine-in is allowed - shouldn"t it be restricted to only household members - at a maximum of 4.
b. With dine-in allowed and restricted to household members only - then mall and retail - will become vibrant again --- giving lifeline to retailers.
c. Hybrid working from work and home (50%-50%) - from work at home as default - will boost public transport and downtown shopping.
d. Restrict but slowly opening up of tourism spots.
8. Government and medical experts will need to study the above suggestions closely - to see whether they have inherent risks - and will they lead to sudden spread --- in view of the contagious Delta variants.
9. And ramping up vaccination is still the key --- to determine how far and how fast we can open up Phase 2HA.
[5:33 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes, a thoughtful and calculated approach is needed. Can't just have a blanket open or closed for everything
[5:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Well said!
[5:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Well said!
[5:57 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: Looks like some businesses reopening on 14th is confirmed. I'm already receiving some promo/advert emails about resumption of business.
[5:57 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: Very good suggestion. Only thing is how to prove for dine-in if they are one family it’s going to be a headache.
[5:57 pm, 09/06/2021] +Peter T Ng: Yay
[5:57 pm, 09/06/2021] +Rama: ππ€ππ
[6:07 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Restricting to family members - is to prevent cross-infections.
2. Different households will face possibility of cross infection like in the few HDB blocks in hougang, punggol.
3. So if dine in is to be allowed, then it become whether public allow and can accept SDA to check their IC if they belong to the same household.
4. Currently, delivery people need to eat alone.
5. So if dine in if to be allowed, then public must expect to be checked by SDA.
6. But it will still be up to the government to study the social impact, enforcement feasibility and is it worth the trouble.
[6:08 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Max 2 adults, 2 grandparents plus kids... I guess we have to use some judgement?
[6:10 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: If have more members than that?
[6:12 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: Maybe like theme park/ attractions family pass: 2 adults 3 kids (below 12)?
[6:12 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: This seems like a reasonable number to start?
[6:13 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Yes kids below 12 should be exempt from the headcount
[6:13 pm, 09/06/2021] +YT: So, let's say every family brings 2 adults and 2 grandparents. The restaurant has 10 sets of such (assuming a large enough restaurant). That's 40 pax. Plus waiters and waitresses. You are waiting for disaster to happen again.
My opinion is don't rush to open up dine-in.
[6:13 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: Valid pointers.
[6:13 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: Sure, there should be a maximum allowed in the restaurant according to social distancing rules.
[6:14 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: It's a point in principle, not a literal number
[6:16 pm, 09/06/2021] +CQ: If they open up dine in, the distance between patrons should be 1.5m instead of 1m, cos 1m obviously isn't enough given the Delta variant as seen in our clusters.
[6:20 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: F&B industry has to come up with matrixes for the followings and discuss with government agencies:
Specific floor area including kitchens
Peak vs Off peak
Weekdays vs weekends
Dine in vs Take away
2 pax, 4pax or 8pax or more
Revenue and operational analysis to find a balancing point in order to sustain through the next 12 months or longer?
[6:31 pm, 09/06/2021] +Ben: π
[6:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: This
[6:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: I rather just 2 dine-in
[6:36 pm, 09/06/2021] +Alvin Lim: If bigger family then dabao
[6:43 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://news.google.com/articles/CBMia2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJ1c2luZXNzdGltZXMuY29tLnNnL3RyYW5zcG9ydC92YWNjaW5hdGVkLWV1cm9wZWFucy1ib29rLXRoZWlyLWhvbGlkYXktd2hpbGUtYnJpdHMtZGVjcnktdS10dXJu0gFvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnVzaW5lc3N0aW1lcy5jb20uc2cvdHJhbnNwb3J0L3ZhY2NpbmF0ZWQtZXVyb3BlYW5zLWJvb2stdGhlaXItaG9saWRheS13aGlsZS1icml0cy1kZWNyeS11LXR1cm4_YW1w?hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen
EU book their holiday after mass vaccination while UK do a U-turn after Delta variants spike amidst mostly 1 jab population.
[6:44 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/gangrene-hearing-loss-point-to-delta-variant-being-more-severe
Delta variants can cause more severe illness -
Hearing impairment, severe gastric upsets and blood clots leading to gangrene - with higher risk of hospitalisation.
[6:44 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9661107/Vegetarians-pescatarians-73-likely-develop-severe-Covid-19.html
Vegetarians 73% less likely to develop severe covid-19.
[6:45 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/spain-vaccinated-travellers-open-tourist-14964522
Spain open up after mass Vaccination.
[6:46 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/hawaii-sets-vaccine-thresholds-for-lifting-travel-quarantine-14952546
Hawaii is the 1st state that set vaccination threshold as Herd Immunity to lift travel quarantine.
[6:47 pm, 09/06/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/families-divided-over-covid-19-vaccinations-and-masks-in-the-united-states Families divided and unhappiness - tusssling over the vaccinated and unvaccinated - with mask or maskless over social events and gatherings. Mandatory vaccination will have prevented such social discontentment that divides families.
[6:51 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
[6:59 pm, 09/06/2021] +Smiley face: How a nation takes the chicane of populism, nationalism and the roads of nation building?
Children need NURTURING✅
Adult need RULES✅
Society need ORDERS✅
Country needs LAW & ORDER✅
IF lacking of guidances or rules, many will not achieve their goals or tasks from a satisfactory to an excellence outcome!
There is a need for FORM & STRUCTURE!
For our teens and onwards, they are our future flag raisers of all stations of life!
Afterwords:
On top of the decoupling of the two superpowers, Covid is a divisive tool on families, societies and countries!
“The human being is an unequal creature. That is a fact. And we start off with the proposition. All the great religions, all the great movements, all the great political ideology, say let us make the human being as equal as possible. In fact, he is not equal, never will be.”
-- Lee Kuan Yew
Watch "Michael Sandel and Yuval Noah Harari in conversation" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/_NbChMEoGFE
"Listen, Learn and If Applicable!"
-- anonymous
'Being Ignorance likens attempting to a crime... "
-- anonymous
[7:00 pm, 09/06/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
========
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