Living in an ethnically diverse society

Question: It is beneficial to live in an ethnically diverse society. Do you agree? SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. What counts as an “ethnically diverse” society? What does it really mean? Let’s first define ethnicity: • Broadly speaking, ethnicity refers to a group of people bounded by shared culture, practices and values. It could therefore be describing groups of people categorized by race, citizenship, nationality, religion, language, ancestry and geographical origins. • Note that the focus here is less on ethnicity but rather what is the benefits of diversity • However, it is still important to clarify your definition of ethnicity in order to write your essay and structure your argument 2. Why is it important we consider the advantages of diversity? • Historically, in many different societies that have existed: diversity has always been present • Humans are naturally different from each other, and societies therefore will inevitably be filled with disparate and distinct groups of people with their own beliefs, culture and traditions • However, diversity as an issue has become increasingly prevalent in today’s context due to globalization • Globalization: a phenomenon whereby people, goods, capital, knowledge, ideas are becoming more fluid. They are moving extensively across different parts of the world, different nations and countries as international borders become more open and porous. • With the advancements in transport, people are become more mobile today. Migratory trends are increasing and more people move to different countries as travellers, settlers, workers, etc. • Globalization enables societies to become more diverse, vibrant and less uniform. The influx of immigrants from many different countries of origin will add on more varieties of cultures, traditions, language and knowledge to existing societies. • As such, this question is crucial because it is important for us to start thinking about what good can come about from living amongst people of all kinds. This can help to to prevent conflicts, misunderstandings, exclusions and discrimination between people in diversifying societies • Maybe we should also remind ourselves that a homogenous (which means entirely the same) society has never occurred, and is in fact a narrow-minded goal and outlook that signifies an immature intolerance for inevitable differences between people

3. Narrowing your argument to apply it to the context of Singapore: • Why is it so relevant to Singapore? - Singapore has always taken to the label of a “multi-cultural society”. Singaporeans take great pride in our ability to co-exist harmoniously despite our differences and we like to see ourselves as inclusive and welcoming. - Singapore is also renowned for her openness to the world economy and global population. Not only are we a popular tourist destination, Singapore is also celebrated as a wonderful city to work and live in. On