AQ (TJC09_Violence)/ Ng Zeng Woon 10S416

In passage 2, the author states that despite the need to tackle the problems associated with the violence in France, "increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not the answer." Here he's trying to stress the growing problems that culture can pose in terms of cases of violence. I agree with the author's viewpoint, especially when culture is an important asset in the harmony of my society. Today, culture is becoming a very common cause in which cases of violence emerge from. The discrimination of other racial and religious groups is an example of culture-based violence. When races or religions are not respected, it leads to mistrust among the parties involved as well as leading to rising tensions which can be blown into full-scale violence if it is not managed in time. However, not necessarily does it mean that culture is the main reason as there are other more responsible causes such as poverty and extremist views in society. Furthermore, in my society, which highly regards racial and religious harmony, such discrimination is not tolerated and is punishable by law as well. Also, the community takes steps to ensure that culture is not an issue in violence by seeking to foster community spirit through get-together events and interactive activities that are organised through community centres as well as religious associations. Therefore it is not necessary that culture is the central problem to the growing number of cases of violence today.

In passage 1, the author makes a point when he states that the risk of an immigrant child becoming violent increases if the "barriers of language or culture" prevents the child from "fitting in" to society. He is highlighting the problems that an immigrant will face when attempting to integrate smoothly into a new society. I feel it is indeed applicable to my society as always these immigrants face numerous problems trying to integrate into a new area and living their lives normally. As immigrants tend to be unaccustomed to their new environment initially, some may find it difficult to adapt to the changes in lifestyle. Furthermore, there might be mistrust by the society as they may be suspicious of these immigrants and hence treat them with some from of discrimination. However this is an over-generalisation as not necessary the society is always discriminating immigrants. Indeed efforts have been made to help these immigrants integrate smoothly into society, welcoming them and making them feel at home. It is indeed important for immigrants to be able to integrate smoothly so that they can actively contribute to the community and bringing progress to society. the setting up of the National Integration Council in the year 2009 to spearhead initiatives that promote and foster social cohesion and integration is a testament to the efforts made to help integrate immigrants into society in Singapore. The author has highlighted a very valid as well as applicable problem associated with immigrants to not just my society but others throughout as well.