TJCAQ'09_Violence/Syahirah/10s416

In passage 1, the author pointed out that when 'barriers of language or culture keep an immigrant child from fitting in, it can increase the risk that he will become alienated and, given enough triggers, resort to violence'. This is because such immigrants already have difficulties adapting themselves in another country with a different lifestyle and the language barriers add even more difficulties for them to suit themselves with the society. Since, immigrants do not have a common language with the local people, they would not be able to communicate easily with others around them. As such, they would not approach the locals for confinement and instead keep to themselves. When this continues for a long period of time, there will come a time where they would suddenly act irrationally to get other people's attention as they have not been successful given their inability to speak the native language. In my opinion, such views on criminal violence are applicable to my society because Singapore has an great influx of new immigrants every year. These immigrants who have language barriers are mostly those have come to Singapore in search for jobs to support their family back in their home country. For example, Singapore has a large number of foreign workers who came from China. Most of them are unable to speak English. Thus, they may feel left out when attempting to mingle with the locals in Singapore. However, these foreign workers who come to Singapore usually migrate in large groups. Hence, they may not necessarily feel left out as they have friends who have companied them from their homeland to Singapore. Thus, these immigrants would have no reason to turn to violence so as to draw attention while they were not able to because of language barrriers and instead, they could still fit into the society as they have other companions along with them to confide in.

In passage 2, the author highlighted that 'increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures is not the solution to riots in France. The cause for the break out of riots is not only due to the lack of respect towards other race and religion but there are also other reasons which contribute to such violence such as inequality that exists within a society. Inequality arises when a certain group of people is more preferred than the other. Thus, more opportunities and attention are given to this group of people while the other is disregarded. As a result, tension is built up within the society and eventually a riot may break out where control have gone haywired to be able to restrain the mistrust and suspicion that people have. However, respecting others of their culture, race or religion is still a key factor in ensuring harmony in the society. This is particularly applicable to my society because Singapore is a multi-racial country and that the government has made great efforts in making sure that Singaporeans respect and acknowledge other people's rights. Also, a day which falls on the 21 July is commemorated every year as a remeinder to all Singaporeans of the unfateful events which had previously took place because of tensions between religions, particularly Islam and Christianity. Hence, while there may be other reasons as to why violence may break out within a society, the lack or absence of respect towards other people in terms of their culture, race or religion, is still the most contributing factor.