Page 20 - Visionary Arts 2019

Even though serious racial and cultural discrimination is almost absent
thanks to the government’s commitment to ban preferential treatment,

it seems to me that Singapore still struggles to conceptualise the
multicultural society. The lack of social interactions between different
ethnic groups in the real world is similar to the isolation and solitude
of the middle-class in Lim’s fictional world. My statement is not to
suggest that the Singaporean authorities fail to address the racial and

cultural problems but to stress the intractability and complexity of
human nature in relation to ethnic conflict. Truthfully, I really
appreciate the Singapore government’s political will and determination

to solve this problem by making people across ethnic groups feel that
they are a crucial part of the society (having national holidays for all
ethnic groups and four official languages provided in all public
facilities and shops).

Conclusion

While the problem of racial and ethnic discrimination
remains intractable and complex around the globe, Singapore’s
housing policies have relevance to the status quo. It should be noted

that Singapore’s approach to the problem is not absolute and
definitive, but it is worth considering that allowing diverse ethnic
groups to have fair and equal access to resources such as residences

can help relieve racial and cultural tensions. Catherine Lim’s concern
about the growing materialism and egotism in society due to the
government’s supports is equally important. Her short story reminds
the readers to keep their minds in check before

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