STRONG TELLS
1. TSK
2. Look away from flop
3. Looks at chips after flop
4. Nervous betting
5. Shoulder Shrug, Sighs
6. When opponent is about to bet, follow the action and see reaction ; quick follow = Strong hand
7. Sad = strong
8. After opponent wins a big pot, they'll have to stack chips, if they play the next hand, means strong hand
9. Look at cards and pull away from you while you bet = Luring you to bet
10. Staring away
11. Players staring at you = weaker than players staring away
12. Soft bet
13. Long bet
14. If player looks then bet instantly
15. Bets on weak turn/river
16. Eyes to the side
17. Sharing of hands
18. Steeple
WEAK
1. Throws chips messily, then straighten up (BLUFF)
2. Look at the flop
3. When opponent is about to bet, follow the action and see reaction. Hesitation = Bluff,
4. Staring at cards
5. Glance at cards = missed the flush
6. Instant check
7. Forceful bet
8. Backhand toss of chips = bluff
9. Cover mouth = bluff
10. Hands over chips before you bet
11. Massage hands
12. Lip purs
OTHERS
1. Neat Chips = Convervative, Messy Chips = Loose.
2. Checks after flop = waiting for suited cards
3. Touching of neck = Medium hand
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, November 2, 2009
Stalin Dictatorship
Racial policies like Stalin's were bound to cause concern. Criticism within the party grew because of the human cost of Stalin's policies.
In 1934, Stalin's ally Kirov was murdered. Stalin saw this as evidence of a conspiracy and began a series of political purges. Historians are fairly sure that Stalin planned Kirov's murder to give him an excuse to purge the USSR of opponents, whom Stalin saw as traitors to himself and the USSR.
Cult of Personality.
Stalin expected not just respect and obedience, but also love and worship. He made sure everyone knew about his successes. Huge rallies were held in his honour. Many photographs were publichsed showing him meeting the children and workers. Soviet artists produced paintings showing Stalin opening factories. The Soviet people were told that he could do no wrong. He was described as superman, a genius at everything. Stalin rewrote the history of Russia and the USSR in a way indicatede he was much more important than he really had been before he came to power.
*Stalin used propaganda excessively to flood the Soviets mind with the idea of his great leadership so that he appeared imposing enough to command the unquestioned following of the Soviet Union.
The use of purges was a reason why Stalin had dictatorial powers in the Soviet Union because it made the Soviet people fearful of opposing him.
Stalin used the Soviet secret police, NKVP, to launch a Great Purge to eliminate his opponents and dissenters or anyone who threaened Stalin's leadership by expelling them from the party, banishing them to Gulag labour camps or execution after show trials. In 1937, over 25000 army officers were purged.
The effects however were mixed. Stalin was certainly secure. The NKVD ruled the population with terror. Over 8 million had been killed or sent to labour camps.
Stalin's used of Purges was a reason for Stalin's dictorial powers because he intimidated his opponents with so much fear that it effectively eliminated all forms of opposition against him.
In 1934, Stalin's ally Kirov was murdered. Stalin saw this as evidence of a conspiracy and began a series of political purges. Historians are fairly sure that Stalin planned Kirov's murder to give him an excuse to purge the USSR of opponents, whom Stalin saw as traitors to himself and the USSR.
Cult of Personality.
Stalin expected not just respect and obedience, but also love and worship. He made sure everyone knew about his successes. Huge rallies were held in his honour. Many photographs were publichsed showing him meeting the children and workers. Soviet artists produced paintings showing Stalin opening factories. The Soviet people were told that he could do no wrong. He was described as superman, a genius at everything. Stalin rewrote the history of Russia and the USSR in a way indicatede he was much more important than he really had been before he came to power.
*Stalin used propaganda excessively to flood the Soviets mind with the idea of his great leadership so that he appeared imposing enough to command the unquestioned following of the Soviet Union.
The use of purges was a reason why Stalin had dictatorial powers in the Soviet Union because it made the Soviet people fearful of opposing him.
Stalin used the Soviet secret police, NKVP, to launch a Great Purge to eliminate his opponents and dissenters or anyone who threaened Stalin's leadership by expelling them from the party, banishing them to Gulag labour camps or execution after show trials. In 1937, over 25000 army officers were purged.
The effects however were mixed. Stalin was certainly secure. The NKVD ruled the population with terror. Over 8 million had been killed or sent to labour camps.
Stalin's used of Purges was a reason for Stalin's dictorial powers because he intimidated his opponents with so much fear that it effectively eliminated all forms of opposition against him.
Reasons for five year plan
Economic - catching up with the West.
Staling wanted a USSR that was powerful. To do this he had to modernize the USSR's economy by a programme of RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION. This means developing industry to such an extent that a country which mainly depends on agriculture of farming is changed into one which mostly depends on industry. Besides, he felt that USSR was at least 50 years behind the advanced countries. He aimed to catch up with and surpassed them within ten years.
Agriculturally, he wanted to modernize farming so that it would be more efficient in producing enough food to support an expanding urban workforce. In addition, he hoped that surpluses in the agricultural sector could be sold overseas and the money used for investment in industry for instance, to buy industrial machinery for the factories.
* Through the five year plan, it was hoped that rapid industrialization could help USSR recover from the effects of the civil war and regain confidence of the workers and peasants whom the regime badly needed.
Military reason- to strengthen USSR defence in face of a hostile world.
Stalin felt it was necessary to catch up with the west because Russia was thereatened by the west and surrounding countries such as Iran, Romania, Finland which hated communism. To survive an attack from the West, the USSR had to rapidly expand its heavy industries, coal iron steel power. This would allow the USSR to expand and strengthen its military. In addition, being excluded from the League of Nations, also made it difficult for USSR as it was the only communist country in the world.
*To ensure its survival a a communist country amidst all the hostilities, it was only sensible for Stalin to build up an industry that was self-sufficient and the output could also be channeled to beed up its army so that Russia could defend themselves from any threats.
To increase support for the government, establish his dictatorship and get rid of rich peasants.
Rapid industrialization would also allow Stalin to obtain support for the government because the masses were the Communists' greatest supporters. Secondly, it would eliminate any remaining opposition to the Communists; in particular get rid of rich paesants, the kulaks.
*This would ensure the formation of a classless society as industrialization would transform USSR into a communist country.
Staling wanted a USSR that was powerful. To do this he had to modernize the USSR's economy by a programme of RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION. This means developing industry to such an extent that a country which mainly depends on agriculture of farming is changed into one which mostly depends on industry. Besides, he felt that USSR was at least 50 years behind the advanced countries. He aimed to catch up with and surpassed them within ten years.
Agriculturally, he wanted to modernize farming so that it would be more efficient in producing enough food to support an expanding urban workforce. In addition, he hoped that surpluses in the agricultural sector could be sold overseas and the money used for investment in industry for instance, to buy industrial machinery for the factories.
* Through the five year plan, it was hoped that rapid industrialization could help USSR recover from the effects of the civil war and regain confidence of the workers and peasants whom the regime badly needed.
Military reason- to strengthen USSR defence in face of a hostile world.
Stalin felt it was necessary to catch up with the west because Russia was thereatened by the west and surrounding countries such as Iran, Romania, Finland which hated communism. To survive an attack from the West, the USSR had to rapidly expand its heavy industries, coal iron steel power. This would allow the USSR to expand and strengthen its military. In addition, being excluded from the League of Nations, also made it difficult for USSR as it was the only communist country in the world.
*To ensure its survival a a communist country amidst all the hostilities, it was only sensible for Stalin to build up an industry that was self-sufficient and the output could also be channeled to beed up its army so that Russia could defend themselves from any threats.
To increase support for the government, establish his dictatorship and get rid of rich peasants.
Rapid industrialization would also allow Stalin to obtain support for the government because the masses were the Communists' greatest supporters. Secondly, it would eliminate any remaining opposition to the Communists; in particular get rid of rich paesants, the kulaks.
*This would ensure the formation of a classless society as industrialization would transform USSR into a communist country.
Stalin Succeeds
Stalin had taken on many important jobs like being the Secretary-General of the Party. This gave him an important power base. He had many supporters in the ranks of the party who owned their positions to him. With huge support in the party, Stalin was able to eliminate his opponents with the blessing of the party and hence, was able to win the leadership contest.
Stalin took advantage of the Lenin Enrolment to increase his support within the party. He also appeared as the chief mourner at the Lenin's funeral while tricking Trotsky into missing it.
Trotsky made himself unpopular. His ideas for spreading world revolution alarmed moderate communists. He was also arrogant and offended many party members. Trotsky also had a small support base: students, youths, Red army. This was because he was complacent and he saw no need to increase his support as hi believed he would succeed Lenin. Trotsky being the most likely successor of the Communist Party failed to help himself and provided an opportunity for Stalin to be viewed as a possible succcessor and eventually allowed him to win the contest.
The other four candidates disagreed with each other on important issues such as industrialization and the NEP. The all underestimated Stalin. At first Stalin sided with the others against Trotsky. He continued to play off Bukharin, Zinoviev and Kamenev against each other by allying with on and then another while he strengthened his own position. Once they helped him eliminate Trotsky, Stalin found new allies to remove them as well.
by 1929, Stalin defeated his opponents and was dictator of the USSR.
Stalin took advantage of the Lenin Enrolment to increase his support within the party. He also appeared as the chief mourner at the Lenin's funeral while tricking Trotsky into missing it.
Trotsky made himself unpopular. His ideas for spreading world revolution alarmed moderate communists. He was also arrogant and offended many party members. Trotsky also had a small support base: students, youths, Red army. This was because he was complacent and he saw no need to increase his support as hi believed he would succeed Lenin. Trotsky being the most likely successor of the Communist Party failed to help himself and provided an opportunity for Stalin to be viewed as a possible succcessor and eventually allowed him to win the contest.
The other four candidates disagreed with each other on important issues such as industrialization and the NEP. The all underestimated Stalin. At first Stalin sided with the others against Trotsky. He continued to play off Bukharin, Zinoviev and Kamenev against each other by allying with on and then another while he strengthened his own position. Once they helped him eliminate Trotsky, Stalin found new allies to remove them as well.
by 1929, Stalin defeated his opponents and was dictator of the USSR.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
How ethnic diversity is managed
Can ethnic diversity be managed?
-Building a national identity
-Safeguard the interests of the minority groups.
-Developing common space
BUILDING A NATIONAL IDENTITY
MULTI-RACIALISM
The policy of multi-racialism promotes equality among the races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious group. Everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. Favouring a certain group of people because of their race or religion is seen as a valued member of the Singapore society, a sense of national identity of Singaporeans is created.
*COMMON PRACTICES
Common practices are actions that Singaporeans carry out together. Singing the national anthem, taking the pledge and attending the flag raising ceremony are examples of the common practices carried out in schools. These common practices help to foster national identity. Inculcating loyalty and national pride towards Singapore is one way to get Singaporeans to see themselves as one people.
*BILINGUALISM
The policy of bilingualism was introduced in schools in 1966. Students were expected to learn English and their own Mother Tongue. With bilingualism, English is used as the language linking the different ethnic groups. Mother Tongue language is used to impart moral values and cultural traditions of each race. As English is a non-native language for all the ethnic groups, no one has an advantage over others. The use of English has helped improve communication among Singaporeans.
SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF THE MINORITY GROUPS
*MINORITY REPRESENTATION
The policy of minority representation gives minority groups a say in governance. It is also a way to safeguard the interests of the minority groups. The Presidential Council of Minority Rights(PCMR) and the Group Representation Constituency(GRC) are two examples of how representation of the minority groups is achieved.
The PCMR consists of members from minority racial and religious groups. It ensures that no racial or religious group is disadvantaged as a result of a law that is passed in Parliament.
The GRC ensures that at least one of the candidates in the team contesting in the General Election is from the minority racial communities such as Malay, Indian, Eurasian. The GRC system ensures that the minority racial groups are represented in the Parliament. In this way, the concerns and needs of the minority groups are made known to the government.
*SELF-HELP GROUPS
Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), Mendaki and the Eurasian Association play an important role in helping members of their community who are less fortunate to get aid in their studies and training for their jobs. Self-help groups also give moral support to members of their own community. This helps Singaporeans to cope and compete with one another on an equal footing. By doing so, people from the minority groups will be able to improve their social and economic positions in the society. Joint efforts in self-help groups have allowed students from different ethnic groups to attend the same tuition classes in tuition centres run by CDAC, Mendaki & SINDA. This provides opportunity for youths from different ethnic groups to interact and get along with one another.
DEVELOPING COMMON SPACE
*EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS
Grassroots organisations such as People's Association (PA) create common space through their wide range of programmes and acivities developed to cater the needs and interests of every Singaporean.
One of the programmes conducted for students is a home visit or home stay opportunity with host family from another ethnic group. This allows participants to gain a better understanding of the cultures and customs of other races. With mutual respect, strong friendship can be built over time.
*OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Educational institutions such as schools and tertiary institutes are open to every Singaporean, regardless of race, language or religion. Students from different races and religions study together. The daily interaction that takes place among stuednts during lessons and school activities provides an opportunity for friendships to be cultivated and strengthned.
Implementation of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in schools helps to promote closer bonds among youths from all races. The variety of activities conducted during CCAs provides opportunities for students to work closely with and understand one another. Students from different races come together to play games and work on a task. This helps o build teamwork among them.
Students also learn to appreciate one another's talent and respect one another as individuals. Social bonds among students from the various ethnic groups are fostered through school-based activities. The more they communicate, the less the chance of fights breaking out between people.
*COMMON LIVING SPACE PROVIDED BY PUBLIC HOUSING
In the 1980s, it was observed that there were too many people from the same racial group living the same housing estate. This situation could hinder the social bonding among the people from the different races.
In 1989, the ethnic integration policy was introduced. It puts a limit on the proportion of races in every neighbourhood and block. This ensures that there is an even distribution of the different races in all the housing estates. Living together in the same neighbourhood provides opportunities for people from the different ethnic groups to interact.
*ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY INTER-RACIAL CONFIDENCE CIRCLES (IRCCs) AND HARMONY CIRCLES (HCs)
The IRCCs were introduced in January 2002 to provide the common space to foster greater inter-racial understanding. The activities carried out by the IRCCs such as visits to places of worship, create opportunities for Singaporeans to appreciate their differences and develop strong bonds among different ethnic and religious communities. At the workplace, these iner-racial and inter-religious activities are carried out by the HCs. All these activities help to build confidence and friendship among people.
*SHARED EXPERIENCE THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE
Another area where common space is created for the various races to interact is National Service (NS). NS was introduced in 1967 which required all able-bodied men to serve in the defence of the coutnry. The shared experiences like going through military training help to strengthen the bond among the men.
-Building a national identity
-Safeguard the interests of the minority groups.
-Developing common space
BUILDING A NATIONAL IDENTITY
MULTI-RACIALISM
The policy of multi-racialism promotes equality among the races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious group. Everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. Favouring a certain group of people because of their race or religion is seen as a valued member of the Singapore society, a sense of national identity of Singaporeans is created.
*COMMON PRACTICES
Common practices are actions that Singaporeans carry out together. Singing the national anthem, taking the pledge and attending the flag raising ceremony are examples of the common practices carried out in schools. These common practices help to foster national identity. Inculcating loyalty and national pride towards Singapore is one way to get Singaporeans to see themselves as one people.
*BILINGUALISM
The policy of bilingualism was introduced in schools in 1966. Students were expected to learn English and their own Mother Tongue. With bilingualism, English is used as the language linking the different ethnic groups. Mother Tongue language is used to impart moral values and cultural traditions of each race. As English is a non-native language for all the ethnic groups, no one has an advantage over others. The use of English has helped improve communication among Singaporeans.
SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF THE MINORITY GROUPS
*MINORITY REPRESENTATION
The policy of minority representation gives minority groups a say in governance. It is also a way to safeguard the interests of the minority groups. The Presidential Council of Minority Rights(PCMR) and the Group Representation Constituency(GRC) are two examples of how representation of the minority groups is achieved.
The PCMR consists of members from minority racial and religious groups. It ensures that no racial or religious group is disadvantaged as a result of a law that is passed in Parliament.
The GRC ensures that at least one of the candidates in the team contesting in the General Election is from the minority racial communities such as Malay, Indian, Eurasian. The GRC system ensures that the minority racial groups are represented in the Parliament. In this way, the concerns and needs of the minority groups are made known to the government.
*SELF-HELP GROUPS
Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), Mendaki and the Eurasian Association play an important role in helping members of their community who are less fortunate to get aid in their studies and training for their jobs. Self-help groups also give moral support to members of their own community. This helps Singaporeans to cope and compete with one another on an equal footing. By doing so, people from the minority groups will be able to improve their social and economic positions in the society. Joint efforts in self-help groups have allowed students from different ethnic groups to attend the same tuition classes in tuition centres run by CDAC, Mendaki & SINDA. This provides opportunity for youths from different ethnic groups to interact and get along with one another.
DEVELOPING COMMON SPACE
*EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS
Grassroots organisations such as People's Association (PA) create common space through their wide range of programmes and acivities developed to cater the needs and interests of every Singaporean.
One of the programmes conducted for students is a home visit or home stay opportunity with host family from another ethnic group. This allows participants to gain a better understanding of the cultures and customs of other races. With mutual respect, strong friendship can be built over time.
*OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Educational institutions such as schools and tertiary institutes are open to every Singaporean, regardless of race, language or religion. Students from different races and religions study together. The daily interaction that takes place among stuednts during lessons and school activities provides an opportunity for friendships to be cultivated and strengthned.
Implementation of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in schools helps to promote closer bonds among youths from all races. The variety of activities conducted during CCAs provides opportunities for students to work closely with and understand one another. Students from different races come together to play games and work on a task. This helps o build teamwork among them.
Students also learn to appreciate one another's talent and respect one another as individuals. Social bonds among students from the various ethnic groups are fostered through school-based activities. The more they communicate, the less the chance of fights breaking out between people.
*COMMON LIVING SPACE PROVIDED BY PUBLIC HOUSING
In the 1980s, it was observed that there were too many people from the same racial group living the same housing estate. This situation could hinder the social bonding among the people from the different races.
In 1989, the ethnic integration policy was introduced. It puts a limit on the proportion of races in every neighbourhood and block. This ensures that there is an even distribution of the different races in all the housing estates. Living together in the same neighbourhood provides opportunities for people from the different ethnic groups to interact.
*ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY INTER-RACIAL CONFIDENCE CIRCLES (IRCCs) AND HARMONY CIRCLES (HCs)
The IRCCs were introduced in January 2002 to provide the common space to foster greater inter-racial understanding. The activities carried out by the IRCCs such as visits to places of worship, create opportunities for Singaporeans to appreciate their differences and develop strong bonds among different ethnic and religious communities. At the workplace, these iner-racial and inter-religious activities are carried out by the HCs. All these activities help to build confidence and friendship among people.
*SHARED EXPERIENCE THROUGH NATIONAL SERVICE
Another area where common space is created for the various races to interact is National Service (NS). NS was introduced in 1967 which required all able-bodied men to serve in the defence of the coutnry. The shared experiences like going through military training help to strengthen the bond among the men.
Challenges of a multi-ethnic society
- Managing perceptions of different racial groups.
- Managing perceptions of different religious groups
- Threats from external forces
MANAGING PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT RACIAL GROUPS.
The lack of understanding among the racial groups can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among racial groups. In 1964, Singapore experience race riots which resulted in 36 people dead and 560 others injured.
There was an anti-PAP campaign organised by some UMNO leaders after PAP participated in the Federal Election in Malaysia. PAP called for a non-communal approach to Malaysian politics and the creation of a MAlaysia where everyone would be given equal rights and privileges. PAP's resettlement and redevelopment programme was portrayed as anti-Malay. Malay news paper, Utusan MElayu claimed that 3000 Malay families were affected by the resettlement in the area stretching from Crawford, Kampong Glam, Rochor. In reality, only 200 malay families were affected. With several meetings with Malays, UMNO managed to cost fury in the malays as they portray PAP as anti-Malay. During the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, there were tensions between the chinese and malays. This blew up into a huge racial riot and caused damage to property and lost of lives.
The race riots shows how easily peace and harmony in Singapore can be broken. Irresponsible media reporting and a trigger like the issue of race can cause suspicion, distrust, and even hostility among Singaporeans.
MANAGING PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS GROUPS.
Differences in religious beliefs and practices are also issues that can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. This was shown by the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950. The outbreak of violence left behind destruction and loss of lives.
Maria was placed under the care of a Malay lady, Aminah after her parents were imprisoned. Maria was raised as a muslim and at the age of 13, married a Malay teacher. When her parents demanded Maria to be returned to them, a court trial followed. The court decided to give custody to the Hertoghs, hence causing unhappiness among the Muslim community. The large crowd ouside the court felt that the British legal system was unfair to Muslims. This sparked off anger towards the European and Eurasian communities which resulted in the outbreak of the riots. The events throughout the court trial had a lot of media coverage in the newspapers. Muslim community were very upset and felt the welfare of Muslims was not looked into. During the riots, there was a 24 hour curfew for 2 weeks. With police forces called in to maintain peace.
This riots showed that if religious issues are not handled carefully, hostility and distrust could occur among the people, thus affecting the relationships among the different religious groups.
THREATS FROM EXTERNAL FORCES.
Transnational terrorism refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact. These acts can test the social bonds of the people in Singapore. Singapore needs to handle this threat carefully as if can divide people. In multi-ethnic societies like Singapore, race and religion may be used to create ill feelings among the different ethnic groups, which in turn threaten racial and religious harmony in the country. In 2001, Singapore experienced the threat of transnational terrorism.
34 Jemaah Islamiyah(JI) were arrested under the Internal Security Act for their involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001-2002. Some of the JI activities included fund-raising and the purchase of materials for making bombs. Targets in Singapore were US embassy and some government buildings such as MOE.
There were calls to political and religious leaders in Singapore for people to remain calm and be commited to living in harmony with other racial and religious groups. In a u nited voice, Muslim leaders condemned the JI group and emphasesed that it did not have the support of the Muslim community.
The mixed reaction from Singaporeans showed an urgent need to ensure that social cohesion was not affected by the JI arrests. It was crucial to ensure that the different racial and religious groups in Singapore continue to live and work harmoniously with one another.
- Managing perceptions of different religious groups
- Threats from external forces
MANAGING PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT RACIAL GROUPS.
The lack of understanding among the racial groups can create suspicion and unhappiness among the people. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among racial groups. In 1964, Singapore experience race riots which resulted in 36 people dead and 560 others injured.
There was an anti-PAP campaign organised by some UMNO leaders after PAP participated in the Federal Election in Malaysia. PAP called for a non-communal approach to Malaysian politics and the creation of a MAlaysia where everyone would be given equal rights and privileges. PAP's resettlement and redevelopment programme was portrayed as anti-Malay. Malay news paper, Utusan MElayu claimed that 3000 Malay families were affected by the resettlement in the area stretching from Crawford, Kampong Glam, Rochor. In reality, only 200 malay families were affected. With several meetings with Malays, UMNO managed to cost fury in the malays as they portray PAP as anti-Malay. During the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, there were tensions between the chinese and malays. This blew up into a huge racial riot and caused damage to property and lost of lives.
The race riots shows how easily peace and harmony in Singapore can be broken. Irresponsible media reporting and a trigger like the issue of race can cause suspicion, distrust, and even hostility among Singaporeans.
MANAGING PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS GROUPS.
Differences in religious beliefs and practices are also issues that can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. This was shown by the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950. The outbreak of violence left behind destruction and loss of lives.
Maria was placed under the care of a Malay lady, Aminah after her parents were imprisoned. Maria was raised as a muslim and at the age of 13, married a Malay teacher. When her parents demanded Maria to be returned to them, a court trial followed. The court decided to give custody to the Hertoghs, hence causing unhappiness among the Muslim community. The large crowd ouside the court felt that the British legal system was unfair to Muslims. This sparked off anger towards the European and Eurasian communities which resulted in the outbreak of the riots. The events throughout the court trial had a lot of media coverage in the newspapers. Muslim community were very upset and felt the welfare of Muslims was not looked into. During the riots, there was a 24 hour curfew for 2 weeks. With police forces called in to maintain peace.
This riots showed that if religious issues are not handled carefully, hostility and distrust could occur among the people, thus affecting the relationships among the different religious groups.
THREATS FROM EXTERNAL FORCES.
Transnational terrorism refers to acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact. These acts can test the social bonds of the people in Singapore. Singapore needs to handle this threat carefully as if can divide people. In multi-ethnic societies like Singapore, race and religion may be used to create ill feelings among the different ethnic groups, which in turn threaten racial and religious harmony in the country. In 2001, Singapore experienced the threat of transnational terrorism.
34 Jemaah Islamiyah(JI) were arrested under the Internal Security Act for their involvement in terrorist-related activities from 2001-2002. Some of the JI activities included fund-raising and the purchase of materials for making bombs. Targets in Singapore were US embassy and some government buildings such as MOE.
There were calls to political and religious leaders in Singapore for people to remain calm and be commited to living in harmony with other racial and religious groups. In a u nited voice, Muslim leaders condemned the JI group and emphasesed that it did not have the support of the Muslim community.
The mixed reaction from Singaporeans showed an urgent need to ensure that social cohesion was not affected by the JI arrests. It was crucial to ensure that the different racial and religious groups in Singapore continue to live and work harmoniously with one another.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Promote population growth
Why was there a need to promote population growth?
- Declining birth rate from the 1980s.
- Unattractive to multinational companies
- Ageing population
- Defence
DECLINING BIRTH RATE FROM THE 1980s.
-1980's, the fertility rate hit 1.82 children per woman.
-Showed that family planning policy to reduce birthrate was successful.
-Increase costs of living and marrying at later age led to the declining birth rates.
-More jobs were created in the industries,
therefore it needed a larger workforce to sustain the nation's development.
-The number of babies born were falling below the replacement value.
-There's a need to re-examine population policy,
as there may be potential problems a small population would pose.
UNATTRACTIVE TO MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES.
-With a small population Singapore would not produce enough talented people to sustain its development.
-Multinational corporations would find it difficult and more expensive to recruit Singaporeans,
as compared to the larger labour market in China.
-Singapore would be less attractive because of its smaller consumer market.
AGEING POPULATION.
-Fewer babies born each year means fewer young population.
-Number of older people proportionately larger,
leading to a ageing population.
-More resources needed to take care of the increasing number of senior citizens.
-Leading to an ageing population
DEFENCE
-Declining birthrate means fewer men to recruit for NS.
This will mean Singapore's Defence Force will be weaken.
- Declining birth rate from the 1980s.
- Unattractive to multinational companies
- Ageing population
- Defence
DECLINING BIRTH RATE FROM THE 1980s.
-1980's, the fertility rate hit 1.82 children per woman.
-Showed that family planning policy to reduce birthrate was successful.
-Increase costs of living and marrying at later age led to the declining birth rates.
-More jobs were created in the industries,
therefore it needed a larger workforce to sustain the nation's development.
-The number of babies born were falling below the replacement value.
-There's a need to re-examine population policy,
as there may be potential problems a small population would pose.
UNATTRACTIVE TO MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES.
-With a small population Singapore would not produce enough talented people to sustain its development.
-Multinational corporations would find it difficult and more expensive to recruit Singaporeans,
as compared to the larger labour market in China.
-Singapore would be less attractive because of its smaller consumer market.
AGEING POPULATION.
-Fewer babies born each year means fewer young population.
-Number of older people proportionately larger,
leading to a ageing population.
-More resources needed to take care of the increasing number of senior citizens.
-Leading to an ageing population
DEFENCE
-Declining birthrate means fewer men to recruit for NS.
This will mean Singapore's Defence Force will be weaken.
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