Social Studies Reflection 2 Multiculturalism

Prompt: Commonalities are more crucial than spaces in building inclusiveness

I disagree with the prompt. I believe that spaces play a more crucial role in building
inclusiveness. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the reasons behind my
belief.

Inclusiveness refers to including every single person, despite differences created by
race, religion, ethnicity and income and other factors. Nobody is omitted because
they are different due to any of the above-mentioned factors.

In order to build inclusiveness, differences must be cast aside. People should
embrace one another, no matter how different they are. This can only be achieved if
we are able to accept one another. Acceptance is the key to building inclusiveness.

However, acceptance can be created only when we understand and get to know one
another. For instance, fasting during Ramadan is a sacred practice amongst
Muslims. To an outsider with no knowledge about the necessity and values behind
this, it may seem senseless to starve oneself for the entire day. However, by
communicating with a member of the Muslim community, the reason behind why
fasting is done can be better understood. Therefore, the practice is better accepted.
In this way, understanding about one another, especially about our differences, is the
step to better acceptance of one another.

Spaces provide the opportunity to interact with one another and cultivate
understanding amongst people. For instance, in playgrounds, children from all races
and walks of life learn more about one another and play together, a sign of
acceptance. In our HDB void decks, we meet and connect with our neighbours,
talking and getting to know another. Spaces are areas where people can gather
together. When people gather together, they talk amongst themselves, slowly yet
eventually coming to know better about those around them. As such, with this better
understanding they are able to accept one another, building inclusiveness.

For example, when I was young, I used to find it strange and a little disgusting that
paper money was burnt in large amounts during the Hungry Ghost Festival every
August. One day, I was talking with my Chinese neighbour at our void deck. She
explained to me why the Chinese actually did this. After our chat, I was more
knowledgeable and the next time August came round, I better understood and
accepted the practice.

Commonalities are factors or things that can be found in everybody. As discussed
earlier, acceptance is a necessity for building inclusiveness. However, even though it
may seem as though commonalities foster acceptance amongst people, it is actually
the contrary that is true. For instance, Indians are bound together by their ethnicity.
However, different Indians belong to different castes (based on the ancient caste
system). Those from the higher castes ignore and avoid those from the lower castes.
Even within the same caste, those who are more affluent disregard those who are of
humbler backgrounds. This shows that even though commonalities exist between
people, the differences present prevent the bonding together of people based on
similarities. As such, there is a lack of acceptance amongst people.

Therefore, spaces are more crucial than commonalities in building inclusiveness.

500 words