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Affirmation action necessary to level playing field
Posted On 17 Mar 2016
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In light of the proposed amendments to ensure a racially diverse Elected Presidency, we asked two undergraduates to reflect on the move. (See Part 2 here)
By Ayeshah Mirzha
GRAPHIC: LOW ZHAN QUAN
As a member of a minority race, I think these proposed amendments are encouraging.
The proposed changes to ‘artificially’ boost minority representation in Singapore’s highest office have surfaced accusations of tokenism and the degradation of our prized principle of meritocracy.
But while affirmative action may come with its own perils, it is a necessary crutch so long as discrimination remains pernicious in our society.
Just take a look at job recruitment advertisements and count how many times the word ‘bilingual’ appears.
By any reasonable definition, I more than qualify, being fluent in three languages (English, Malay, and Malayalam) and having basic knowledge of three more (Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin).
Unfortunately, I have learnt through experience that bilingualism in Singapore refers overwhelmingly to English and Mandarin.
This is a huge disservice to our minority population, and the problem is further compounded by common racial stereotypes.
These negative stereotypes are so ingrained that they unconsciously percolate through our everyday interactions, even as we insist that we are not racist.
Think about how many people from minority races are systematically excluded from jobs because they are not the right kind of bilingual (because they cannot speak
Mandarin) or do not have the right kind of look.
Worse still, think about all the capable people who have been dealt with so much discrimination over the years that they have internalised it as the natural order of things and write themselves off before anyone else does.
These are the same people who, if given the opportunity, might potentially grow up to display the skills and character worthy of Singapore’s future president.
So while it is understandable why some people may be concerned that affirmative action implies members of minority groups cannot succeed on their own merits, my hope is they will also realise that although hard work eventually pays off, some of us have to work harder for the same achievements.
Not everyone starts off equal, with the same amount of privilege and good fortune of being born into a system that works in their favour. And this difference can become insurmountable without policy intervention.
Although this might be just a symbolic gesture, I am hopeful that this may help somewhat level the playing field for minority folks.
It’s a starting point in making us feel like we have a real stake in this country and I would like to think that given some time, the rest of the nation will catch up and no longer look at race as a defining trait – rendering such measures unnecessary in the future.
