Collectivism -Singapore

October 18, 2009 at 10:33 pm (Uncategorized)

In this week’s Communications 101 class we started on International and Mass Communication, and in this chapter, we touched on Individualism and Collectivism. Our lecturer professed our nation of Singapore as a country with a collectivist culture and society. Meaning that our social behaviors are mostly determined by the views, needs, and goals of the in-group rather than of self; our social norms and sense of duty is defined by the group rather than for self pleasure; our beliefs are shared with the in-group rather than to distinguish, alienate and separate ourselves from the group; and we possess a great readiness to cooperate with our in-group members.

Now what characterizes a collectivist society? Namely high interdependence, meaning mutually dependent or depending on each other the vast majority of the time; Interpersonal sensitivity: being sensitive to the needs of others, accommodating and being considerate; Conformity: our actions tend to be in accordance with prevailing social standards, attitudes and practices; Readiness to be influenced by others: we are willing parties, though at times unwitting partakers at being compelled and influenced by the environment and people of our group; Mutual sympathy: the harmony of feeling naturally existing between people of congenial dispositions, and the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, esp. in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration; Self-sacrifice: the sacrifice of one’s interests, desires, etc., as for duty or the good of another.

In 1976, Harry Triandis said that collectivism consists of harmony, face-saving (saving or bailing others from embarrassing or shameful situations), duty to parent, i.e. filial piety, modesty, moderation (the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance.), thrift, equality in reward distribution, and fulfillment of other’s needs.

I agree that all of the above listed can be found in the majority of Singaporeans, though perhaps not all, not quite. But in the light of the recent Deepavali (Festival of Lights), and an article I read online, I would like to bring into the spotlight something extremely valuable that our small nation possess; racial harmony, mutual sympathy and the fulfillment of other’s needs.

Pay close attention to the underlined.

Title : Little India abuzz with Deepavali festivities

By : Chitra Balagumaran, Channel NewsAsia

Date : 13 Oct 2009 1854 hrs (GMT + 8hrs)

SINGAPORE: Little India is abuzz with the grand light-up and heavy human traffic ahead of Deepavali on Saturday.

A street parade called “Utsav” was held on October 10 along Race Course Road, and it clearly captured the essence of the celebrations.

The event, which was introduced in 2004, is part of the festivities to preserve and showcase the rich cultural traditions of Indians. This year, thousands gathered to catch the songs, dances and martial arts performed by local artistes, as well as artistes from India and Sri Lanka.

As part of the festivities, many people are buying gold despite prices hitting new highs recently. However, some people are holding back, preferring costume jewellery instead.

The Deepavali fair at Campbell Lane is packed with traditional and modern delicacies and decorative items for the home. It is congested in the evenings with the after-office crowd and others looking for bargains.

The needy have not been forgotten amidst all the festivities. Visitors to the area are urged to donate to the Singapore Indian Development Association’s (SINDA) “Project Give” – in order to help needy families cope with the economic downturn.

The donation booth will be open till the eve of Deepavali, and SINDA said it is encouraged by the response.

Moreover, some 500 members of Rider’s Aid did their bit for “Project Give” by taking part in a charity ride – from Hougang Stadium to SINDA’s headquarters in Little India – on Sunday.

The ride was organised in conjunction with Deepavali and marked Singapore’s racial harmony, as most of the bikers were Malays.

– CNA/sc

This article highlights not only our nation’s citizen’s mutual sympathy, sympathizing with the needy and less fortunate in our midst, but also the racial harmony that many of us take for granted. Where there is difference, conflict is bound to arise, especially here in Singapore where there are four core races and an assortment of others besides. But it is our ability to band together and still coexist harmoniously that is truly valuable and that which makes us a true blue collectivist nation.