‘If You Want To Stay In This Country, Integrate!' To what extent should migrants conform to the culture of their adopted country?

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Introduction

• In our modern world, under the umbrella of globalisation, countries are become highly connected as transportation services improves, shrinking distances between nations. This allow the easy movement of people from country to country. Hence, there are a number of countries facing an increasing trend of immigration and this sparks debates on how foreigners should behave in their host country to achieve a smooth integration of foreigners into local communities.

• Some feel that foreigners should abandon their own culture which is deemed as ‘foreign” in their adopted country and conform to all social norms to become ‘normal’ citizens. Only then, foreigners will be able to integrate into the local society and be allowed to stay in the country.

• However, such views are too ethnocentric in nature and it will be unfair to ask for foreigners to abandon their past values and culture. A more balanced and fair suggestion would be that migrants should respect the social norms and the culture of their adopted country. This will result in a win-win situation, where foreigners can better adapt and fit into the society and where the locals will feel respected and hence, would be able to interact better with the immigrants. By

: Bria

n Le

e, Z

ane

Tan

and

Dar

yl O

ng (4

i2)

Point 1: Understanding Social NormsOne of the most important step to ensure a successful integration into a foreign society is to understand and follow the social norms.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 1: Understanding Social Norms(Explanation)

• Social norms are a set of behaviour which most citizens will follow and abide to. According to the Iceberg Model of Culture, social norms are an integral part of any civilisation and they are the traits which places local citizen in a social “in-group”. • Hence, it is imperative for immigrants to respect

such social norms. Only then, immigrants will be willingly assimilated into the local community and will not be treated as “out-group” members.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 1: Understanding Social Norms(Evidence)

• This is true for Singapore’s society as well. Locals would only be willing to accept foreigners if they were to understand our societal norms and are accustomed to it.

• One example would be Khaw Boon Wan, one of Singapore’s ministers. He has been serving in the Singapore civil service sector for nearly 4 decades and have rose to the position of Minister for National Development and Chairman of the People Action Party, Singapore’s strongest, most dominant political party. Interestingly, he was a Malaysian.

• However, it is not surprising for him as an immigrant to be so well assimilated into the Singapore society because he has learnt and understand social norms during his years living in Singapore. Although he might be from Malaysia, he is still able to connect and relate to local citizens, and hence, the locals have been willing to accept Mr Khaw as a member of the Singapore society and even appointed him to be their leader.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 1: Understanding Social Norms(Link)

• Therefore, it is clear that if immigrants want to be integrated into the society of a foreign country, they have to respect and abide by social norms. This will allow them to be more relatable to the locals, therefore, enabling them to be assimilated smoothly into the local community.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 2: Being Sensitive towards local CultureMigrants should understand and appreciate the language and culture of their adopted country.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 2: Explanation

• Immigrants who wants to be integrated into a foreign society should respect and appreciate the local culture. • In any society, its members would share a unique

culture. Such a unique culture would give its members a sense of identity and pride. In Singapore, Singaporeans do have share a unique culture—‘chopping’ seats with tissue packets and speaking Singlish. Many agree that this is what make us ‘uniquely Singapore’. Hence, it is imperative that immigrants should not disrespect the local culture and should try to appreciate it.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 2: Example

• Singapore does play a part in helping immigrants understand the local culture. In the process of foreigners becoming new citizens of Singapore, immigrants are required to attend a Singapore experiential to historical landmarks and national institutions where they learn about our history and culture. Grassroots leaders and Integration & Naturalisation Champions (INCs) from the People’s Association will also share their experiences living in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 2: Link

(Cont.) This will help new citizens better understand and appreciate our culture, hence when interacting with the locals, both parties will be standing on common ground, making the integration process less awkward• Therefore, for a smooth assimilation into a foreign

society, immigrants must make an effort to understand and appreciate the local culture so that they will become one of the locals, making them more relatable.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 3: Understanding TraditionsForeigners should fit into the cultural traditions of the country.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 3: Understanding Traditions (Explanation)• Being in a foreign country it is only right that

respect is shown for another country's values and identity. This not only helps to fit in and connect with locals, but also decreases the possibility of surprises due to cultural differences.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 3: Understanding Traditions (Example)• Amy Cheong, a assistant director at NTUC, was

sacked after she made a Facebook post criticising Malay void deck weddings in 2012.• She was born in Malaysia, studied in Australia and

migrated to Singapore to work• She was not able to understand and respect the

traditions practised by locals, hence many locals started to criticise her for her insensitive remarks. Undoubtedly, she was unable to assimilate into Singapore’s society and she had no choice but to return to Perth.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Point 3: Understanding Traditions (Link)• She was not able to understand and respect the

traditions practised by locals, hence many locals started to criticise her for her insensitive remarks. Undoubtedly, she was unable to assimilate into Singapore’s society and she had no choice but to return to Perth.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Counter Argument & Rebuttal

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Counter Argument

• However, immigrants do not necessarily need to conform to religion and beliefs most of society’s members prescribe to. Religion and beliefs are personal values and it is everyone’s freedom to choose which religion they want to believe in. A society is where a group of people have a shared culture. It doesn’t need its members to share identical personal values and beliefs.

• In many societies, members have differing personal beliefs but are still able to stand together on common ground to create a shared culture. For example, Singapore might be a multi-racial, multi-cultural society with 74.2% of Singaporeans being Chinese. But, we are able to create a highly integrated society with members of differing religion or race.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Rebuttal

• But, regardless of any personal beliefs and values one might prescribe to, it does not negate the fact that immigrants of different ethnic group cannot disregard societal norms. Such norms still have to be respected otherwise, regardless of the race or religion, immigrants will be ‘ostracized’. • For example, Singapore might be a multi-racial society but

everyone, regardless of race, language or religion are expected to follow social norms. Otherwise, these people would be face rejection or even criticism from both the public and the government. Respect for societal norms and local culture is still a necessary and important step towards assimilating into a foreign community.

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)

Conclusion

• It is no doubt that for immigrants to be smoothly integrated into a society, they need to conform to societal norms and respect local culture and traditions. However, immigrants might be from a country with a different set of cultures and it might be hard for them to try to understand the local culture. The government can provide help to these immigrants so that they can be assimilated into the society.• The government can organise tours for new immigrants to

heritage areas and teach them more about the culture of the country• Organise social events within communities to celebrate cultural

festivals so immigrants can interact with locals and learn more about their cultures

Thank You

By: B

rian

Lee,

Zan

e Ta

n an

d D

aryl

Ong

(4i2

)