Raising The Nation: Race, Religion, Language, And Identity In Singapore

Multiracialism explicitly accepts pluralism, diversity, and multiple identities. But for it to be a viable conception of managing differences, it must also nurture a cohesive collective identity and develop in Singaporeans, regardless of race, language, or religion, a common reflex rather than a differentiated response to chauvinistic forces that seek to divide.This unique, carefully curated collection of essays explores various aspects of race, religion, language, and identity in Singapore in four thematic sections. The essays examined topical issues in the past two decades but remain salient today as when they were first published. This collection seeks to inform a better understanding of the nuances of Singapore's policies, laws, and institutions governing identity markers and of how a young polyglot nation rises above sectarian divides and communal indulgences.A must-read for all curious about Singapore's multiracial experience and challenges, this book is written by a scholar who has studied the management of race, religion, and language from an inter-disciplinary perspective for almost three decades.For those who genuinely care or are curious about Singapore's raison d'etre as an independent, sovereign nation-state, this book is a crucial guide to the rich tapestry of multiple identities every Singaporean has and the core socio-political idea and ideal that every community is treated equally and supported in differentiated ways.