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yuklum :)

Hello! I am a year 2 life science major. I am always very cheerful but that is because I usually keep things to myself. I love to sing and have been singing in choir since secondary school. Currently, I am still singing in my JC alumni choir as well as 2 other external choirs. :)

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Intercultural conflict

Friday, September 26, 2008
11:49 PM

This happened when I was in Primary school.

Atiqah was the only Muslim in her group of good friends, who were all Chinese, and she would always have lunch with them during breaks. Even during Ramadan, Atiqah’s friends would still ask her to join them while they eat despite knowing that she needs to fast. Atiqah always feel uneasy to look at them eat while she has to fast during the day. However, she did not dare to tell the rest how she felt because she was afraid of being labeled as anti-social. Hence, the rest of her friends also became ignorant about her feelings. There was no direct argument or conflict between Atiqah and her good friends but she felt unhappy that her friends were unaware of her feelings.

Fasting is a way to teach the Muslims patience, sacrifice and humility. Thus, during Ramadan when the Muslims have to fast for the day, we should be sensitive and not eat or drink in front of them, as it is a temptation for them. We might not know the significance behind fasting but we should be receptive and aware of how the Muslims will feel towards our actions such as in this incident. In this case, I think Atiqah’s friends should ask her if she would feel uneasy to join them for lunch before actually asking her to join them. If she expressed that she feels uneasy, they should be accommodating and not force her.

This situation can commonly be seen in a multi-racial country like Singapore. We should always compromise and accommodate practices of another culture. Just knowing about the practices of other cultures might not be sufficient, as we might know their beliefs but not do anything to prevent misunderstandings. Being culturally sensitive will be more effective in minimizing intercultural misunderstandings and conflicts.