in defense of xenophobia.

Recently there was a concerned citizen (read: xenophobe) who called to attention the influx of foreign workers in Boon Lay estate (amongst other issues, such as the lack of hygiene, estate repairs, and a warning that the gods from high above should not neglect the estate just because it is mostly populated by low-income households). This was done during a ministerial visit to Boon Lay, and address to our MCYS Minister.

It was published by LHZB, and dismissed as a major grouse by a resident who apparently had too much time on his hands. When the minister kindly invited him to volunteer his time as a grassroots official, this resident quickly excused himself because of family obligations.

Now, now, we do know that the papers love to stoop to new lows, and sometimes behave like a schizophrenic who doesn't take its medicine. Despite always publishing scandalous and sensational foreign-worker murders, peidu-mamas' illicit activities (proclaiming, of course, the right for the reader to know), it doesn't forget to round things off by kindly reminding us that xenophobia is wrong and a privilege only enjoyed by newswriters.

A funny thing to note, is the new defense tactic I've been observing: the ability to divert attention and jump onto a moral high horse - so i'm not doing my job. how about you help me instead? help me to help you? AHA! you don't wanna! so you're no better anyway!

How is that supposed to help things? Does painting a resident as a selfish individual who expects the government that he voted into office to consider his interests solve the issue at heart?

As long as we treat xenophobia as a social ill, derogatory racial terms as dirty swear words, the so-called harmonious, tolerant society of ours is still artificial and tense.

How about we finally throw things out into the open, and finally address the issue of integrating foreign workers?