About Multiracialism
Multiracial Integration
Many Different Forms
Variety of Races

Racial integration would not just take place even if everyone in a society is not racist and/or discriminates against anyone. Forging close bonds between people of different races through making friends is an important part of racial integration as it builds on the trust and support people have for each other, making the community much more stable and united as a whole.

As mentioned above, racial integration can come through forging friendships with people of different races. One example of a friendship between two people of different races is former President of Singapore, Yusof bin Ishak and Minister Mentor of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. They first met in the offices of a Malay newspaper, Utusan Melayu and often had heated debates on the current states of relations between races and how the lives of the people could be greatly improved. From then on, their relationship began to improve, and when Singapore became a sovereign nation in 1965, Lee Kuan Yew requested Yusof bin Ishak to be the first President of the city state. Both of them were idealists and believed in multiracialism. Yusof once stated, “They (Singaporeans) come from different races, languages and cultures. These differences are not something to be ashamed of. A man cannot help being born with a particular color of skin or shape of nose. Intelligence, goodness and loyalty to the country do not go with skin color, shape of eyes or shape of nose.” Of course, you don’t have to be a President or any other political leader to be able to make friends with other people of different races and help in stopping racism.

When you visit your neighbors or classmates of different races and engage in conversations with them, you are indirectly promoting racial harmony. By doing so, you can also learn about their religion and about other different lifestyles. I, myself, was born in America. I only moved to Singapore at the age of 8 with my family. When I first came here, I was surprised by the many races that were living in the same country. At first, I found it quite awkward, as I was still quite young at that time. But after a few months, I found myself able to communicate with people of other races. I also found out that they were not that different from myself. Now, I already have a much wider variety of friends, and my knowledge of their different lifestyles and religions has also increased largely.

Besides, how can one person live in this fast-paced and modern society by only communicating with his or her own race? We will need to forge bonds with different people of different races to keep up with the growing economy. Many businessmen forge bonds with people of other races to discover new business opportunities and secure deals. We cannot just live in our shell if we hope to survive these days, we have to be open and embrace others as friends.

Forging friendships with people of different races is not any different from making friends with people of your own race. You can go up to them and say “hi”, and even ask them simple thing like “How’s your day?” This way, you will be able to have a much wider circle of friends.

Racial integration can only happen if we all unite as one. No matter what color, what religion, we all live in the same world. So go up to someone else of a different race and welcome him, you will never know what this mindset would lead you to find.