Introduction
The word “culture” is generally defined as the integrated pattern of human customs, taboos, beliefs, ideas, and other related components. It is a way of life passed from one generation to another. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1989) Culture is one of the fundamental ingredients that can weave a country together towards racial and religious harmony. There are three forces that impact an individual’s sense of culture.

- Education by cultural standard-bearers who wish to mold the individual into a proper member of society.
- Environmental forces, such as climate, economic opportunity, and population density.
- Exposure to external models of behavior. (http://www.hoboes.com/html/NetLife/Children/Culture_Shock.html)

Culture can enable a country to absorb talented individuals and fit them into the community. If a country cannot accommodate the tensions, then the diversity as well as racial and religious harmony can be disrupted.

Singapore Culture
The many ethnic groups which populate Singapore, consist of a mixture of mainly Chinese, Malays, Indians, and others. In the early days, they were often separated and sometimes divided by occasional violent racial disagreements. But now, Singaporeans have harmoniously blended into a strong community, sharing a spirited national identity.

All of the above mentioned races share common patterns:
Emphasis is greatly placed on close family and kinship ties. There are rights, duties, and responsibilities each has to the other, according to age, generation, gender and relation. An example is elderly people being respected and well provided for.

Singapore’s openness and cultural diversity has helped Singaporeans look at the world from different angles. This has resulted in the picking of the best ideas from different cultures and integrating them into the Singapore culture, while maintaining a good cultural mix. (http://huaren.org)

Therefore, in a culturally diverse country like Singapore, racial and religious harmony is very critical. Without it there would be no unity and strength, which would in turn, result in little progress and prosperity for Singapore. Hence, tolerance and understanding are the keys to preserving harmony and peace in Singapore. (http://www.mindef.gov/)

Chinese Culture
One major festival among the Chinese in Singapore is Chinese New Year which represents a fresh start of the year. Other Chinese festivals include Qing Ming (a time for the remembrance of ancestors), the Feast of the Hungry Ghosts, and the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival). (http://expatsingapore.com/general/culture.htm)

On Chinese New Year’s Day, all family members wear new clothes and visit relatives and friends. Two mandarin oranges are exchanged upon visitation as a gesture of prosperity. Examples of even numbers: 2 (“yi”=easy), 6 (“lok”=wealth) and 8 (“patt”=prosper) are considered lucky numbers, whereas 4 (“sei”=death) is considered an unlucky number.

Red packets (more commonly known as hong bao) are gifts of money which bring good luck. Parents and grandparents, or married couples usually give these packets to children, family members who are younger than the giver, and to unmarried people. The money in these red packets are usually brand new bills, and are given in even numbers. Some Chinese businesses close shop for up to two weeks-the only break they have in the year.

More often than not, there would be a reunion dinner for immediate family members on the eve of Chinese New Year. The reunion dinners are either held in homes or restaurants, as it signifies the importance of close family ties.

Dark colors, such as black, are frowned upon (especially amongst the older generations) during weddings, Chinese New Year and other festive occasions; the reason being that dark colors such as black and blue, are usually associated with death and funerals. Red and other bright colors, on the other hand, are considered auspicious or lucky colors.

Thus, although Singapore has come a long way, with most Chinese have been westernized; some subtle Chinese culture can still be seen in everyday life. Values regarding appropriate care for ancestors, filial piety can still be seen around Singapore today.

Malay Culture
In the past Malay culture centered around the kampung, or village, but today, Malays live in housing estates in Singapore. Malays are a close-knit community with emphasis on family values. The two main celebrations of the Malay community are Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, as majority of the Malays are Muslims. Smaller-scale festivals are: the first day of the Muslim calendar month of Muharram (a New Year celebration), and Maulud (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday).

Hari Raya Puasa is when they celebrate after one month of fasting during Ramadan. It is a time of feasting and also forging closer ties with their neighbours and friends. Children go from house to house to collect ‘green packets’, which contain a token sum of money.

On the other hand, Hari Raya Haji is celebrated to commemorate Muslims who have performed their ‘haj’ in the Holy Land. The celebrations include a ‘kenduri’ or feast and also prayer and thanksgiving. (Culture Shock! 189)

As majority of Malays are Muslims, they do not eat pork. So when entertaining Muslim guests, one must check that no pork, lard or alcohol is used in the cooking, and that the meat is bought from a ‘halal’ food supplier. Hence, when visiting a Muslim home never bring wine and always dress modestly.

Indian Culture
Indians are famous for their strong sense of family, remarkable curries and striking religious festivals. The Indians of Singapore are a diverse group, having arrived from India, Pakistani, Sri Lanka, and even some parts of Africa. (Culture Shock! 193) Most Indians are Hindus, while the rest are Christians, Muslims and Buddhists.

Hindus celebrate Deepavali as a sign of remembrance of the battle of light over darkness. That is why it is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’. Being a time of celebration, most will decorate their houses with colored lights and also flower garlands during Deepavali. The Hindus wake up early in the morning and offer their prayers at the temples. Children pay ritual homage to their parents, and people pay visits to friends and family to reaffirm their ties of solidarity.

The festivities include having ‘open house’ for friends and relatives alike. Thaipusam is another celebration altogether. On this day, Hindus whose prayers have been answered by their gods have to make good their promise of penance. Devotees let their bodies be pierced and carry a ‘kavadi’, a metal contraption to evoke pain.

Most Indians do not eat beef as the animal is revered in Hinduism, and the rest are strict vegetarians as they are Buddhists. Sombre colors such as white, black, grayish or pale colors are appropriate for funerals. Bright and cheerful colors are best avoided during this period.

Influence of Western Culture On Singapore
Singaporeans strive to combine the best parts of Asian philosophy with the best parts of Western philosophy, where ‘respect for the individual’ (Western view) is secured and protected within the ‘support of the system of the group’ (Asian view). (Culture Shock! 45) Thus, modern Singaporeans are adopting and adapting many Western ways to suit their traditional Asian values. But, alas, not all are beneficial.

Advantages
It was when the British colonized Singapore in earlier times; that Singapore came under the influence of western influence. In this case, it was British culture, which still can be seen around Singapore today. Two very good examples would be that Singaporeans have adopted the British way of writing and style of governing.

Whilst Singapore progresses into new millennia, the more prominent culture that influences Singaporeans these days is American Culture. Thus, Western culture has become the basic force impelling nation-states, like Singapore, towards globalization. Because the West has led in the development of the industrial age, according to Toynbee, Western culture has “run like wildfire round the world” (p. 86). As more people around the world (including Singaporeans) speak and understand English, regarding English as a very important communication tool.

Being exposed to Western culture, especially American culture has caused Singaporeans, especially the younger generation, to be more open-minded and liberal in their thinking. Pop culture, such as fashion and music from Western culture (mainly from American culture), has been quickly adopted by many Singaporeans, resulting in an influx of westernized-behaving Singaporeans.

In addition, Western culture has helped encourage most Singaporeans to try out new ways of doing and seeing things, as well as become more creative.

Disadvantages
With the rising affluence of Westernization, many Singaporean newly married couples are moving away from the extended family to set up a new home. As a result, ties with the extended family start to drift apart.

Due to Westernization, personal gain, material wealth and status possessions are fast becoming the status indicators of many Singaporeans, as in many Western societies. A negative import of Western culture is the trait of ethnocentrism, which is defined as an attitude or perception that one’s culture and values are the only right and proper way, and that other cultures are wrong or deficient. Tolerance and understanding of other cultures is ignored. (http://www.southalabama.edu)

The Differences Between Asian and Western Culture
Western culture places greater importance on the rights of the individual (even against the government, eg. civil disobedience) rather than the rights of society at large. (Culture Shock! 50) In the end, each individual must stand-alone and be responsible for his/her own actions and growth.

As opposed to Western culture, Eastern culture places greater emphasis on the good of all rather than the sole benefit of the individual. Therefore, each individual has duties and responsibilities towards the society rather than on self. (Culture Shock! 55)

Conclusion
At the end of it all what makes a Singaporean? A Singaporean is one who is tolerant of other differences in other cultures; adopting or integrating the other cultures into our everyday life: from the food we eat, the clothes we wear, all the way to the way we interact with each other. It is all about finding the balance between all the vast cultures that can be found in Singapore; creating our own uniqueness (e.g. fusion food, and quirky habits). It is all about being ourselves in this every changing and evolving society while maintaining our unique identity.

Bibliography
Books
Toynbee, Arnold J. A Study of History. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, 1934.

Craig, JoAnn Meriwether.Culture Shock! : A Guide to Customs and Etiquette. Singapore: Times Books International, 1997

Website
Stratton, Jerry. Forces of Acculturation.09 Apr. 1995. Culture Shock! . 09 Jul. 2002 Kwang, Mary. Chinese Culture ‘can play a role in Singapore’. 04 Nov.1999. The Straits Times.11 Jul.2002

Tan, Tony Keng Yam. Racial Harmony Message 2002. 19 Jul.2002.Singapore.10 Jul. 2002

Mattics, Sarah.6 Apr.2002.The University of South Alabama .10 Jul.2002

Ow, Chin Hock. Friends of Singapore.1 Oct. 2000. Kowloon Club.10 Jul. 2002

Singapore, Expat. 8 Jul.2002.Society and Culture.10 Jul.2002. Expat Singapore. 10 Jul.2002

Teo, Ho Pin. News & Speeches.16 Feb. 2002.Singapore.10 Jul.2002. < http://www.cdc.org.sg/data/speeches/speeches9.html>