Living in a multi-racial country, it is crucial for every Singaporean to at least know some basic culture of other racial groups. Topics on racial and cultural issues have always been a sensitive one in many countries. Looking at the world today, many countries are constantly facing the threat of natural disasters and the people are left devastated. On the other hand, there are thousands of people across the borders trying to fight for their survival. Not because their village was wiped out by volcano eruption, neither was it due to the struck of a destructive hurricane. Civilian war continues for years because of their inability to understand and acknowledge the existence of cultural differences among them.

Issues on racial and culture conflict have always been a complex one. Often than not, there is no absolute solution to them. Though it is not easy to fully understand culture itself, it is very important for us to recognize the existence of intercultural differences among the different ethnic groups. In the light of Singapore, our government has always been very tactful when dealing with racial/cultural issues. Any slight mistake makes may evoke the unhappiness of her people.

I remembered there was this incident where my action was quite insensitive. It was during the Ramandan, a month where all Muslims will fast. I met out with this Malay friend of mine to shop for a birthday gift. During the shopping trip, my stomach kept growling in hunger. At that moment, I had totally forgotten that it was the fasting month for the Muslims. I kept complaining how hungry I was and suggested many places for lunch. I admitted I was insensitive. I did not realize the change in his facial expression. After we had gotten the birthday gift, he said he had to make a move first. Before he left, he told me that he was fasting for the month. At that juncture, I realized my mistake I had made. I apologized profusely to him. Although he mentioned that it was alright, I could sense his unhappiness.

Of course, I did not say those words intentionally. But looking at it from another angle, in the first place, I should have gone to find out when was Ramandan since fasting is a known culture of the Muslims by everyone. What I would like to bring across is, it is essential for us to at least understand some of the common cultural differences of our other ethnic groups. I believe the ability to understand intercultural behaviors is a fundamental tool to enhance our interpersonal relationship and helps to create effective intercultural communication with people around us.