This document discusses instances of prejudice and discrimination in the USA in the mid-1990s. It analyzes the Los Angeles riots sparked by the Rodney King case and issues around race, social inequality, and the Korean-American community. It compares the American situation to Singapore in 2010, highlighting similarities and differences in racial issues, education systems, citizenship rights, and government efforts. Factors that could lead to social fractures in Singapore by 2061 like education, citizenship disputes, and political opportunism are examined. Possible solutions to address prejudice like multicultural festivals and education programs are proposed, along with challenges to implementing these solutions.

1. WISP Assignment 2 - USA T10 Chan Wen Yi Amy TayYun Xing Steffi Tee Weiling ZhengXiaofang

2. Content Section A Instances of prejudice & discrimination in mid 1990s. Case Study Los Angeles Riot Rodney King Korean-American

3. Content Other issues arising from: Race Social inequality Section B Key similarities & differences

4. Content Factors that give rise to social fractures & divisions Differences in ideologies & systems Section C Possible Solutions Problems & challenges

5. Identify the instances of prejudice and discrimination that existed in the USA in the mid 1990s.

6. Instances of prejudices & discriminations Racial discrimination Income discrimination Political discrimination

7. Racial discrimination Inferior Treated unfairly In terms of: Obtaining a housing loan Educational opportunities Substandard qualities in housing facilities Job opportunities

8. Obtaining Housing Loans 18% 23% 36% 23%

9. Job Opportunities Due to the lack of education that was provided Difficult for the minorities to find a job Not given opportunities to hold jobs with high authority, even if they are qualified

10. Prejudices and Discriminations

11. Income inequality Extent to which income, most commonly measured by household or individual, is distributed in an uneven manner.

12. Income Inequality * The percentage remained unchanged as at 1992.

13. Income Inequality Statistics African American’s net wealth only accounted for 17.23% of that of a White family.

14. Political Discrimination Statistics 98% of the judges in US are whites Insufficient education Judges require specialize knowledge in law High level of authority given

15. Political Discrimination Large portion of the jail inmates are blacks Results have shown that black youths are 6 times more likely to be jailed for their first offence when compared to white youths White judges are unable to maintain an impartial attitude when passing on a verdict to a black

16. Case Study Los Angeles Riot Rodney King Korean-American community

17. Los Angeles Riot On 29 April 1992 Sparked off with the acquittal of four officers who were arrested for police brutality towards a Black; Rodney King African Americans felt that the punishment on the police officers were too light Bias judgment Along with centuries of being oppressed by the whites

18. Triggers leading to LA Riot Rodney King’s incident Oppression faced by the Blacks Economic situations Discrimination due to citizenship related to Korean-American

19. Rodney King’s Profile Part of the Blacks Criminal record of robbing a store Convicted 2 years imprisonment

20. Rodney King On 3 March 1991 Speeding on the road Drink driving Spotted by 2 officer at Highway Patrol 5 officers from the Police Department tried to subdue him Heavily beaten with batons Kicked him in his head

21. Rodney King Whole incident was videotaped Video was circulated Eventually transformed into a media sensation Ignited the anger within African American (Blacks)

22. Rodney King Outcome: The police officers involved were acquitted Blacks felt injustice Within 30 minutes of the acquittal, more than 300 people gathered at the courthouse protesting the verdict. 24 officers tried to confront the crowd, but were severely outnumbered.

23. Rodney King However, the police never appeared, saying it was for their own safety. Gun fights between both parties began on that day.

24. Economic Situations Since 1980s, there was an economic downturn which continued till the early 1990s. Effects: Many citizens were affected High unemployment rate Reduction in standard of living

25. Economic Situations Blacks formed the majority of the lower income group in USA Hardest hit by the recession and suffered the most. Insufficient cash to support their daily expenses

26. Economic Situations Results: Most Blacks were living in poverty/ were homeless Unable to provide for their families Resentment increases tremendously One of the main catalyze for the L.A. Riots in 1992

27. Economic Situations – Vicious cycle

28. Korean-American Community * Therefore, they despise each other due to these prejudices

29. Korean-American Community African American disliked Korean American as they felt that Korean merchants are: Unwilling to hire them Sells inferior products to African Americans at a high price Failed to contribute back to the society with the money that they earned Rude (Explanation in next slide)

30. Korean-American Community Differences in cultural beliefs

31. Latasha Vs Soon Ja Du 13 days before Rodney King’s incident, an African American was killed by a Korean American merchant. Thought that the African American was shoplifting when she punched and knocked her to the ground.

32. Latasha Vs Soon Ja Du Verdict: Reasonable homicide incident Korean merchant, Soon Ja Du cleared all the charges Released on probation for 5 years

33. Compare what you have learnt from the American situation with Singapore in 2010.

34. Learning Points Discrimination & prejudice can lead to vast consequences Racial issues is a very sensitive topic among the citizens If it is not properly handled, it will lead to social issues

35. Section B Highlight the key similarities and differences of prejudice and discrimination.

36. Similarities 1.Racial Issues 1.1 Majority Race 1.2 Acts of Racism 1.3 Education system 2.Citizenship rights

37. 1.1 Majority Race

38. 1.1 Majority Race Singapore Majorities: Chinese, 74.2% Minorities: Others, 3.2% USA Majorities: Whites Minorities: Blacks and others

39. 1.1 Majority Race Both dominant races in USA & Singapore discriminates against the minorities in their respective country.

40. 1.2 Acts of Racism

41. 1.2 Acts of Racism

42. 1.3 Education System USA’s education system Bias against the whites Many Blacks do not get high chances to enter college & universities Singapore’s education system Focuses more on the needs of the majority race SAP (Special Assistance Plan) School systems Only catered to the Chinese students Unavailable for the minority races

43. 2. Citizenship Rights Stereotypes & prejudices against the foreign workers

44. Differences 1. Efforts placed in promoting a harmonious nation 2. Differences in social treatments

45. Efforts placed in promoting a harmonious nation Housing Development Board HDB Flats Ethnic Quotas Presence of Community Centers Encourage the interaction between ethnic groups as they engage in activities held there.

46. Efforts placed in promoting a harmonious nation USA Government did not place a strong emphasis Focuses more on the economy instead Since USA is the world’s superpower who is leading the global market.

47. Differences in social treatments Singapore Everyone is given equal opportunities to receive medical treatments & obtaining loans. Credibility & financial status are the key criteria in deciding whether a loan will be granted Regardless of race & ethnic groups

48. Differences in social treatments USA Minorities were denied of the opportunity to receive proper health care treatment A study published in the American Journal of Public Health estimated that: “over 886 000 deaths could have been prevented from 1991 to 2000 if African Americans had received the same care as the whites

49. Singapore 2061 * Singapore citizens includes Singaporeans & Permanent Residents.

50. Social fractures & divisions Singapore’s education system Disputes over citizenship rights Encouragement by political communists to protest against the lack of jobs

51. Singapore’s education system Singapore Education Hub Comprehensive education system Attracts foreign students to pursue their studies in Singapore Primary Tertiary Secondary

52. Singapore’s education system Intensify competition in getting local universities Local students faces huge pressure Resentment increases Strong hatred towards these foreign workers

53. Singapore’s education system Ultimately, this resentment builds up Leading to riots & strikes These foreign students will be the innocent party who suffered in the riots Scapegoats

54. Disputes over citizenship rights Singapore faces ageing population Attract more foreigners Boost Singapore’s economy Increase birth rate

55. Disputes over citizenship rights High Influx of foreign workers Intensify Singapore’s environment Foreign immigrants are preferred Why? Willing to take up jobs at low wage More hardworking Willing to work for long hours

56. Disputes over citizenship rights Discrimination Singapore citizens felt that they were threatened Citizens feel that priority should be given to them since they own the citizenship rights Increase in tensions SingaporeCitizens Foreignimmigrants

58. Corrective actions were taken

60. Encouragement by political opportunists If this issue was not properly addressed, Result in the 3rd riot in Singapore Racial tensions among both parties increases Increase probability of conflicts that involve violence might occur in 2061

61. Encouragement by political opportunists (Effects)

62. Consider differences in ideologies and political systems that could play a key role in this scenario

63. Ideologies & Political Systems

64. Ideologies & Political Systems USA: Believes in using racial profiling to solve cases. Prominent like in cases 1. September 11 case, where Iranian under scrutinize 2. Pearl Harbor * Racial profiling occurs when race is used by law enforcements/private security officials, to any degree, as a basis for criminal suspicion in non-suspect specific investigation.

65. Ideologies & Political Systems Approximately 32 million Americans reported they have already been victims of racial profiling Adapted from amnesty International USA

66. Ideologies & Political Systems Singapore Maintains impartial attitude when dealing with cases Act as independent party Singapore Police Force’s motto: We pledge to discharge our responsibilities without fear/favor, regardless of race, language or religion

67. Ideologies & Political Systems

68. Ideologies & Political Systems

69. Explain how the identified instances of prejudice and discrimination can be addressed to minimize social divisions?

71. Hosting “World Ethnic Festival” Commemorate the racial diversity in Singapore Promote Singapore to the world On a yearly basis Situated at Little India & Chinatown Showcase both local & foreign exhibits & performances

72. Hosting “World Ethnic Festival” Advantages: Allows Singaporeans to appreciate them Understand their respective cultural differences better Further intrigued the values of diversity Reinforce the importance of social cohesion

73. Usage of Influential Media Internet, the most powerful marketing tool in the world Interactive websites can be designed Used during curriculums Different features such as interactive games & videos Projecting possible consequences of disharmony

74. Usage of Influential Media Advantages: Ensure that correct values are imparted to the younger generations Understand the importance of maintaining a harmonious society Sets them to think further Reinforced the importance of harmony in a small nation, Singapore

75. Selected students will undergo a 2 weeks program Students of different ethnic groups will go to another student’s house whom are of the different ethnic group to stay for 2 weeks Such as Chinese, going to Malay’s house

76. Selected students will undergo a 2 weeks program Advantages: Better understanding of the allocated family’s beliefs and cultural behaviors Learn how to overcome communication barrier Allows them to know the importance of living together cohesively even though they are of the different races

77. Establishment of Ethnic Group CCA in schools Make up of students from different ethnic groups Students in the committee should be made up of an equal or proportionate number from different ethnic groups Organize cultural events Promote racial harmony

78. Establishment of Ethnic Group CCA in schools Advantages: Better platform for students to mingle with other ethnic groups. Learn more about other races Beliefs Cultural differences Behavior and practices

79. One Day Educational Tour Advantages: Understand more about Singapore & its cultural heritage Singapore’s culture Social norms Beliefs and practices Better assimilate into our society

80. One Day Educational Tour Implementation of one day educational tour Compulsory for all foreigners who are intending to work in Singapore Visit various cultural spots in Singapore

81. Highlight some of the problems and challenges that may prevent you from implementing your proposed measures.

82. Problems & Challenges 1. Hosting “World Ethnic Festival” 2. Usage of multimedia – Internet 3. Students to undergo a 2 weeks program 4. Establishment of ethnic-group CCAs in schools 5. Implementation of One Day Educational Tour

83. Hosting “World Ethnic Festival” High cost of planning required since it is an international event Government may not be willing to do so Since this huge sum of money can be better used in other areas Investing in bonds Improving amenities and facilities for the citizens

84. Usage of multimedia – Internet There are other materials on the web, which may cause social divisions in Singapore. Internet security Hard to design website that can attract attention and also allow them to learn

85. Establishment of ethnic-group CCAs in schools Difficulty in convincing the students to participate Students may not be interested Should it fail to attract sufficient students Waste of resources & funding

86. Implementation of One Day Educational Tour Resources & manpower required Need to obtain funding Problems in communicating Language barrier

88. References Siggins, Peter (March 12, 2002) Racial Profiling in an Age of Terrorism. Santa Clara University. Retrieved on 16 July 2010.http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/ethicalperspectives/profiling.html Randall, Vernellia R. (April 11, 2009 ) Racial Discrimination Previals - Minorities Ill Treated. The University of Dayton. Retrieved on 16 July 2010. http://academic.udayton.edu/race/06hrights/georegions/northamerica/china05.htm Amnesty International USA. Threat and Humiliation: Racial Profiling, National Security, and Human Rights in the United States. Retrieved on 15 July 2010. http://www.amnestyusa.org/racial_profiling/report/index.html Amnesty International USA. Racial Profilling.Retrieved on 15 July 2010.http://www.amnestyusa.org/us-human-rights/racial-profiling/page.do?id=1106650

89. References Hutcheon, Sarah. (April 30, 2009) African-American Teens' Perceptions Of Racial Discrimination. Society for Research in Child Development. Retrieved on 15 July 2010. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148135.php Health Behavior News Service. (January 29, 2010) Report: Too Few Minority Doctors After Decades Of Discrimination. Medical News Today. Retrieved on 16 July. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177487.php ScienceDaily (October 30, 2006) Race-Based Discrimination Contributes To African-American Health Disparities. Science Daily. Retrieved on 18 July 2010. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061027183652.htm Callendar, Arianne (July,2004) USDA Undermines Historic Civil Rights Settlement with Black Farmers. Environmental Working Group. Retrieved on 14 July 2010. http://www.ewg.org/reports/blackfarmers

90. References Environmental Working Group. Obstruction of Justice: African American Farmers Sue USDA for Racial Discrimination.Retrieved on 10 July 2010. http://www.ewg.org/node/8480 Diversity Web. 11 Facts About Racial Discrimination.Retrieved on 17 July 2010. http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-racial-discrimination-0 Anti Discrimination League.(September 10, 2009) ADL Offers Recommendations to Counter Anti-Immigrant Atmosphere in Suffolk County. Retrieved on 28 July 2010. http://www.adl.org/PresRele/CvlRt_32/5598_32.htm Tucker, Jr. Curtis R. (September 28,1992) To Rebuild Is Not Enough: Final Report and Recommendations of the Assembly Special Committee on the Los Angeles Crisis. Retrieved on 15 July 2010. http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/cityinstress/reb/summ.htm Chang, Edward TaehanToward Understanding Korean and African American Relations. Organisations of American Historians.Retrieved on 17 July 2010. http://www.oah.org/pubs/magazine/asianamerican/chang.html