Jake Lloyd-Smith's article headlined 'The uniform rules over scarves' (South China Morning Post, June 14) raises a controversial question: 'Does wearing a standard uniform so as not to differentiate between Muslims and Chinese of other religions really create a harmonious atmosphere as the Singaporean Government seems to claim?'
On the surface, the answer may be, 'Yes, because it makes the children look alike.' But this harmony can only be superficial at best, and at worst, it could generate ill-feeling on the part of the Muslim children and a superiority complex on the part of those who conform to the rule. Would not harmony be more likely to be created if each child was allowed to wear a scarf, a turban, or whatever the family religion required as a sign of tolerance? Would it not offer teachers a golden opportunity to educate children to respect each other regardless of race, colour or religion?
Viewing the strife in the Middle East, where three religions, Jewish, Christian and Muslim all claim the same ancestor, Abraham, yet all at some time in history have tried to destroy one another in the name of the same God, is it not true that religion is the greatest divider of mankind, with the possible exception of greed for wealth and power? And often the two, religion and greed, are related.
If we want harmony, the main focus should be on educating children to respect each other and learn that religion is usually a matter of chance where one is born, and that fundamentally all are equal human beings.
Not only children but, it seems, many politicians need to learn this lesson.
Meanwhile, the battle of uniforms versus scarves has already created disharmony in Singapore and parents are taking their battle to court.