Forum: Let’s not be intolerant of different views, but stay civil 

I do not claim to know a lot about American politics.

For better or worse, my knowledge about the topic is restricted to the names of a few American politicians, how the Electoral College system works, and a handful of policies that lawmakers have tabled over the years.

As such, I do not have a strongly informed opinion on the recent elections there, like many others do.

However, I have observed that opinions on the matter have been extremely polarising.

One’s choice of candidate is often framed as a moral choice.

For this reason, debate on the matter often ends up being emotionally charged, leaving both sides feeling hurt and misunderstood.

One of my American friends in Singapore commented that such conflicts permanently alter the complexion of relationships.

This phenomenon is not unique to the US, and it is timely for us to look at Singaporeans’ tolerance towards diverse opinions. Are we intolerant towards different views?

Edelman’s 2023 Trust Barometer Report revealed that 44 per cent of Singaporeans believed the lack of civility and mutual respect then was the worst they had ever seen.

Fewer than one in three Singaporeans also said they would be willing to help someone in need if they strongly disagreed with that person.

It would appear therefore that we are relatively intolerant. But does it have to be this way?

It may be painful to realise that those we care about disagree with opinions we fervently hold on to.

However, efforts to weave a stronger social fabric in Singapore begin with the individual. Could we consider seeking to understand differences in opinions and choose to remain civil despite these differences?

Isaac Chan Jing-Xuan