10S403 General Paper

AQ/ WUXINFANG/ 10S403

In passage 1, the author claims that murder and violence are higher in nations with the largest income inequality. Large income gap within the nation is usually caused by poor governance. For example, government may be incapable to distribute the nation's wealth fairly, they may be corrupted and give priorities to the rich, neglecting the poor. Hence, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. The poor may feel a sense of resentment towards the governemnt. Such biased ruling might trigger unhappiness and riots, which explains the high murder and violence rate. However, i feel that this issue would not be of concern to Singapore. Singapore has an excellent ruling body and society's welfare is well taken care of. Our education and healthcare are subsidised, making it more affordable for Singaporeans. With the basic needs met, the standard of living in not low. Therefore income gap is not the reason for the crimes in Singapore.

In passage 2, it states that riots are more likely to occur in destitute neighbourhoods. People living in poor state of environment are likely to riot. However, again, i feel that this is not applicable Singapore. Our government has put in great amount of effort to renovate and upgrade the necessary building facilities, making sure that residents enjoy basic living standards. Singapore do not have destitute nighbourhoods. For example, the HDBs lifts are being checked regularly and for every housing estate there will be playground and garden. We do not have large disparities among residents, therefore this issue is not applicable to my society.