Culture leaves out nobody. But, individuals can choose to, not identify with culture.

In today’s world, many are worried about people’s perceptions, opinions, views about them. Their decision-making is largely affected by the societal influence. In other words, individuals feel that they are being judged all the time. This irritates oneself as they feel they have to maintain a certain composure all the time and live up to expectations by the society. Why does this happen?  If we look closely, its due to the culture of the Singapore society. The Singapore society is one that is competitive, and the social stratification is pretty wide, thus it all boils down to the survival of the fittest. With this in mind, people are always trying to comprehend other individuals talent and expertise so that they can better themselves and head on a path of upward mobility. Along the way of understanding the other, they judge them as well. If in like Norway where the social stratification is not that varied then people will not judge the others as they feel satisfied at their current position and the culture of the society would not be one that is judgemental.

Apart from culture affecting the individual through societal influence, culture also plays an essential role in all our lives. Without culture, a society will not be able to carry its daily mundane activities with ease. For example, one of the Singapore culture is that working individuals who are given an hour break  during lunch will go to the food courts and reserve a place using their pack of tissue paper. The foreigners who do not know the Singapore culture mistakes the pack of tissue paper as just that someone accidentally forgot about it and occupy those seats. This irritates the Singaporeans and they feel that the foreigners are not adapting to their culture and there is some tangible amount of friction.  This may seem as a very simplistic example but it is the simple things in nature that reflect our own unique culture. But, to show the degree of importance given to this example, it is important to note that there was an article about this issue in the Straits Times.

Thus, culture not only affects the individual and society in whole, it is seen upon as an identity and some relate to this identity. And, when this identity is questioned people react violently to it as they feel loyal and committed to their culture;their identity. Singlish has been associated with the Singapore culture and many see it as part of their identity. They are proud to speak Singlish. However, these individuals feel depressed when some in the Singapore society do not see this as part of their culture and worse of all they see it as a disgrace to their culture and identity. Furthermore, efforts by the society such as Speak Good English Campaign heightens the difference between people who accept Singlish as their culture and people who do not want to be associated with it even to the slightest. There is no judgement or conclusion on this issue as one has the freedom of to choose. So, though culture could be developed like Singlish, we must all understand some may not feel part of this culture though living in the same society. They could relate to a culture in the American Society. Thus, culture transcends all boundaries.

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