How can Singaporeans studying in a Western country protect themselves from racist hate crime?

Upvote:4

Fortunately, hate crime is not so common across the West that it would be a serious concern in most places but in places where it is the only practical advice I can think of is to avoid some neighbourhoods/cities/regions. If that's the case, you will quickly learn which ones from fellow country(wo)men and other students.

In general, discrimination, hostility and petty racism are much more of a concern and can also seriously impair your well-being. It might be a good idea to research the place you would want to study beforehand and perhaps choose a destination accordingly.

Upvote:13

A quick google shows that while rare, hate crimes have occurred in Singapore too. They just don't tend to get reported very often.

However, what you realise the more you travel, however, is that the news goes with what sounds scary. Most people the world over are generally good, and will bear no ill will towards you. If you're referring to the police shooting black Americans, the numbers I can find are 324 in 2014. That's 324 too many, but regardless, out of 320 million people in the US, it's pretty rare (literally one in a million, if those numbers are correct). The same goes for other ones you mention.

Yes, dumb stuff happens. Yes crime occurs and yes there are prejudiced people. When you arrive in a new area, strike up friendships, and they'll warn you what areas of a city to avoid, what to not do, and what to do, to stay safe(r than normal).

Be aware, don't wander down dark alley-ways, avoid crime spots, and trust your instinct and generally you'll be fine. Of course, even if you do everything right there's still a chance of crime in any country, but for the most part, you'll be fine.

source: have travelled to many countries, have had one or two bad experiences, but have shared and compared experiences with people from dozens and dozens of countries, and almost all share the same view.

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