Government--measures taken, opinions and views

In recent times, the government has noticed the dilution of culture in Arab Street. They have taken measures in hopes of rebuilding culture and preserving whatever remnants of culture left behind.

Measures being taken:

1) ‘No Drinking’ posters placed in Arab Street-

This campaign advocates not taking alcohol, as Muslims believes that alcohol consumption is sinful. However, I believe that this is not effective in creating culture as the concept behind it will probably not go pass face-value for the average person.

2) Architecture-

The government had been imitating and transferring Islam symbols and imagery symbolising Muslim culture onto the faces of shop lots. Although there is a conscious effort in recreating the Muslim culture back when Arab Street was culturally-rich, I do not think that this is very effective in rebuilding culture, as culture is something that is built by common identity; and the architecture have no way of creating common identity in the first place.

Furthermore, though the faces of the buildings are being modified to look more traditional and Muslim, the products being sold in the shop lots speak otherwise. The shops seem to be selling many modern things. E.g. Within a short stretch of Arab Street, we spotted 2 camera shops .

Thus, there is a clash and confusing mix of traditions and modernity. This mishmash certainly does not allow for a conducive environment in which culture can be built.

Varying viewpoints

Through conducting interviews of various people found in Arab Street, we were able to attain their opinions and views of the recent changes in Arab Street such as the modernisation of products sold and the general government action in the area. (Decoration of buildings etc.)

An interview of a longtime shopkeeper (60 years old) at Gim Joo Textiles selling cloths showed that he was well aware of the modernisation of Arab Street. In fact, he felt that it brought him more customers and was good in general. Thus, it can be inferred that he did not mind the loss in culture during the process of modernisation.

Contradicting him, was a middle-aged women who resented commercialisation. She was at Arab Street to buy cloth. According to her, cloth prices were rising rapidly and were way cheaper 30 years ago.

An interview of a tourist from England(22 years old) showed that he felt Arab Street lacked in culture in comparison to back home (UK). Thus, it can be inferred that he would have liked for Arab Street to be more cultural in nature.

From the interviews, we realised that most people associated Arab Street with being a place for shopping and not somewhere to visit in order to find out and experience culture. From the general viewpoint , we can further ascertain that the government has not been successful in recreating culture. But at the same time, this lack in culture does not curry any strong opinions, showing that many (Singaporeans , foreigners) do not for the issue of culture and identity.