Our identity is based on our humanity, not based on race, language or religion

This letter was sent to The Straits Times Forum but was not published.

Every person, by virtue of our humanity, has intrinsic value and dignity. This is the basis for mutual respect in communication.

Our identity is not based on our race, language or religion. 

Our human worth is not based on age, occupation, fame, wealth or health for we would become less of a person if we are old, unable to work, severely disabled, poor or uneducated.

Each of us has something to offer to the community; an enriching life experience, a unique challenge, a talent and a skill, a different worldview. We are people united by our citizenship, all wanting the best for our nation.

Like the writer, I do not condone running down another's race, religion, language, or colour in derogatory terms (Racial unity - are we regressing?, Aug 29).

Yet an act that is seemingly offensive to one person may not be offensive to another of the same race. Being “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” has become more difficult in this net-savvy world. We are quick to pass judgement without knowing the context and easily make a mountain out of a molehill.

Laws may change a behaviour but are harder to touch a heart.

As an educator, I strive to set a good example to my students. Students respect themselves and others by spreading love and kindness, being faithful in what they do so that they cannot blame others for not doing well in their studies. They learn longsuffering through failures so that they would not resort to self-harm or suicide. They become confident, not needing to put down others to exalt themselves. 

The moral values that families, schools and the society inculcated in our children will build our nation based on justice and equality, so that we can continue to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for this Lion City.

It is when we refuse to be easily offended that we can build a strong character. 

True tolerance places a high emphasis on listening to different viewpoints while exercising self-control so as not to be unduly affected by differences.