Jamaica vs. Singapore (in 1965, both were equal in wealth, today one is richer than the other)

The American ^ | 11/19/2009 | Josh Lerner

[Red Badger]

– Awards for failed entrepreneurs (with a hope of encouraging risk-taking)

Caning?................

[2banana]

And one has a culture based on smaoking mother nature???

[BGHater]

Wealth is not the end all.

Singapore is a police state, with little regard to freedom.

[Cheetahcat]

I guess that wonderful Ganga culture has its drawbacks.

[2banana]

And one has a culture based on smoking mother nature???

[SeekAndFind]

Singapore is a police state, with little regard to freedom.

It really depends on one's personal preference. I know a lot of Singaporeans who have taken up residency in Australia because they feel the lack of Freedom in Singapore. On the other hand, I also know a lot of westerners who COME to Singapore to live and work because they prefer societal order and would not mind trading off their freedom to say criticize the government.

[BertWheeler]

This article is interesting to read, but it’s premise is absolutely false and cannot lead to an understanding.

Singapore is populated by high IQ Asians and Jamaica is populated by low ID Africans of West African descent. Singapore was being held back by British colonial rule and Jamaica was being carried by British colonial rule.

It’s the same pattern and it plays out everywhere it’s tried.

Is there any nation in Asia as disastrous as Somalia or Rawanda or Zimbabwe? I know the Philippines is poor, but it’s not populated with hollow eyed zombies running around with AK-47’s raping women.

Forget the comparison of Switzerland with Zimbabwe. Let’s see if Zimbabwe looks good when compared with ANY NATION in Asia.

[Astronaut]

Excellent points.

[RockinRight]

Well, Cambodia’s no picnic...

[RockinRight]

Very true - I wouldn’t want to live there.

However, they do some things right economically.

[Malsua]

Perfect way to explain to teens that weed is bad.

[HelenChicago]

Got it in one, Bert. There’s no point whatsoever in blah-blahing over societal and governmental systems if you’re going to turn a blind eye to the racial aspect. It’s fact vs. fashion nowadays, and fashion’s in the ascendancy.

[wtc911]

On the other hand, I also know a lot of westerners who COME to Singapore to live and work because they prefer societal order and would not mind trading off their freedom to say criticize the government.

______________________________________________________

Seventy-five years ago Germany was full of westerners like that.

[wtc911]

I was wondering how many posts it would take for some dope to blame it on race. You met and exceeded all expectations.

[BertWheeler]

Thanks Helen.

I’m too old to fall for the old “government policies” causing rape, murder, mayhem and a general positive view of looting and larceny among the general populace. A decade ago, I used to believe that the races that are constantly needing aid were just adhering to a lousy culture. Well, that’s dumb on face value. We create the culture in which we inhabit, not the other way around. And if you want to say that the past does influence us (of course it does) that’s because the people who have gone before you in an advanced society built and sustained just like you are trying to do now. The races that always need aid live only for the moment and can’t even comprehend planning ahead.

As for Jamaica, the tourists may not know it but if you wander off the “retreat path” you have a good chance of being “crimed”.

I’ve been to Singapore and it’s as nice as San Antonio, Texas. No kidding either. It’s on par with the U.S.

[SeekAndFind]

Seventy-five years ago Germany was full of westerners like that.

True, but I don't think Singapore has the capability of being like Nazi Germany. They're too little and dependent on trade with other countries to be aggressive. Indonesia alone could take them out if they had a Hitler-like dictator.

[Republic of Texas]

The difference was a mindset. Capitalism. Economic Freedom. Self Reliance.

[SeekAndFind]

Singapore is populated by high IQ Asians and Jamaica is populated by low ID Africans of West African descent.

That is TOO SIMPLISTIC an explanation. I don't believe for a moment that Africans are intrinsically dumber than Asians. It is the CULTURE and HABITS that make societies prosperous. I know of MANY AFRICANS in Europe ( the UK for instance ) who do well compared to native caucasians precisely because they value education and work hard at it.

If you went to Singapore, you will see how much premium parents put on -- manners, education and tradition. 90% of Singaporeans are Chinese and most still instill the Confucian ethic of hard work and merit. Add this to the fact that a lot of Singaporeans are also Christians ( not the wishy washy liberal type, but the conservative type ), and you have a blend of Protestant work ethic coupled with the best of Confucian tradition.

Does Jamaica have something similar instilled in its populace ? I think we ought to look at that before we blame IQ.

[zlala]

Jamaica ping...