After this project, our group has
learnt more about the Hock Lee Bus Riots that happened in 1955. We have also
come to a conclusion as to why the 1950s and early 1960s should be remembered
today, with reference to the Hock Lee Bus Riots.
As a
quick introduction, the Hock Lee Bus Riots was one of the worst riots that
happened in Singapore, leaving 4 dead and 31 injured. The blog post our group
has presented shows us 4 talk points from 2 different perspectives each. We
learn more about the difference between the understanding of the problem with
the bus drivers themselves and their employers.
We feel
that the 1950s and 1960s are worth remembering because incidents that happened
during that period of time have valuable life lessons that we, the future
generation, should learn from and improve on so as to create a better future
for our descendants.
For
example, the Hock Lee Bus Riots as well as the other riots that happened then
teaches us that violence or riots will not solve any problem and that treating
people with dignity and respect is a key factor in avoiding similar conflicts.
It is
absolutely logical for the bus drivers to pursue a better life and better
working conditions, but because most of the bus drivers were illiterate at that
time, they were often treated lightly and underestimated. They felt that the
only way they could voice out their wants and be heard was to hold a strike.
The strike they held started off as a peaceful strike without any violence but
the government decided to send police troops to break off the groups, which was
perfectly fine in the eyes of the law, but which at the same time, angered the
protesters. Similarly, the Hock Lee Bus Company employers also decided to fire
the workers indiscriminately and refused to listen or try to fulfill their
employees’ requests. There is nothing illegal about the way the whole incident
was handled, but the consequences of the actions that were taken out prove to
us that what is legal may not always be the right thing to do.
Hence, the 1950s and 1960s are worth
remembering in order to avoid letting history repeat itself and to mould a
better future for everyone, through the lessons we learnt from the Hock Lee Bus
Riots.
word count: 393
