hard truths: social engineering part 1

what is the rationale behind imposing a racial quota for people living in the same HDB block?
if promoting ethnic diversity is the reason, then so far, i have seen the opposing effects it brings. HDB should really consider the stress it puts on people having to put up with neighbours who are so socially different, whether of background, education, beliefs, lifestyle, and how conflicts can arise.
i am not saying that i am intolerant of other ethnic groups. most of my close friends are not of my ethnic group. but at least they share similar lifestyle patterns. if HDB is trying to promote racial harmony, this is certainly not the way to achieve it. In fact, more ill-bred feelings and mental stress are likely to arise from it, seeing that HDB only applies the ethnic quota without considering the demographic and lifestyle differences of these people.

take for instance, if i am an early sleeper but have neighbours who play loud music till 3am every night, i would be mad, and most likely at their inconsideration, however, if these neighbours are of a different ethnic group, would it not be natural for me to attribute this anger and ill-feelings towards them to their ethnic background? the point is humans naturally prefer to keep to their familiar environment of their own same herd type. and if the institution prefers to bring in a foreign entity, positive impressions are vital for the success of integration into the group. these positive impressions stem from harmonious relationships, and similar lifestyle patterns resulting in calm and relaxed home environments would be the cornerstone to build these upon. We face enough hostility in the workplace 12 hours a day and wish not to deal with more differences around the home.

so i propose that HDB besides taking into account racial quota, even more so, should apply the criteria of matching of lifestyle patterns amongst residents who live in the same block. (similar to how SDU is taking pains to match people for couplehood). this on one hand can reduce conflict and unnecessary stress (and help birth rates!), and on the other provide for the establishment of unique niche towns with infrastructure catering to specific needs of the particular group of people residing there. WE would do away with a macs or giordano or any chain of franchise shop in every shopping mall of every estate in singapore. a perfect example are university towns, where shops etc cater to the young. Only by creating residential estates where people of common demographic backgrounds live together (i do not mean same race but rather similar ages, etc), can we create towns with unique identities.

if HDB is not going to review their racial quota policies, why should any Singpoarean pay nearly 1 million dolllars to live for the next 30 years next to neigbours that put stress on you which is simply due to the underlying differences in their lifestyle patterns and the stupid ignorance of HDB govt agency.