Chinese Coolies of Singapore

Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Coolieresting.jpg/250px-Coolieresting.jpg

The Chinese Coolie: An early settler of Singapore

Information on the Chinese Settler (What I know):

The Chinese Coolie was a familiar face in Singapore during the olden days of the past. 

Chinese Coolies are men who are hired to carry out construction of buildings. 

More Information on the Chinese Settler (What I found out on the Internet):

It was the British and rich Chinese who hired them. They did not earn a lot of money. They did not have a proper home to live in. They shared a room with 3-4 men and it was very uncomfortable. They played a big part in creating many of the buildings in Singapore.


Source: http://i.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101072652.aCPqXxCh.SINMELApr08067.jpg

They worked to send money back to their families in China.


How I feel about the hardship and lives of their settler? (Self questioning)

I think that it was a very difficult and sad thing for the coolies to leave their families and come to Singapore alone. Their lives were very difficult and they were not as fortunate as I am today. Their work was very tiring, I don't think I can work for the whole day and live in such a small room. I am glad I am born today instead of in the past. I am more grateful for what I have today. I think the coolies did a lot for Singapore because they built a lot of buildings.

What are the differences between the past and the present? (Critical thinking)

Life in the past was very difficult. They had to do a lot of physical labour, but today, we do not do much physical labour when we work. We use computers to help us and they did not have technology last time. We have enough food to eat today, but in the past, they had to go hungry most of the time. Singapore in the past was very backwards, it is not as modern and advanced as it is today. I think that the early settlers worked very hard to contribute to Singapore's improvement as a country.