Unlike the pioneer generation who endured the hardships of World War II or had to take up laborious jobs or were discouraged from going to school, the "Merdeka" generation born in the 1950s had it slightly better. Even so, life for this Merdeka generation ("merdeka" meaning freedom in Malay) was not all rosy. They were growing up at a time when Singapore underwent a tumultuous period that led up to its independence in 1965 and the early nation-building years after that. They witnessed the fight against communism and the racial riots, and were worried about Singapore's survival after the separation from Malaysia. Living conditions were still poor, the literacy rate was low, and unemployment was high.