Comments, opinions and an occasional ramble
Racism in Singapore
After reading a blog entry by a Malay guy called Ridzwan (I presume that is his name, going by the name of his URL), I must say that racism in Singapore is something that is still very much alive, although in appearance, everything looks nice and well.
I am not sure why some Singaporeans, especially the Chinese Singaporeans, take such a negative view towards fellow Singaporeans of another race. I speak from experience. I graduated from The Chinese High School, a school where you almost have no students from other races. I went on to Hwa Chong Junior College, where the situation is slightly better, but not much. I do notice that many of my friends who have been through 6 years of education in both Chinese dominated schools are somewhat racist.
I must say that the kind of racism I’ve seen is not the extreme kind (by that I mean actual and negative physical action against someone of another race). More often, it’s an extremely strong opinion about a race having certain characteristics and making unsavoury or even derogatory remarks.
Despite 6 years of schooling in institutions where there were few students of other races, I somehow didn’t turn out racist by any measure. I don’t know why, but I just think that it’s not right to make certain conclusions about people based on their race. While it is true that people of a certain race have slightly different habits and customs, it does not make them any less a human being.
It’s just plain unfair to think of certain races as inherently being more lazy, more unpatriotic, more prone to causing social problems etc. It’s always easier to demonise others because that makes self-reflection unnecessary. By casting others as the problem, we escape from having to consider whether we are problematic. Face it, for whatever labels that are cast on non-chinese Singaporeans, I bet to my last dollar that you will find many Chinese Singaporeans that fit the label exactly. Before Chinese Singaporeans think badly of other races in Singapore, they ought to make sure that they have the moral authority to do so.
I had the benefit of being in the minority when I went to the UK for 3 weeks in 2004. When I was there, I truly understand how it feels to be in the minority. You are always conscious of yourself because you look different from most people around you. It gave me an invaluable lesson. I think that most Chinese Singaporeans should go spend some time in a place where they are the minority and see how it feels. Nothing teaches better than actual experience.
Of course, that’s not a feasible option for everyone. I don’t think that having Racial Harmony Day is a feasible option either. What can one day of celebrations do? What is really necessary is for people of different races to come together for an extended period of time. Understanding is not forged in a matter days. It takes years. And, it better start from young. As the saying goes, old habits die hard.
Perhaps the first step in the right direction is to dismantle the SAP school system. The SAP schools focus on teaching excellence in Chinese, and students are usually Chinese. How can we reduce racism if we have such schools? I came from one such school, and I see for myself that such schools, more often than not, produce students that harbour some form of racism. And, it doesn’t help that most of these schools are academically strong institutions that attract smart students. This means that their graduates are likely to be future leaders of society, and I am not comfortable with these future leaders harbouring some form of racist ideas.
I think I’ve stirred a hornet’s nest by suggesting the dismantling of the system that I went through. I have to admit that there are exceptions, and not every graduate from an SAP school is racist. However, the odds of producing a somewhat racist person is higher in an SAP school. By the same token, I think that muslim schools (called madrasahs if I am not mistaken) should also be looked at. These schools should be confined to strictly teaching religion, and learning other subjects should be done in government schools. If we want to tackle the problem of racism and maintain racial harmony, we really need to take the necessary steps, even if they might not please certain groups of people.
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about 1 year ago
Having born and bred here, all i can say is that we need a change – government change. Have you all not had enough of 45 years of authoritarian, totalitarian, corporate and nepotist rule? Never mind if you are Chinese, Indian or Malay – each and every racial group is aware of our Dear Leader’s agenda of ‘pay me more and make my seeds richer’. He’s definitely pro-Chinese with his puppets in ministerial positions – regardless if they include ministers who are Malays or Indians. Who wouldn’t lick the shoes of a man who pays them millions?
His time will come and soon – but his sons will have to go too, otherwise Singapore will always be Singapore – “Uniquely Nepotist”. Are you prepared to vote for his party again? Or you going to live by his threats again? I have always found his rationalization of increasing ministerial pay packages amusing, “If you don’t, your wives will end up working as maids” (paraphrased).
Seriously Singaporeans, the bunch of you are living in the 21st century. We are not living in Confucian’s era – which he adopts by the way. Singaporean Chinese need to reclaim their dignity again – if you choose to lead by LKY’s example and his pro-Chinese views and comrades, where will your sense of empathy go to? Have you all not realized how our media is quick to raise more awareness and have regular donations poured in via ‘charity shows’? And who does this benefit? China! I ask you, how often have you seen charity shows on Mediacorp channels asking you to donate to victims of natural disasters in other countries? – Say perhaps Afghanistan, India, Turkey, Pakistan? And do you know why China is de facto country for Singapore charities? Business of course!!
The Chinese are not the only citizens of this nation. Indians and Malays are not second-class citizens – we have every right to this nation and will defend to our deaths for it.
Already the Chinese are disliked by many Australians; for example, buying and selling lands in many Australian cities, thus raising housing costs and land prices. The Chinese are also not well-liked by the minorities here because they play the victim when all the high paying jobs are always reserved for them.
By the way, someone posted an innuendo about Malays getting huge subsidies for education, etc. Singapore is actually called Singapura (a Malay word in case you didn’t know). You think that came by chance? Our island’s indigenous inhabitants are Malays – we at least owe them that much, much less make them feel like 2nd class citizens in their own land. So now you know – go weep in the corner you punk.
Btw, I’m a 2nd generation North Indian Singaporean – Mother Tongue – Hindi…but never got the chance to learn the language…(during my time of studies, i was only given the choice to learn either Malay or Tamil) thanks to our arcane laws that decide who studies what and who lives where. If this is the type of government you want your children to grow up with – Vote PAP…otherwise, i suggest Vote for the Reform Party. Hail J.B Jeyaretnam!
about 1 year ago
I’m a mixed blood and I pretty much do not really belong to any particular race but most, if not all, of my relatives here are Malays. It’s a pity they fit perfectly into what’s believed to be stereotypical Malays.
I grew up being ashamed of my own race (mainly Malay) because of how often we’re being trash-talked. I did not try to fit into any race though. All I cared about was doing my best in what I think I should do. All that when my age did not even reach the 2 digits.
Although I was from a multi-racial primary/secondary/poly/university in Singapore, it did not stop people from being racist. The signs were subtle until I was in university whereby the minority became really countable (can I say 2-3 per class). They’d apologize to me before making racist remarks and talked dirt about the other races.
After I got out of there, finding a job was a huge chore. When I mentioned that I was able to understand and speak mandarin (as what they required in their supposed stated job scope), I was questioned back if I could write in that language. By then, I knew it was all a gimmick because the job seriously does not need a person to interact with anyone (except probably your own colleagues) or have anything to do with the language.
Now, working in a multi-racial company (half of which are ang-mohs and a quarter are PRs, a Singaporean Indian and the rest are Singaporean Chinese), there are still some racism criticisms but most are matured about this sensitive topic (note that they do not avoid it).
Find the root cause of the disease instead.
Unfortunately, racism will not cease even if there is a real understanding of the differences in each other. Some just choose what they’d prefer to believe in.
Also, I do notice that the parents of those people who are racists seem to be more inclined to the old theories. But I do believe that you choose what you want to believe in and how/who you want to mold yourself to be.
I agree with Digital Vampire.
When I spoke change to my family members (as the elections are coming up), my elders were so afraid that so-and-so will blacklist us. I too, have mentioned that “the older ruling parties’ time” will come some day unless the new generation is afraid of taking the stand and all I got from my family was that I have forgotten who has brought us to where we are right now. I don’t remember being disrespectful to my elders anytime in my years and I do not wish to come out as disrespectful in any way when speaking to them about this but it hurts to hear that. I am thankful for the shelter, family and whatever necessities that I’ve been given through the years but what we have now does not benefit my own family when I have one in the future. My younger siblings? They couldn’t care less about what happens. It’s just so sad to see that kind of situation.
It’s still a fact that certain races have certain ideologies that are brought down from generations. I can talk my way of explaining everything to others but if they want to be stuck in the rut and stay that way, there is little that can be done.
Isabella~
about 1 year ago
Singapore is an extremely racist country. No doubt about that.
While I see hope for countries like the UK, US, Canada and Australia, I’m afraid certain policies in Singapore will make it impossible for the situation to improve here. The racial lines that separate us are there to remain forever, what with Chinese studying Chinese, Malays studying Malay, Indians studying Indian languages. There is no common culture among Singaporeans. CMIO all going in different directions.
I’ll try and be helpful:
Chinese: stay in Singapore
Malays: move to Malaysia
Indians: move to India
I’ve struggled with this issue for the longest time, and I used to be an idealist, but now I’ve come to realise that if the Malays and Indians want to have any dignity in life, and be fulfilled in life, they need to move to an environment where they are the majority.
Frankly, any Malays or Indians still living in Singapore are not really living.
about 1 year ago
I am very proud to be malay. My bro and I get shot by racism all e time..As long as ure olive or dark skinned in Sg, u r considerd low class.. Respected skin color is either fair yellow, or artificially tanned beach-types..
In order to fix this, all mlys in Sg shud marry high-end foreigners or chinese n make sure we breed a new type of mly grp to beat this elitist society. I wl make sure my children learn mandarin and mly and hopefully another language.
Lets be strong..
about 1 year ago
Hey I’m a nygh student and what I want to say is that it is indeed true that under a learning environment of all Chinese and only Chinese would perhaps develop some sort of racism. However, it is not something that is common amongst sap schools or Chinese schools.
From the way I see it, the main factor that develops racism in a child is the exposure he/she receives outside of school community. Many of my friends have friends of other races from their neighborhoods, tuitions, churches and even primary schools. This type of exposure varies from person to person and dismantling the SAP system is not that realistic?
The reason why SAP exists is to provide a more specialized Chinese education for singaporeans because we cannot deny the fact that Chinese is the majority race in singapore. The school does it’s job to provide the students with a broader perspective of life, educating them to be open minded and to respect people of other races. If the student does not accept it, education has then failed on their part. It should not be blamed on SAP or Chinese schools.
I mean, this is Singapore. Multiracial? Singaporeans should have learnt to accept our own citizens by now.
about 1 year ago
While it is a good thing most of you are vocal about the problem of racism in Singapore and how race is considered such a sensitive subject that it is quite seriously swept under the rug, certain comments like the Chinese should stay in Singapore or lesser races should marry Chinese are not only racist, but down right ridiculous.
The point is to not beat racism, it is in fact to alleviate the symptoms by forcing the government to approach how it has viewed the notion of race as of late.
In the US, people enjoy freedom of speech and sure there is racism, but its out there, in the open for people to talk about. There will be those that are for it and others who are ethnocentric, but what we want to do is to teach Singaporeans that its ok to question things we don’t understand so long as it’s done in an amicable manner.
It needs to be done and this is the only way.
Quit with the hypocritical racist comments by lambasting a particular ethnic group and work together to find an agenda that fits all.
about 1 year ago
Let’s see –
the first language of Singapore is English,
the national language of Singapore is Malay
the language of business, law, etc, domestically and internationally is English.
Why are there SAP full Chinese language schools in such an environment?
about 1 year ago
Schotts has an interesting point. I often wonder with the recent influx of Mainland Chinese and Chinese language and culture taking precedence in Singapore that perhaps the plan in the near future is to have Chinese be the first language in Singapore. I used to live in Singapore, I got by ok with English. I was back in Singapore recently and having lived in other parts of Asia I find that in terms of retail staff, mid range brands, there are a lot fewer English speaking staff. Most only speak Chinese. Unless you find a store with Malay staff it is impossible to communicate in English.
about 1 year ago
That’s to be expected. The PAP is pro China, but that doesn’t imply that us Singaporeans, we take that lying down. I know Singaporeans are used to having their minds made up for them…but it is the minority and the like-minded folk who wish for a true Singapore of multi racial existence not based on tip toeing around one’s issues but true integration should take note and make a move.
about 1 year ago
Unfortunately, China is progressing swiftly in English. The language of their main business partner is English and now that Europe has adopted English as the language of legal documents, another of China’s major trading partners is using English.
I have spoken to many Chinese from mainland China and taiwan who are extremely polite and speak very decent English, especially as they are professionals. However, there are some prominent business people who do not speak English very well but they try.
Singapore also does business with Australia and India, which are both in English. And much of Singapore’s corporate law firms intercede in between India and China deals, it will only be a matter of time before the Chinese become more fluent in English, especially legal English.
I am afraid that the findings by the UN racconteur, Githi, Mugui, were not flattering in spite of the government response, which was tenuous and not convincing.
I did notice that at a recent presentation the EDB expounded the GDP growth but avoided answering when it was pointed out that Singapore’s economic growth for the third quarter contracted by 20%.
about 1 year ago
I meant unfortunately for Singapore that china is progressing in English fluency. When they achieve sufficient fluency. their dependence on Singapore will diminish.
Similar happened regarding Singapore’s science/industry park in China in the late 1980s to 1990s
about 1 year ago
To Schotts: I believe we cannot deny the usefulness of the chinese SAP schools in Singapore. As a former nygh student, I appreciate how the school had taken the effort to teach about the Chinese culture and values. I fondly remember trying my hand at calligraphy, wrapping dumplings and sipping tea just to name a few. The SAP schools are valuable in how they promote appreciation of the Chinese culture.
The government may appear “pro-China” but I won’t name that as the reason why SAP schools exist. Afterall, the SAP schools were originally Chinese schools and that forms their unique identity. With majority Chinese in Singapore, I will say SAP schools is a Singaporean thing as well.
And I agree with Student that SAP schools are not the reason for racism. It’s the mentality some Singaporeans choose to have, removing SAP schools won’t remove the cause. Students from SAP schools still have many opportunities outside (@ work, jc, poly, uni) to learn and integrate with other races. SAP schools and Racism are distinct issues IMO.
about 1 year ago
To eleanor:
I certainly applaud the efforts of the school in keeping alive the rich culture of China. The issue is the assistance received by SAP schools, which are not offered to others and the singularly unique brand of elitism it breeds. SAP schools offer a specialist level of education that is open to those who have a high standard of the Chinese language. However, with the rule of those not being Chinese having to take a second language in their mother-tongue, precludes the rest from joining in the elite program.
This creates barriers, which is what the UN raconteur, Mr Muigiu, was talking about. The solution would be to allow or create specially assisted programs for other languages or remove the language criteria altogether and just go on pure merit with any language being allowed.
As you point, it is the mentality that some choose to have rather than the SAP itself. However, the very fact that special assistance can only be obtained if there is a high level of proficiency in the Chinese language and the system has become prohibitive to other attaining such proficiency, there is a barrier. Then, if a set of professionals is produced by this system of special assistance that is especially skewed to one language or racial group and these professionals have these special training grooming them to be among the top in Singapore society, an unplanned group having a singular racial source emerges. This group precludes those of the same ability from the other racial groups. Hence, the issue that the current SAP system in precluding others creates an atmosphere for racism to thrive.
I am sure that this specialist education goes well beyond advanced calligraphy and advanced dumpling wrapping. However, personally-speaking, there is a case for sipping excellent high quality Fu-Chou tea.
Perhaps the experience should have started a Starbucks-type franchise focused on tea. This may be the opportunity.
Rather than removing SAP schools, open them up and let culture be promoted in all schools. Let all know the culture of all our ethnic groups and work to creating a Singapore where a citizen states “I am a Singaporean” and stops there rather than “I am Chinese” or Malay or Tamil, first and unconsciously, and the next “a Singaporean”. The idea would be to enjoy each other’s culture rather than create an enclave, or in the worst case, a ghetto of various groups. It has been 45 years since statehood and we seem to have developed a psyche that keeps us more apart since those days, when we should have grown much closer together.
I do not think that the government is pro-China per se but it makes good sense to act on comparative advantage. My point was that if SAP schools were being used to create a business link with China, where Singapore is very much a go-between in assisting China, this need is not going to be around for the long term, perhaps even in the next 5 years, as China itself is progressing in adopting English.
To Student: Perhaps you should review what you have written with 180 degree perspective. The first is : “The reason why SAP exists is to provide a more specialized Chinese education for Singaporeans because we cannot deny the fact that Chinese is the majority race in Singapore. The reason why SAP exists is to provide a more specialized Chinese education for Singaporeans because we cannot deny the fact that Chinese is the majority race in Singapore.” Followed shortly by “this is Singapore. Multiracial? Singaporeans should have learnt to accept our own citizens by now.” There is a contrariety in that positing that Student is inured to and therefore unaware. This is what I am talking about – what an SAP-like system as currently existing could result in. The only way a school would educate and promote open-mindedness is not to have a centre focused on a singular culture.
Another example of contrariety would be by Wolfblade – “comments like the Chinese should stay in Singapore or lesser races should marry Chinese are not only racist, but down right ridiculous.” This is because of the use of “lesser” races, why not “other races”?
In closing, by recapping to Eleanor, Indeed SAP schools and racism are distinct issues per se but in the current format the former provides a breeding ground for the latter. And perhaps the cultural promotion by SAP schools has not be suitably aimed to succeed correctly and as it has not at this level, maybe its continuation, at least in the current linguistic and cultural format of special assistance, be reviewed. By this I mean it has failed to eradicate the use of Western names such as Eleanor, from medieval Aquitaine France, rather than the use of the richness of meaning that is in Chinese names. The point being that a name, especially in the East, is central to one’s identity.
about 1 year ago
you know, after reading all of this i feel so naive…so dragging my jaw off the floor i write this…i am in fact a UK born, raised and based Sri Lankan Tamil…right….UK i suppose are doing better in the sense that – racism is not as bad as it were 20 years ago. I am not a big fan of the UK and felt this way ever since i set foot in Singapore – i have a dream to live there and raise my unborn children into a world i believed held all cultures up high – what with the national holidays and celebrations that fills the streets of singapore, the museums with all cultures shown side by side. i wont be all naive and say that i thought racism didnt exist, i knew there always will be a form of prejudism somewhere – i wont start with inter racial prejudism…!!! but to be a pretty big issue? wow…when i came last to Singapore, i had a dream to see my children grow up in a school learning tamil and chinese as well as all other usual subjects…walking with my husband thru the malls, not wanting to be walked into but some dude who believes i am too dark…we all wonder when there will be a some sort of understanding lesson issued by govenment to help the citizens to see past colour of the the outside and look at the formless/colourless soul within…one can deram
about 1 year ago
Hi all,
I am Indian and I a proud to be one. Racism is just a pure idotic behaviour. As an indian I always got racist remark fron the beginning of primary school. My schoolmates made fun of my skin colour and worse some of them do not even stand beside me when we were in double line.
Once when I was playing soccer there was this chinese guy who made a tackle on me. My hands got into contact with his arms. Immediately he pushed me away and ran to the washing basin to scrub his hands. You all are right being a minority in Singapore is a big disadvantage.
Just because we have a different skin colour will not make us dirty. Why until today we still being treated like that the same way? I really hope we all can be seen as 1.Afterall we all are humans!
I feel really sad for the malay community in Singapore. They always get blamed for being uneducated and lazy. But there is just one fact about them. They are the most friendly people I have met. They are really wonderful. They have never failed to smile and say a “HI”. i admire them alot because even if they do not have the money they know how to find their happiness. I feel we all have a learning point to learn from them.
I really hope Singapore can become a country which is filled with awareness and a equality mentality. Look at our pledge people.Listen to it. How many of us have ever taken our pledge seriously? How many of us have ever behaved accordingly to our pledge?
about 1 year ago
I think that that error in speech made by Minister Ng Eng Hen is the way forward. The importance given to local languages in the curriculum has to be relegated away from inclusion into the main educational requirements to a sub-category.
Maintaining traditions and local languages are imporatnt but not when they impede national cohesiveness. Perhaps they shpuld be nutured at home but with school support. I know this is going to be difficult given the tough school curriculum. But they could be achieved as an extracurricuklar activity
Most of the world speaks English (much to the chagrin of the French) and even China is doing so.
about 1 year ago
Indiajack, I think what you are trying to say is totally out of the point. Basically we are discussing about racism in Singapore and not about which language is important. Apart from that I have to say that people with a very good comment of english can be fluent in their mother tongue.
I speak good english and tamil. Sometimes I even use singlish. I use the correct speaking term depending on the circumstances. Of course I speak Singlish with my friends and I speak English in my office. At home I only speak tamil and i encourage my niece abd nephew to do so. I think it is every1′s responsibility to make thier mother tongue live. Be it important or not. That is our identity. Tamil is my identity. I was born and have been living here for many years as a Singapore citizen but I still love tamil even though it is not important in singapore. But my tradition and identity is important.
I guess you are an indian If you are I wish you would be proud of ur identity. Whatever it is, till today, I have never been ashamed of being an indian even though i was bullied in primary school. But now I am a working adult and here every1 is treated equally regardless of race. There is only 1 issue which makes u outstanding. That is qualifications. If u are qualified enough, you will be given better job and salary.
Other than that I guess all of them are treated equally. I AM A PATRIOT TO SINGAPORE!
about 1 year ago
Well Rambutan.
I am afraid that you like many in Singapore have not appreciated by the fact that racism is kept alive by that school curriculum.
Nothing I have said detracts from keeping your identity. If in fact it is strong enough it will survive. And I am afraid that you have made the jump in conclusion that I am not proud of my identity. In fact, most Indians I have conversed with in Singapore have only a superficial understanding of their identity, culture and history. I am afraid so to for our Chinese bretheren. I do not know enough to comment about our fellow Malay citizens.
Culture and identity are a sense of belong, understanding and somewhat a philosophy that influences the way of life, simplistic example – the various festivals and method of celebrations. This is born from, instilled and should be motivated by family and not by a school curriculum. Furthermore culture evolves, the Indian, Chinese and Malay cultures are no longer what they were. Indians have not been specifically Hindu for centuries now but they were at one time and lived a very different life and culture. An Italian living in Rome does not speak Latin, although the current language has been derived from latin, nor do they eat garam or watch gladiatorial games in the Circus Maximus. Culture evolves, languages evolve. South Indian tamil lanuage is different from Sri Lankan Tamil, when looked at its detail – in a manner similar to Malay and Indonesian, or Hokkien and Cantonese.
A school curriculum that has a strong emphasis on traditional language runs the risk of producing a qualification that is not used in the workaday international globalised world. This is also effort lost when the same could be applied to gaining more relevant knowledge for working life, thus addressing your qualification comment. My point is that you do not need language that is not going to be useful as a realistically required qualification. Furthermore, on a different note, qulaification is only the foot in the door, after that is what you have learnt and how good you are. I am afraid that I have come across too many instances where qualifications failed to get the person the job due to a racist attitude. However, it becomes a nexus for racism when one languiage is used more prominently than another in the working environment. It also becomes a tool of secretive communication in public, hwen you do not wish another to know what you are saying in their presence – which is rude and disrespectful in any case.
I was never bullied in school for being an Indian. Yes, there were comments about Mamma and all that. But they disappear when you give as well as you get and then offer a humourous olive branch. In fact, ther was stronger cohesion then as is that which grew from it – among my peers and exists now.
I was at SICC recently and noticed separate tables of Indians and tables of Chinese. The exception was at my table where there were both Indian and Chinese talking laughing and truly enjoying each others company. They happened to be my friends and peers with whom I was in school and exchanged insults and banter.
To conclude, I hope that I have made my point clearer. I am proposing that the way in which we have currently set language in importance within the curriculum is exacerbating racism. It would also be great to see our IC remove the line for race. It is important within family and personal identity but detracts from national cohesion, which is the first step in patriotism.
And…Singlish is not a language – it is a bastardisation at worst and an affectation at best but to me it is laziness to speak properly (this being my own personal view that has been born out of observation in Singapore and how languages become slack in other countries and the foreign equivalent Singlish appears). It is the use of words from different languages when one does not have the vocabulary or ability to express within a single language system, even though that expression or exists within that language. it is the inability that exists within that person that gives rise to other ex[pression whioch when sufficient in quantity form an alternative street dialect. In my pre-U and Uni days – Singlish did not exist.
about 1 year ago
This whole thing is abit-a tiny bit exaggerated. Yes, it is true, racism is not very much dead, it is still somewhere, in Singapore. But, Mr. Aaron, I am a twelve years old, with 7 years of schooling(if you count my kindergarden years) and, NO! I don’t see any of my friends bullying each other. OK, maybe I have not seen the world, I might be a bit naive, but surely, Singaporeans, we are democratic, we are multiracial, you mean, if a majority of us are racist…Won’t Singapore collapse…even before 10 years????????
Next, no. We do NOT need a government change. Why?Why why why???????? if Mr. Lee, mind you, don’t insult him, he’s a great man, if Mr. Lee has not been nurturing this country for years, what do you think will happen? Yo, I will not even be talking to a ungrateful person like you!!! Who else can replace them? And talk about money, do you know, paying the officials millions-that is also to protect us? The officials will then have to think again-if they are corrupt, they will lose this benefit!!!!!!
So, go with Mr. Lee, and see if I can teach you something. I am a primary school student, mind you, and I am researching this topic! Thanks anyway, for the infos…:D
about 1 year ago
You know, I don’t follow you. How say you, that Chinese are downright ridiculous? Give me proof; come to my school and I’ll show you the happiness-the friendship between races-you have never seen. My mother(oh yah imma chinese) and my Indian neighbour, though not very close, respect each other during their festivals, and even sent a word of kindnesses, sometimes even presents!!!!!! So, being the racist you are, please don’t insult us, for every one is equal, what one man can do, another man can too.
about 1 year ago
AppleNexus, I would encourage you to re-read my post before accusing me of being a racist. As one who is of mixed parentage, I am proud of my hybrid status and am in no way a racist.
If you bothered to read carefully, you’d see that I was in actual fact, berating a few who mentioned the only way to bypass anti-racial issues through integration with the majority.
I called that ridiculous. I also said it’s ridiculous to suggest that in light of racism in Singapore, that the minorities should migrate while the Chinese continue to occupy the country. These were opinions made by others which I countered and called ridiculous.
And I agree every man is equal, but no man will be treated equally. Racism is an issue that every country deals with, so I’d suggest once again, to read the posts very carefully before you go off on a tangent and accuse someone who’s against racism as a racist.
about 1 year ago
Great. My fault. Sorry. But still, I agree with your point everyone is treated unequally. True, but it is in fair light that the way anyone is treated, the credits go to the person treating him. Whether it is good or bad, it can be controlled. Singapore is not racist…But yes, there are some in this world, for some reason, that thrives on racism. Hi, who are you again?
about 1 year ago
Applenexus, you quoted schotts but I am sorry but I fail to see how it is relevant to yopur comments.
What do you mean by not close? Not best friends, not helpful to each other, do not talk to each other or have minimum communications, just being civil? And why are your mother and Indian neighbour not close?
about 1 year ago
I quoted wrongly. This is my first time using this. And my mum, they do smile, not close as in not THAT close.
about 1 year ago
Applenexus: You are in for a treat, in sometimess pleasant wonder and unfortuantely sometimes disappointing; when you progress into your 13th year and your analysis improves with maturity and knowledge that ypu will be ex[posed to.
about 1 year ago
They just smile and nothing else, in spite of being neighbours??
You are in for a new world as you age!
about 1 year ago
indiajack: I like your style. Have you ever realised the cruelty of racism? If you know anyone with accoutns of racism, please tell me. I need it for my project. Good night.
about 1 year ago
Applenexus: Indeed I do. But as you are doing a project, which presumably you are getting marks for, or perhaps the satisfaction of obtaining knowledge. May I first suggest events described by earlier postings, especially those that extend beyond bullying? In addition, may refer you to research the Report by the UN delegate posted by schotts and also the official reply? Please pay close attention to the use of language on both sides and if, given that puberty is only close, you require assistance with the language – do quote and I will try to assist. However, you think you seem sufficiently capable.
about 1 year ago
Thanks. I can cope. I am learned, a little too much for my age.
about 1 year ago
about 1 year ago
@Applenexus
I usually follow the comments on this forum and I have to take note that you mention’d that “Mr Lee”, assuming here you mean Mr Lee Kuan Yew… is a great man. Hmmm… that again is a point of perspective. Not telling you otherwise, but keep an open mind. Things aren’t always what they seem.
And no, I disagree with comments regarding singapore not being racist. Yes I agree every country has its problems with regards to racial intergration. But a country which denies that it even exists is delusional. Infact it is quite strong here, the racial tensions.
about 1 year ago
See above poster. Its true, whether Lee Kuan yew is a great man or not is irrelevant. In fact, he may be a great politician, but a great man…that’s not a league he’s in Im afraid.
And racism is an issue everyone faces and in this country, it is strong, albeit, people are warned against acting up due to the strict laws. And this works two ways…when you suppress something long enough, eventually it’ll explode and you’ll have a bigger problem on your hands.
There is no equality in Singapore, none whatsoever. Then again, there is no equality in any country. Yet it’s worse here because by virtue of our nation’s size, that imbalance will only work against the minority. It’s like Marxism/communism, only substituting money and the ‘rich gets richer, poor gets poorer’ theme with race.
about 1 year ago
@Wolfsblade
Interesting point. I know of anti-racism laws that extend beyond causing racial unrest in certain Westernised countries, including an active policy that racism is not condoned (in fact condemned and preventatively actioned) in the work, school, and in fact any environment (that I am aware of), including the national curriculum. The curriculum is designed to educate and promote that fact that racism is an anathema not to be tolerated, such that people actually abhor saying or implying anything such. If one initiates or promotes a racist act, they are ostracised.
Because I have not looked for it, I am unaawares of such regulations in Singapore.
about 1 year ago
Oh, Mr Lee. Well, great, I mean what I said, Mr Lee is well…How do you put it? He is a natural leader. But you cannot deny the fact that he is the one that shaped Singapore. And @indiajack …Equality: It cost money. Balance. Do you know the Greek God nemesis is the God of Balance?> oon a totally unrelated point, what you take, you have to give. Racist acts, we cannot say that Singapore is racist-free, but well, we cannot say Singaporeans care either…I must say, Singaporeans are a bunch of people that are…hard to understand, classify. Oh, and by the way, I want to make a blog, but unsure how.
about 1 year ago
I have created a blog. I use it to post my doubts, for people to help clarify. Would help if you go to http://iamridiculous.blog.com/
about 1 year ago
@applenexus – yes, I did. Originally she was the distributor of fortune both good and bad. Frotuna herself was a Roman creation.
Do explain – equality costing money. For it to commence, it has to come from a state of mind. Some places are less racist than others. But then sometimes people are so innured that they do not realise they are being racist. However, I think that the way we have officially promoted our cultural identities, causes an imbalance. If a culture can only survive if it is officially promoted – it is better that it die, it’s time has come – as it has been for some many in history.
about 1 year ago
No, equality does not cost money. Justice does. The evils in this world-if you have noticed-are mostly rich. I believe this is God’s way of testing us, if there truly is God. Racism is started by man. Do you believe it, if man does not exist, this world would be so peaceful, maybe even better! Whereas, say, a silkworm, if it dissappears, all of us’d die. On a completely different note, yeah, racism came from a state of mind. People who are not racists usually-like me- think everyone is equal, and skin colour do not determine their character. Back to topic, equality, justice. People in this world are corrupted. trust me, if you are poor, i don’t really think people will believe you. This is the world, or so I think it is. I still see the world as black and white. Only people with kindness, not neccesary pure, have colour. (oh ya, this is not a racist comment) bye, i have to go to my tuition now teehee my friend norman is an indian, older than me by two yearas, and we still get along
about 1 year ago
Actually justice doesn’t cost either but its enforcement does. Now we come to that grey area of justice which is law. law is not necessarily the enactment of justice but the enforcement of a social contract whether democratically agreed to or otherwise imposed. actually animals have racism too – consider various types of chimpanzees and also dolphins. If man did not exist, we wopuld have no idea whther the world would be peaceful or not. Racism in linked to equality and justice. I don’t think that it matters that if you are poor whether people would believe you. it depends on your bearing and stature – take Buddha for instance, people listened to him after he was poor (okay, he attained enlightenment). I can’t think of any example just yet – oh yes, Gandhi; and unfortunately, I can’t use the example of Jesus of Nazereth because carpenters at that time were not poor. Sorry – off topic!
I work in an environment that is truly multi-cultural and multiracial, with people from many countries, outlook and faiths, and at least two gendered (yet to know of a third here) and we all get on well – not only at work, where we support each other, but also outside of work.
about 1 year ago
Hello people, once again. Back to racism. If there are any helpful people here, can I have an online interview with y’alls about racism? It’d be extremely helpful for my Social Studies project. Thanks
about 1 year ago
@Applenexus: I am afraid that I am too busy for this and there is a timezone issue.
What is your project: Objective, scope and parameters
And what level?
about 1 year ago
To avoid any further confusion and eliminate any disparaging remarks about what I said (Chinese living in Singapore and the other races either marrying in or leaving the country), I bring your attention to the real reason behind my sentiment. Posted 3 months ago, I was responding to the below mentioned post about how such an idea was ridiculous.
Im not saying that her opinions are based on racism, but the idea of it seems counter-productive. It was to that that I considered ridiculous.
Also, I realized I used the word ‘lesser’ and not ‘other’. This was a fatal error on my part. I fear having read too many of these posts had brain-washed me a little bit. As some one who is of mixed heritage and considered a minority, I know how it feels to always be looked at as the ‘other’ race and sometimes, let’s face it, that look we get…the word ‘lesser’ seems more apt.
about 1 year ago
Jen is stupid. Anyway, indiajack, i am a Primary 6, twelve year old, and I need an interview from a guy who is a victim of racism, and how he feels about it.
about 1 year ago
In that case, I would not be the best subject. I think Jen would be great actually.
about 1 year ago
well now that you say, even thought I don’t agree with Jen, he will be an interesting subject,:B jen please don”t reeaaaad my comment above
Well, I think reverse psychology has just worked.
about 1 year ago
Hmmm, you are now assuming that Jen is male – a preconceived gender discrimination example??
about 1 year ago
about 1 year ago
Since we’re back to the subject of leaving the country, S Dhanabalan mentioned in a speech in the 90s that the rate of emigration among the Indians was 2 to 3 times higher (!) than other Singporeans. I’m not sure what the statistics are these days, but my interpretation of this is that racism is a push factor that helps Indians make the choice to leave Singapore. I’m NOT saying that there isn’t racism towards the Indians in say, Australia. I’m saying that the Chinese have an additional ‘pull’ factor to stay in Singapore that the Indians don’t, and that ‘pull’ factor is the relative absence of racism.
Jen actually has a point; I wouldn’t go so far as to declare that moving to Malaysia/ India is the ultimate solution, as she did. However, it’s perfectly reasonable for the Malays/ Indians to explore our options and move wherever we can find the most happiness. This is a choice that each person has to make on their own, by considering their life situation carefully (career, family circumstances, etc). If you weigh your options carefully and come to the conclusion that you will be most happy in Singapore, so be it. If you think that you will be happier in Australia/India/whatever, then more power to you! Me, personally, I’ll be leaving Singapore within the next two years, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I have Malay/Indian friends who want to stay in Singapore, and there’s nothing wrong with that either. We’re all on this planet to be happy; we’re not here to live up to some dogma of nationalism/multiracialism/standing-your-ground-until-racism-disappears.
By the way, AppleNexus:
“NO! I don’t see any of my friends bullying each other”
“My mother(oh yah imma chinese) and my Indian neighbour, though not very close, respect each other during their festivals, and even sent a word of kindnesses, sometimes even presents!!!!!”
If you’re trying to show that there is no racism in Singapore, this is a very weak argument. It’s like saying, “oh, my father doesn’t beat my mother, so domestic violence doesn’t exist!” Just because you don’t see social phenomenon X happening among the people in your small social circle, doesn’t mean that X doesn’t happen in the whole of Singapore. Also, it’s entirely possible that you were not present/ not sharp enough to notice when your Indian/ Malay friends were slighted/ bullied by their Chinese peers.
I’m not volunteering to help you with your project or anything, but I do think the topic you have chosen is just too difficult for someone your age, however learned you may think you are. Every now and then, I hear young Singaporeans like yourself pipe up eagerly that racism doesn’t exist in Singapore. My thoughts on that, briefly, are that: (1) They subscribe to an extremely narrow definition of racism (only overtly discriminatory policies and violent hate crimes count as racism). It’s a very simple-minded and superficial way of exploring the issue of racism, but understandable since they lack depth of thought. (2) They lack life experience (in applying for jobs, etc) and (3) They have been tricked into thinking there is no racism by their schools, where they celebrate Racial Harmony Day every July. (We might as well start celebrating End-of-Poverty-Day every September and trick our students into thinking poverty has been eradicated worldwide.)
In fact, I wouldn’t expect much from many adults either if they were to try their hand at your project; the level of discourse here on race (and almost everything else) has slumped to embarrasing lows. But if you do proceed with that topic anyway, then I just want to make a small, tiny suggestion that you do it with an open, unbiased mind, and not seek out interviewees with the intention of brushing off their experiences as ‘not real racism’. Instead of trying to answer the tired, simplistic black-and-white question of “Is there racism in Singapore? Yes or No?”, try to be intellectually honest and rigorous. Seek new ways to describe the various phenomenon. Most importantly, read! For me, the most interesting book I’ve ever read regarding race in Singapore was “The Malay Dilemma” which started me thinking about the real reasons behind socio-economic and educational marginality among the minority races. Other than that, I would also recommend books written on race in the US; their level of discourse on race is far more open and rigorous than anything you can find here, and some of the issues there have parallels with Singapore.
about 1 year ago
eh fucker
thts u la ji bai
dont judge singaporeans like tht
ur mother is a fcking bangla going around banging
like no tomo
fuck u!
about 1 year ago
ur girlfriend?
i bet she banged so many chinamen bck in her time
n so many black guys!
bitch
about 1 year ago
Guess that this is expected from someone whose is named after genitalia.
Great example of the racism being discussed.