Please COMMENT on my blog!!!

Hey guys,
Please leave a comment on my blog if you have a chance to, because this is counted as part of my School Assessment grades.
So if you have anything to add to what Ive said, or disagree/agree with me, or even just want to leave a comment saying something short and sweet, please do.
All comments will be much appreciated =D
Thanks,
~~ Christine

Monday, October 6, 2008

I am not racist or anything of the sort (response to Singaporeans in COM class)

I would just like to state that I am not racist. Lol

I don’t think Singaporeans are rude / not nice or that everyone’s always in a rush (although yes, from what I’ve heard from friends, Singaporeans are certainly more go-go-go then those in other countries such as Australia, which is more relaxed)
I was merely stating a stereotypical point of view (my instant reaction when being singled out by the teacher, and not having any thoughts on the matter at the given time).

What I said in class, was not specific, nor clearly stated, as time doesn’t permit a lengthy explanation.

Also, if you’re looking for a western perspective, I am not the best person to turn to, as much as I may seem to be. I was brought up in Asian societies my whole life, so as far as “What I think of Singaporeans”, it’s not that I’m comparing them with my self-biasness of western culture(if that makes sense), in fact I consider myself more Singaporean / Asian than of any other western heritage.
I guess, in terms of my response that “Singaporeans are rude”, it’s most likely just my personal opinion when compared to myself and my interaction circle (rather than any particular cultural society). Also, people tend to remember / recall the negative things (in life, in a person, in an occasion etc) rather than the positive, as the effects are more imprinting. Therefore, perhaps my response is to do with the people I encounter daily whilst taking public transportation, those who I bump accidentally (that get angry with me, as if I did it intentionally), those who bump me (and get angry at me ANYWAYS.), those who deliberately stand directly in front of the MRT doors (instead of at the side of either door, so passengers can leave the train first) just so they can get into the train faster, even if they have to literally stare right into the faces of those trying to get out.

I just wanted to state:
• My reasoning for what I said earlier in class today,
• That I’m not racist,
• And that, when I give an opinion, it’s not necessarily a “cultural” based one. I’m just an Asian who perhaps grew up in a different education system to you, and looks different to you. But when it comes to a “Cultural aspect”, I still grew up in the country as you, and I’m exposed to the same people (public) as you. If anything, I’m more confused then you, growing up in two very different Asian societies, surrounded by international students (Western and Asian), and now being in a some-what local education system (at least the most local I’ve ever attended) rather than “international schools”



* Know not to judge me by what I say without reasoning, because, I always have reasons to why i say what I say * (confusing) * It just means i didnt have time to explain my point of view *

5 comments:

LMC said...

Btw, I'm comparing Singapore -in terms of being in a constant rush, and their frowns upon outsiders (mainly witnessed from the elders, who perhaps have had their oldness used to others *youngsters* advantages to shove past them or something...)- to western countries I've been to such as Europe and Australia, as well as other Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

It's ironic.....
For a country well known for its security and safety laws, Singaporeans are suprisingly hostile.

Arare - Raj said...

Don't worry,you are right and many people actually do agree with you.Singaporean are generally complete gits most of the time.


I think the problem lies in the fact Singaporeans ,or well most of them are constantly wrapped in a bubble of ignorance and "safety".We think we are invulnerable and the concerns of other cultures and how they do things does not effect us in the slightest.

I have been to many countries all over and it was only at that precise moment ,experiencing their own unique culture was I able to realize that we ,quite frankly do not really have one but maybe a collection of many.However we lack that one identity that makes us Singaporean.Some people would say its the "Kiasu" way we do thing but I think thats just a natural inborn thing with most humans.We Singaporeans just tend to show it out a lot more because of they competitive society that were have been brought up with.

I have encountered far less racism all over the world,where people in general are much more friendly.For some reason Singaporeans to me have always been for more racist to me than anyone else I have met.

Epic Fail.

okrasandaubergines said...

i have to admit that i do hate how singaporeans behave sometimes. just yesterday i was at serangoon gardens to buy supper. i was crossing the ZEBRA CROSSING and was almost knocked down by an inconsiderate, reckless driver who just zoomed her way through the road!!! can you imagine? i wondered how she passed her driver's license when she couldn't even follow the road rules and regulations.

you know, these are the few basic courtesies taht sometimes singaporeans lack.

i'm sad to say this about my own people but sometimes it's just too much!

Zed Ngoh said...

hello! mention your non-racist remarks, i can now put a face behind this blog. your photo is just too small for humane viewing.

i kid, i kid! everybody is entitled to their perspectives, and it is actually a unSingaporean Singaporean trait for people to feel that every comment made is aimed at their ego, and they take it seriously. this, i think, stems from the human inferiority complex.

please, do no apologise for the discussions exchanged during class. i, being born and bred 100% Singaporean, also think that we have a long way to go with regard to graciousness and being less, er... unSingaporean.

Anonymous said...

Hey Christine.

I can't guess at what comments were said in COM, but it wouldn't be fair to disagree with you on this. It's silly to pretend that the average person in Singapore is known for politeness. Perhaps it's a testament to the youth of the country - those older, ancient nations have distinct and proud cultures, whilst there's a vacuum of a distinctly Singaporean culture.

It's not easy to start a chat in Singapore with a shop assistant, waiter, or just another person in a supermarket as you could in Australia or London (London, with its reputation for standoffish people).

It'll take a little while before people here are comfortable enough with themselves and their identity to talk freely and politely on the streets.