Singaporeans and Caucasians

[Tigger]

welcome to everybody,

lots of friends reinforced my impression that an increasing number of Singaporean
try to make you feel uncomfortable in the
public by laughing once they see a
caucasian. They try hard to irritate you whenever possible...
Is that a false perception or did you make similar experiences?

Hi Marc,
I suggest u experience your feel here. Be open, different culture has got different sense of humour, lifestyle and etc. Try making friends starting from yr workplace, or yr neighbourhood. In general people are ok and we will not do funny things(emotional stare, laughter) at anyone out of nowhere. If u do encounter this, just igonore them and be happy with yourself. Welcome to Singapore and have lots of fun here.
:idea:

[Bafana]

Everytime I feel happy with Singapore and Singaporeans some 50 years old or something chinese singaporean Auntie just has to be herself around me and I loose all hope.

I was in the que at the NTUC supermarket waiting at the check-out and this Auntie starts up:-

"Excuse me" Said in a very nasty and particulary stuck up manner.

"Sorry, whats wrong?" I say as I had no clue what she was woriied about.

"Your intruding on my space" She says then goes into a ten minute siew (Mad) +general cussing and disapproval rant at me with the check out auntie who nods and agrees politely with her until she finally goes away.

Firstly she did not appear in anyway to have a mental disability.

Secondly the disputed space was my hand resting on the end of the conveyor belt - She had about 6 items in her little carry all which after her initial out burst spread across the whole conveyor belt. Why ten minutes you ask - Because she was so busy ragging on me that it was the check out Auntie could do to agree with her and keep her happy so she would eventualy piss-off.

If it has been a man I would have leveled him on the spot but her being female and of an age made me be respectful and put up with her crap. Which I now see made it worse as she took it as an admission of guilt and continued - Maybe she was just enjoying her vent.

This is not isolated - I have seen Chinese Auntied hook into anyone non-chinese in public bigtime, special cases include indonesians, malaysians and Indians. They especially love sneering at Indians on buses when a poor sould wanders to close to a vacant spot on their seat out wants to stand holding rail above them - Indians smell don't you know

I swear these aunties need to lighten up - Is it any wonder there husbands are out chasing PRC, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, etc skirts when you have such a sour puss at home. Talk to any "devoted' chinese husband in a bar in Singaproe as he eyes donw some young thing and they will tell you the same.

SARS and terrorism won't kill Singapore - Because the Aunties will have driven everyone worthwhile away long before then.

The most racist people in Singapore are Chinese Aunties - They hate indonesians, because they themselves are so lazy they need them to look after there homes, they hate malays and indians becasue they got to Singapore around the same time and they can't get rid of them and they hate Ang Mo's because they are to stupid to think for themselves.

Thanks be to God the Uncles and the younger generation do not suffer from such stupidity...

I apologise for my ranbt already lah but she made me Malu Malu Besar - such a loss of face in public lah.

[SG female]

SARS and terrorism won't kill Singapore - Because the Aunties will have driven everyone worthwhile away long before then.

The most racist people in Singapore are Chinese Aunties - They hate indonesians, because they themselves are so lazy they need them to look after there homes, they hate malays and indians becasue they got to Singapore around the same time and they can't get rid of them and they hate Ang Mo's because they are to stupid to think for themselves.

Bafana, you're one hilarious dude, but absolutely spot on! I used to be respectful of the aunties, like I've been brought up to. But just watch the way they push and shove to get up buses and MRTs, I really don't care anymore. Call me an ugly Singaporean or whatever, but when people shove, I take it they want to be shoved. I usually wait till they intentionally shove me three or more times, I will give them a good shove back, young or old - small brats can be a hassle too, the same treatment goes for them.

I agree they can be very racist, status-conscious and even dressing-conscious. I'm a Singaporean Chinese, same as them, but they have a nasty habit of staring me up and down like I'm a caged animal. And my mom, who often looks and dresses more youthful than her age, always gets the evil eye from these aunties who gossip among themselves, loud enough to hear, that she doesn't know the meaning of shame for not dressing her age. For goodness sake, these women don't know when to stop!

[Bafana]

I am standing at the curb today hailing down a Taxi - I finally snag one and just as it is pulling over a female chinese buddhist monk walks up looking at me then hops in my Taxi as it comes to a rest at the curb.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

A taxi jumping pacifist - What next lah...

I suppose she was just looking after her maid who was carryign two heavy large plastic bags behind her, either that or she was a Hungry Ghost...

BTW I thought monk could'nt have maids???

[heather]

I think what everybody should be aware of, is that Singapore is a young nation, we're only celebrated our 39th birthday 1 month ago! Singapore certainly have a long way to go in terms of widening the average Singaporean's mindset as well as cultivating our individual identity as a nation. Many of the 1st or 2nd generation Singaporeans are migrants and traditional mindsets take a looong looong time to change, or even progress.

While I do feel ashamed by many Singaporeans' behaviour towards foreigners, people of different ethnicity, different religion or even sexual orientation, please bear in mind that not *all* Singaporeans look at them through these tinted-glasses. Granted that the older generation have a reasonably more conservative/traditional mindset and might have difficulty in accepting something out of the 'norm', I can definitely say that younger Singaporeans like me do not have a problem with these expats/ caucasians in fact I get along very well with them for example, my 'ang mor' teacher and exchange students in school.

Sometimes, the 'eye-ing' or 'commenting' you see could actually be an act of admiration! I, myself am guilty of that- especially when I see a girl with such cool shoes/bag that I can't keep my eyes off, or a cute guy that caught my eye! Don't dismiss it as 'taunting' or 'sneering' so steadily. We're better than that!

That being said, I regret to say that not all younger and probably better educated Singaporeans behave maturely and I've seen with my own eyes how some teenagers sneer, make snide comments or even harass caucasians. I agree that they are just 'bored out of their butts' so here I'm shouting "PISS OFF!" Hopefully, these people will grow up someday and stop making a fool of themselves.

Things are changing, abeit slowly but surely. I just want to ask for more time before you all (as in the expats) make up your mind about us. We are becoming more accepting and open-minded just give us a chance to show it! Ignore the neighbourhood aunties and childish brats you unfortunately 'bump' into once in a blue moon, I'm sure for every 1 such person, there are 20 more Singaporeans who will make your stay in Singapore an enjoyable time!

[Global Citizen]

Heather, good post.

I find it disturbing though that most offenders just happen to be Chinese, don't you?

[Demographics]

Its just the fact that they constitute about 75% of the population. Question is whether the offenders constitute a disproportionate number in relation to this % in the overall population as compared to other races

[Bubbles]

OK, can anyone tell me what's wrong with me? I lived in Sing for over eight years, visit at least twice a year and, hand on heart, I have NEVER noticed any sneering or bad looks or bad taste behaviour towards me, EVER.

Was I just lucky? I may have been, but do you know, I have a sneaking feeling it may just be my attitude towards others. I'm a friendly, smiley soul and get the same back in return.

Yes, of course some aren't as matey as others, but all in all I'd say Singapore is a place I feel right at home in, even though it's obvious I'm not a local.

Perhaps I should do an experiment next time I'm on the MRT or buses. I'll scowl a lot, look snooty and stuck up, or as if I'm waiting to get into a fight with someone. My guess is I'll get the same back.

Perhaps I have the wrong end of the stick here. What do you think?
Bubbs.

[heather]

[/quote]Was I just lucky? I may have been, but do you know, I have a sneaking feeling it may just be my attitude towards others. I'm a friendly, smiley soul and get the same back in return. [quote]

I totally agree.

[Bubbles]

Just thinking.........have you looked at how many views and posts this thread has? Many more than the others on the site. The subject either fascinates or infuriates us then?

Or maybe it's indicative of the real reason behind the posts........that is, opposites attract. Can't get away from it, even if we wanted to.
Vive la difference, as they say en France.

Sorry, gone all Frenchified cos I just spent three days in Paris...........who's been there? Isn't it just the MOST fantastic place? Everyone should try to go at least once in their lives. A city for lovers.........but I went with the girls, but hey, you can't have everything...........lol.

[Bafana]

Hi Bubble

Gotta agree - I suppose I get all steamed up because I want to be accepted and be friends with the Singaporeans as I live here and I like it for the most partt. In fact I go out of my way to understand their culture and all. So I suppose when I get some narrow minded Auntie projecting her sad and sorry life on me when I am trying to be nice or just normal I get all narked.

I have been to France - The northern parts and I loved it - I found the people really nice. One tip is remember the word for train station is la Gare or soemthing like that

[christopher]

Bafana, I can sympathise with your supermarket scenario.

I'd also like to add that we must have had the same arse luck to run into the SAME auntie. I've encountered her in my own lifetime here too.

And she must have relatives in Canada, London, Sydney, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and LA; because I've had these same nasty experiences there too. ALL with elderly aunties. (Darwinism 'dis-proved' eh?)

If you don't feel like arguing with them, just ignore and move on.

If you do feel like putting these sef-righteous nagging guardians of moral 'rightitude' in their place, simply turn around and feign having a fatal disease.

"Auntie, I'm putting my hand here because I've very sick with Cancer and I need to rest. Please, don't bully me....." (in relevant little-lost-boy tone)



chris

[Bubbles]

Lauging, laughing at Christopher.....................

We have Welsh Aunties too..........and they make it their job to find out ALL about your life......your boyfriends, you wages, your short skirts, your homelife, even your bloody toilet habits. So.....think yourself lucky eh? At least you only meet these aunties in the supermarket. Some of us have them as relatives.........arrrgh...........

[BBC]

This has been a really interesting thread. (I've read everything!) Some have been very funny, some disturbing but never the less very informative. I'm sorry if I'm again repeating what have been said. But for once I have something to say.

I 'm BBC (british born chinese). Been to Sg once this year, and I was really surprised at how friendly everyone was, from taxi drivers to the aunties wiping tables in the hawkers market. This is in comparison with Hong Kong, which I feel is nowhere as relaxing and friendly.
But, I do feel for some of the topics that have been said. I'm told that Singapore is a tier society, chinese on the top, malay, indians and indonesians etc...
Westeners are place right up the top with the chinese. (I'm not expert, this is what I've been told by locals)

My own personal experience reflects this. I don't speak manderin, I have a strong english accent so I'm not treated as a Chinese person, I'm treated as a foriegner, I get looks, and stares too. After two weeks and a nice golden tan, I was branded a Singapore! (I had no idea what a Singapore was at the time) But I accept this as curiousity rather than malice.

Over all, I had a lovely time in Singapore, and I'll be looking forward to coming in the near future. You get critisise where ever you are, whoever you are. Its human nature. Even in England I can experience harsh racist even when I venture around London. What you can expect in Singapore is very mild and like someone before me has already said, treat it like ' water off a ducks back'.

BTW I'm loving this forum, all the regulars never cease to make me laugh! soo witty, and you're all very informative, thank you!

[Red necks in Singapore]

Years ago, I was a graduate student in upstate New York and on one of my "Discover the Real America" daytrips, I went to a delightful town called Danville in southern New York, a rather economically depressed corner of rural America. Pretty place with the forested Alleghenies rising gracefully from the river that ran pass the town. Being breakfast time, I entered the nearest cafe.

I went in there with a camera around my neck (this was in the era when American blue collar workers were convinced that America won WWII but lost the economic war to then-still-rising Japan).

From the time I entered the cafe till the time I sat down, (seemed as long as a stroll to a shooting showdown in a Western gunfight scene) all, and I mean all eyes - from about twelve people around four tables - were staring at me. They followed my every step...Their eyes were only averted after I sat down. Then when I ordered Bacon, Eggs and Hash Browns, silence again filled the room and again, all eyes stared daggers and all ears perked up and heard my almost unintelligible order.

Welcome to Redneck country.

Actually, all countries have rednecks and people have a tendency to label boorish behavior under different names. I remember how my European classmates would often called Americans culturally undeveloped and simple minded. How the rest of the World would - when one particularly Aussie talked way too much and started calling Vietnamese, Boat People and Aborigines, Abos - explain his boorish behavior with aspersions to the convict blood of the British rejects that ran through his veins, etc.

Generally, societies rise when cosmopolitanism and acceptance of cultural differences become the norm and fall and descend even to chaos when narrow mindedness, especially that based on culture and race, rule. A few years back, the government recognised this in Singapore and classified our society into two categories:

The Cosmopolitan who recognizes that a small nation like Singapore has to adapt, compete and open up and the Heartlanders (i.e. Ah Bengs and Ah Lians and our closest thing to rednecks) who would not be able to compete in a globalized economy. The aunties are our version of the American mom of redneck kids in country America going for spins in souped out cars and whose World is really very small.

Personally, I think your response from locals to you would depend on which category you have come across. As it was in my case. At university and in the town where I was at, I met the kindest, most intelligent Americans I could ask for. But just an hour's drive away, I met amongst the most hostile.

So the situation is the same everywhere. One wonders whether racism is derived more from a person's inherently felt insecurity (and who knows what that source of insecurity may be as it can be so many) as opposed to color issues. An insecure person can target anyone and everyone and if you are a minority, then it becomes a safe target.

Conclusion? I guess if two cosmopolitan minded people from different corners of the World met, there would be at least a modicum of respect and decency. If two rednecks meet (hehe!)...

So my advice is to ignore the Ah Bengs and Ah Lians, recognize them for who they are and focus on the nice big-hearted Singaporeans that you have / should meet. If all your efforts are fruitless. then I must say that it is either you with the problem (all rednecks see the World with a very narrow field of vision) or Singapore is truly well on its way to fascism. I kind of doubt that we are anywhere on that road so perhaps all one needs to do is be in the right places, at the right time to meet the right people and with the right mind.

Just my two cents worth.