People should be more culturally sensitive. Unfortunately, most people around the world live a rather parochial life. There are many whose horizon do not stretch beyond their little villages in Germany, USA, China etc. I would say the forummers here are more worldly. We are a smaller subset of the population and not the norm. My mom, non-English speaker, probably only know 2 terms for caucasian "Angmo" and "Yang Ren". Since she predominantly uses hokken, "angmo" is the word of choice. I am not defending her usage as not being rude by western standard. Like most Singaporeans she hardly interacts with westerners, how she gonna know? In Singaporean (Chinese?) sense, it is truly not meant to offend but a term describing a group of people. You may call it dumping down, pragmatice or unsophiscated, but it is very straighforward way of identifying people by visual and very acceptable within chinese culture. Since this may come across as offensive to others, they should be more careful with their words in cross-cultural communication.pollyminaz wrote: Anyway, I have never heard another word for 'ang moh' until secondary school. So i am just trying to explain the rationale behind people using it.
My mother too, have never heard the word caucasion until recently. And she had trouble pronouncing it as well.
And what about the term "white"? Why would it be less offensive then "Angmo" (red hair). At the end of the day, whose standard do we use? The group that has more clout (economically, culturally more superior, the more squeaky ones?).
Singapore touts itself as multicultural society as in "Chinese", "Malay" and "Indians". It still lacks western sensitivities but as this group expands, their presence will be felt and people will start to learn about their way of life.Turtle wrote: Singapore, as a whole, advertises it's multiculturalism, "melting pot" history and wishes to gain more foreign talent. Therefore expats have this expectation when coming in to the country, so it seems a bit shocking when we get called these names that we don't quite understand. I think that's the difference, that if Singapore advertises that it is for all, locals should go out of the way not to offend foreigners, and foreigners should likewise go out of their way not to offend locals (i.e. like that disgraceful behaviour on the trishaw some time back).
. But one can't really fault them since the English language is a major hurdle for most. It is very difficult for Chinese speakers to pick up the English language and vice versa.
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