A survey conducted by IPSOS in 2020 revealed that as Singaporeans, they identify strongly with the multiracial and multireligious society, local food and delicacies, world-class services and Singlish.
Which attributes do you feel represent the Singaporean identity the most?
In Singapore, race is included in the birth certificates and identification cards of citizens. The race of a person is usually categorized into four main racial groups – also known as the CMIO (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others) model. With inter-racial marriages and new immigrants in society, it is challenging to just simply fit an individual into one racial category. Therefore, there is much debate as to the relevance of CMIO in Singapore.
Dr Peter Chew, a senior lecturer of psychology at the James Cook University explained that due to the Sedition Act which makes it illegal for anyone in Singapore to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population, people might feel hesitant or reluctant to discuss racial issues for the fear of being called a racist. Dr Chew states that some individuals think that talking about race or pointing out racist incidents is, by their very nature, racist. Also, raising issues about race and culture may be deemed “too sensitive”, as people regard these issues as private matters rather than meant for broader conversations.
Associate Professor Daniel Goh, an NUS sociologist specialising in race relations stated that it is people’s duty to call out racism when we see it. He highlighted that the way we call out racism should be respectful, seeking to “educate each other and deepen intercultural understanding. The large part of the burden should not fall on the victims or members of ethnic minorities to do so. Members of the ethnic majority should do their part too.
Suggested ways to engage with others respectfully
- Take time to know people of other races, ethnicities or nationalities as an individual
When we meet new people, we should not try to fit them into rigid CMIO categorization or let their appearance leads us to make stereotypical judgements and sweeping assumptions – which are unfair for any individual. We need to take time to understand them as a whole, and then we can embrace the beauty of how rich one’s culture and heritage can be in order to forge genuine connections with others.
2. Listening to experiences without judgements
People from the minority groups encounter casual racism and microaggression often. They sometimes choose to call out racism in order to maintain peace but deep in their hearts, they might feel aggrieved. If someone chooses to share with us their experiences, we are to acknowledge and validate their feelings. Hear them out and give them space to share their struggles. It is about empathy, respect and mutual understanding. Avoid phrases like ‘You are overthinking’ or ‘Are you sure about that?’ If you belong to part of the majority group, or is in a position of privilege, please do speak out for any people who are discriminated against because of their race, ethnicity or nationality.
3. Asking questions respectfully
Ignorance does not give us the excuse to ask insensitive questions. But when there are times when we genuinely do not understand practices of other cultures, we can first turn to reliable websites to find out more.
When asking questions, be wary of who you ask and how you’re phrasing the question. It might be good to ask a mature friend or adult who is willing to deepen intercultural understanding. Before asking any questions, ask yourself, “Would I be insulted if that question was directed at me?” There are other people with different experiences. Be mindful that everyone has varied experiences and thoughts.
4. Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore (NUS) said: “It is important, in my opinion, to identify these biases and stereotypes and understand where they come from and how they link to the various fears, anxieties, suspicions, frustrations that people have. Some of this will look ugly, but if we can start addressing them bit by bit, with understanding, there is a good chance we can move forward.
Below are common misconceptions that are clarified. Correcting misconceptions is an important step to help us engage with others respectfully. Conversations with others can be more fruitful and enjoyable for everyone when we are aware of any hidden biases and stereotypes that people might unconsciously have.
hidden biases and stereotypes that people might unconsciously have.
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Common misconception |
Clarification |
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A person belonging to a certain race must follow and identify with the traditions and cultures of the racial group that he/she belongs to. |
Culture is fluid. The rich heritage and cultures in Singapore is to be celebrated and enjoyed by all. People can identify with the culture of another race for many reasons. One of which might be due to their upbringing. An adopted child can be brought up by parents who are of another ethnicity and the child therefore subscribes to the parents’ culture and identifies himself or herself with that culture. There is nothing wrong with this. |
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A person’s race determines his or her religion.
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Race does not necessarily determine a person’s faith. There are Chinese who can be Muslims, and Indians who are Hindus or Muslims etc. People usually have the freedom to choose their religious beliefs. There are some people (atheists) who do not even have any religious faith. |
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The majority ethnic race in a country makes the majority more superior and powerful. |
In a democratic society, everyone should have equal rights and deserves to be respected regardless of age, race, appearance, nationality or abilities. It is best for all groups of people in the country to be represented fairly. Systems and policies in place should also be as equitable and fair as possible to everyone. |
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People should hang out with people belonging to the same ethnic race. |
Friendships and relationships are more so determined by factors such as common values, interests, personalities and shared experiences, than limited by race, nationality or religion. In fact, people from different races should hang out together because this is how people can get to know one another better and learn to be more understanding in multi-racial social settings. |
5. NUS’ Assoc Prof Chong Ja Ian mentions that Singaporeans are not the best-equipped to handle race-related discussions because we have put them aside for so long. For example, they may lack the language or are unaware of how they should discuss so that the conversation is constructive. Below are terms that are commonly used in conversations when discussing about race-related topics.
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Term |
Definition |
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Bias |
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Bigotry |
obstinate or unreasonable attachment to a belief, opinion, or faction; in particular, prejudice against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group
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Culture |
the way of life, especially the general customs, beliefs, social behaviour of a particular group of people at a particular time |
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Casual racism |
Racism that is infused into everyday life through jokes, stereotypes, unconscious behaviours and gestures |
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Discrimination |
treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin colour, sex, sexuality, etc. |
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Ethnicity
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relating to or characteristic of a large group of people who have the same national, racial, or cultural origins, and who usually speak the same language |
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Marginalised |
Someone or a group of people who is treated as if they are not important or insignificant |
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Microaggression |
a small act or remark that makes someone feel insulted or treated badly because of their race, sex, etc., even though the insult may not have been intended. Microaggressions can cause serious emotional harm over time |
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Prejudice |
an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge |
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Race |
a group of people sharing the same culture, history, language, etc.; an ethnic group |
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Racial profiling |
the practice by the police of thinking that people of a particular race or colour will behave in a particular way. |
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Stereotypes |
A set of pre-conceived notions, assumptions and fixed and oversimplified image or idea of people belonging to different race, age, gender or nationality. Example of racial stereotype: People from this race are always smelly. Example of gender stereotype: Girls are weaker than boys. |
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Xenophobia |
extreme dislike or fear of foreigners, their customs, their religions, etc |
Do you feel that race is a ‘sensitive issue’ and therefore we should avoid discussing about it in public?
Sources:
- https://www.academia.sg/academic-views/race-based-data-friend-or-foe/
- https://sgmatters.com/the-cmio-classification-affirms-multiracialism-and-matters-more-for-minorities/
- https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/race-talk-engaging-young-people-in-conversations-about
- https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/the-big-read-racism-singapore-society-race-interracial-1955501
- https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/cp/about_us/documents/2020-09/ipsos_public_affairs_sg_issue_04_sept_2020.pdf
