Letter from the Editor
As a woman—and an Indian one at that—i’ve endured my fair share of stereotypes, ranging from the likes of “You’re so fair, are you sure you’re Indian?” to “You sound and look European. You barely have an Indian accent.” What might seem like innocuous comments actually reek of colonialist undertones: that it’s preferable to resemble my western counterparts than to fly my own racial flag high.
The pithy sentiment that lies beneath these comments reflects a larger truth: the fact that I am “different” can potentially make others uncomfortable, and if so, there is a need to slot me neatly into a box that’s familiar, within the context of a culture that deserves to be emulated.
What started as perhaps innocent ignorance seems to have reached peak crescendo, as anti-foreigner sentiment has slowly started seeping into our society, manifested through underhanded comments and blatant insults. Having been in Singapore for 15 years now, I sometimes find myself in an odd milieu: I’m part of Whatsapp group chats where my race and gender have clearly been forgotten, as I often receive appallingly racist jokes (did you hear the one where the Indian shoots himself?), or links to tone-deaf Facebook comments (if a product comes from India or China, it’s surely subpar). Call it ignorance or insensitivity, but the truth is that such rhetoric unwittingly reveals deep-rooted chasms in society that stem from a mistrust of “the other”.
We are quick to judge what we don’t understand, but what if instead of making snap judgements based on a person’s skin colour or accent, we remind ourselves that external differences have no bearing on their values, character or capabilities—or even their ability to love whom they want to. What if we remind ourselves that each of us is fighting our own battle, and that we’re all in the same pandemic-fuelled nightmare? That we’re all scared and anxious, and trying our best to remain optimistic that a better future lies ahead.
Being an expat is not a bed of roses, either. Those on permanent resident or employment pass visas now need to contend not just with open resentment, but also new policies that put them at a disadvantage. For instance, disallowing spouses to work on the strength of a Letter of Consent, or being unable to switch jobs easily as priority is given to citizens.
There’s no denying that governments do need to put the needs of their citizens first, and they’re in an unenviable position. It’s not the policies that need changing, but our deep-rooted fear of anything that’s unfamiliar.
Still, for every racist remark made, it is heartening that the vast majority of Singaporeans and foreigners focus on the ties that bond them together, from their shared love of food, to a passion for reducing their carbon footprint, or a common obsession with the latest Netflix series.
Focusing on our differences is the easy part. But learning how to accept them, understand them and potentially even learn from them—that’s the only way we can overcome our shared troubles and shape a better future ahead.
Enjoy the issue!