Colonial Mentality

The interesting read below on a perceived colonial mentality in Singapore is a topic which is trying to work out if and then why Singaporeans have an inferiority complex. Having lived in Singapore the inferiority complex might stem from being removed from Malaysia after the British left Singapore. And as for white people being at the end of 'positive' discrimination I would have to say 'yes' it does happen. In the working environment there appeared to be a sense of 'whites' getting away with speaking their mind and airing their opinions. Even if those opinions ran contrary to the views or opinions of the management. I felt I could say what I wanted, and that no one would pay a blind bit of notice. Just another angmoh letting off steam, just ignore him, no point voicing your opinion, no one cares, nothing will change anyway, so no point in getting involved.

From Welcome to Rebrab Moor

 

The disappointing aspect is that the public authorities, rather than striving to counter such mentalities, are actually similarly repressed and subjugated by a colonial mentality. Indeed, white people in locally produced TV dramas are always portrayed as the bosses, classy and well-spoken people. The foreign talent policy is one that takes the policy that foreign ang mos are naturally more talented than our local populace and should be afforded better opportunities than locals.
So how do we rid ourselves of such an unhealthy inferiority complex, if it even exists? It is not an easy task, and to do so one must consciously strive towards achieving this aim. Of course, mixing with whites will definitely help us get along better, but while doing so, we must consciously treat them as if we are treating a fellow non-white Singaporean, such as NOT faking an accent (There is a difference between speaking clearly and putting on a fake accent). Non offensive jokes with regard to a person's colour or race may be seemingly good icebreakers but they actually reinforce stereotypical thinking and hence colonial mentalities. We must realise that every individual is unique, is human, subject to similar desires, feelings and failings, regardless of colour, and thereby treating every person for what they are rather than for what we preconceive them to be.
It seems easy now in writing, but I dare say virtually every Singaporean has been at one time or another been too guilty of being too accommodating, to the extent of actually being subjugated to their will/culture, or too xenophobic, to the extent of generalising all white people as 'bad guys with bad intents'.

Continue reading via the screenshot link...or the header for this article or the link above.