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PRC FTrash: Foreigners to boost local culture! Be Grateful!
An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:
May 30th, 2013 | Author: Contributions I refer to the forum letter written by Sun Xi, entitled “Foster Bicultural Talent in Singapore”, published on 29 May 2013 in Today (http://www.todayonline.com/voices/fo...l-talent-spore). In his opinion piece, the graduate from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, who is a China-born Singapore PR, bemoans the lack of a true culture in Singapore. He suggests the intake of “cultural foreign talent” as a solution to this problem, so as to promote greater economic cooperation with the supposed rising powerhouse that is China. He says: “Singaporean culture is a mixture of mainly British, Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures. However, just like Singlish, the local culture seems to be neither fish nor fowl.” By saying so, Mr Sun has essentially dismissed our local culture as a haphazard mash-up of Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage, language and practices. Not only is this a rude and insensitive comment, it is grossly inaccurate. This is the very essence of our Singaporean culture – one where words such as “wah lau”, “makan” and “podah” are understood regardless of race, language or religion; where we enjoy foods from roti prata to carrot cake to nasi lemak; where we retain our ethnic heritage and practices and celebrate the diversity of our multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society. Our culture is our very own unique melting pot that makes us distinctly Singaporean, and thus cannot be said to be “neither fish nor fowl”. Singaporean culture has been described as a “rojak”, where we are all apparently mixed and jumbled up. However, think about it: we may be a tossed salad of different fruits, vegetables and condiments, but they come together harmoniously to achieve a balance of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours, and to become a dish we call our own. Adding other ingredients will confuse the taste buds and render it unsuitable to be called a plate of rojak. However, adding external ingredients is exactly what he prescribes: “Last but not least, immigrants from Asia could contribute to Singapore’s biculturalism, and the Government can inject more authentic Chinese, Malay and Indian culture here by attracting more cultural talent. Although integration is the priority, whereby new immigrants should embrace Singapore’s core values, they should also be more explicitly encouraged to retain their positive original cultures to inspire locals.” Let us not be drawn into his accusations of the lack of authenticity of our Chinese, Malay and Indian culture. It was never our intention to be as close to the cultures of China, India and Malaysia as possible. While we began as an immigrant society, one which our forefathers hailed from these foreign lands, we have now emerged as a one nation, and we are first Singaporean before we are Chinese, Malay, Indian or Eurasian. Over the course of our nation-building years, we have undergone a divergent evolutionary path from our forefathers’ original countries and forged our own unique identity. This is our home simply because we grew up here, shared common experiences here, and will defend this land. While a Singaporean Chinese may look similar to a Chinese from the PRC, the language, mannerism and behaviour of both will enable easy differentiation of the two. The point is, although we may have originated from the same land, we are now different. It is thus disingenuous to suggest that we require new immigrants to retain their original cultures in order to boost the local culture. In fact, the notion of imposing foreign cultures upon Singaporeans to inspire local culture is a laughable disgrace. If anything, this would erode the identity that we have built for ourselves over these years. Our local culture is under threat precisely because of the relentless influx of foreigners, who hardly integrate in our society. Suggesting that the cause of the problem is the solution is highly illogical and inaccurate. Perhaps his letter only highlights how misguided he, as a China-born Singapore PR, is with regard to Singaporean culture. He cannot be blamed for craving his own “authentic Chinese culture”, simply because he possibly has never settled in and understood what it means to be a Singaporean in the first place. We are Singapore, not China, India or Malaysia. Our very own Singaporean culture is unique, distinct and special. While it may be relatively shorter than those of other nations, it is by no means any less rich in culture and heritage. The threat to our culture and social fabric is the lax immigration policy that the PAP government has endorsed by passing the population White Paper. Will we see more of such self-serving, illogical and disrespectful comments from the foreign imports? You bet we will, given the rate at which they are arriving on our shores. The rot needs to be stemmed before it is too late. 2016 could not come sooner enough. . Tan Ah Teck Click here to view the whole thread at www.sammyboy.com. |
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