As can be expected, discussions of racism tend to elicit a variety of responses.
It is undeniable that institutional racism exists in Singapura. But we recognise that a lot of those who by virtue of their numerical advantage, do not suffer from racism, will assume that it does not exist.
And some others do not necessarily reject racism, but argue against its discussion.
We receive regular caution and criticism, especially from Chinese Singapurans against discussing racism. Some of them appear to be driven by good faith concern.
While others are simply trying to muzzle any discussion that may question their privilege.
We do not believe that those who promote the system, do so because they intentionally want to discriminate. But they believe in the system.
And for some, they take comfort in believing that their superiority is manifested in the outcome of the system. Because the PAP claims it is meritocratic, then if the Chinese community does better than the others, it is only because the Chinese are genetically or culturally superior.
To then point out how the system privileges them and discriminates against the other races, is to force them to reject an important part of their identity.
Their reactions tend to be from justifying racism to insults.
Such as PAP’s Jaro Gee’s claim that Malays are just looking for handouts
Or PAP’s Maydeline Tan’s association of Muslims and the ban on hijab with terrorism.
These are not isolated responses. Read the mainstream media comment section whenever Malays or Islam are discussed and we can see how much racism exists in Singapura.
Most Malays in Singapura have experienced racism. That many do not speak about it is testemant to the climate of fear whenever we discuss issues about race and religion and for some, the sense of resignation.
Does this mean only the Chinese are racist?
No it does not. There are racist Malays, Indians, Eurasians too. The difference between a racist non-Chinese and a racist Chinese is that the non-Chinese are not institutionally privileged.
And they do not create systems that perpetuate the racism.
Given that the political elites are Chinese, racism from among the Chinese community (which appears to be over represented among PAP members) become systemic and institutional.
Does this mean the Chinese in Singapura are necessarily and naturally racist?
Not at all. We know a lot of Chinese Singapurans who not only reject racism, but advocate against it.
There are some who are worried that discussions about racism may cause fractures in society. We recognise their concern.
Some of them try to understand and promote accomodation and respect.
And of course, there are also Malays who justify racism against their own community.
It is thus important to recognise that the problem is not the individuals.
It is not the Jaro Gee or Maydeline Tan who display their racism.
Or the Hawazi Daipi who justify it.
Our focus should be on the system that not only privileges one race over the others, but promote and justifies racism.
We believe most of the Chinese in Singapura, just like the Malays, Indians, Armenians, Jews, Sikhs, are good.
A lot of those who promote or justify racism do so because it affects their identity. Hawazi Daipi justify it out of his responsibility and loyalty to the PAP.
The same with Jaro Gee and Maydeline Tan.
To overcome racism, we need to keep the conversation going.
And remember that the problem is not the Ah Hui or the Ah Hiang that live next door or across the island.
It is the system that the elites have set up to privilege themselves and their community.
Source: http://almakhazin.com
