Look,
The sooner most of us admit it, the argument can be laid to rest.
Most of us in Singapore do not identify with China, nor do we
consider us Chinese in the context of attitudes, behaviors, values
and aspirations. Our general idea of Chinese is that they spit,
talk loud, grab money in every way possible. On the other hand, we
can never be Chinese because we cant even appreciate the nuances in
a Chinese joke that requires one to be knowledgeable in Chinese
culture, history and literature that is commonly known by a typical
mainlander if he/ she has completed high school.
And no, Ma Zhu worship is a Hokkien tradition, not enough of a
basis to qualify one as a Chinese.
So the question is, how do we describe ourselves given that we are
in appearance, yellow skin and black hair?
1. Asianized Chinese?
2. Chinese descendents of a long ago diaspora generation.
Whatever it is, we must ADMIT that we dont know enough of our roots
to qualify as a Chinese.
Then it comes down to: I am a Singaporean.
Oops! Define that.
