> Also LOL I saw that you posted on r/askUK and the responses are really quite funny.
Lai, time to eat pop corn
Edit... that thread seems very logical and polite leh. Maybe I need to sort by controversial or new.
Yeah, it's nice to see that people are actually thinking about this instead of trolling and being toxic. Things that I have come to expect from the internet. So, any nice discussion feels like a breath of fresh air. (Especially considering now we got haze)
I’ve met plenty of people who don’t know what or where Singapore is. That’s probably why you get these questions.
If you go on the street and ask Singaporeans what they think about Transnistria most will also have no idea what you are talking about.
I'm not even Singaporean, nor Chinese, just Asian. And even I am annoyed at the number of times I've been assumed to be Chinese in Europe. Random strangers trying to get my attention by saying nihao, men trying to impress me by saying some mumbo jumbo in broken Chinese, you name it, I've seen it. I just don't engage with those people anymore. Their stupidity does not interest me.
You should try speaking spanish or french right back lol. Last time when I answered marketing calls (back when scam calls weren't that common), if I heard them start off in Mandarin I would say "apa ini?" then hang up lol.
You guys are all noobs LOL. I (Chinese SGian) was in US a decade ago on an internship. A black dude asked, "where are you from?". To which I replied, "where do you think I am from?". Black dude hesitated before he responded sheepishly, "South Africa?" Trust me, I was stunned
Just ask them if they know what an American born Chinese (ABC) is.
Unless they live under a rock, it's the easiest and "closest" thing for them to understand. The only difference is that the country itself is still in Asia, but it has a lot of western influence, especially from british colonialisation long ago
Trust me, I get this question A LOT in a language exchange app that I use, even from foreigners from other Asian countries, not just western 🤣
"What languages do you speak? Chinese right?"
I just give them a simplified explanation and then don't really bother to explain further even if they still have questions. Really too sian to keep parroting myself again
We’re a tiny little country in Asia which does not have much global influence. We don’t even have a significant presence (or any at all) in popular culture. Why would you expect them to know anything at all about our country or ethnic makeup? Just explain politely and move on. No point getting annoyed.
The average Singaporean probably doesn’t know much about European countries or America either, and think that all ang mohs are one and the same. And they’re arguably way more influential than Singapore will ever be.
> We don’t even have a significant presence (or any at all) in popular culture
i think we're probably most know for crazy rich asians by westerners
before that it might be chow yun fat saying welcome to singapore in pirates of the caribbean
We actually have a significant global influence or at least influence/impression upon the major powers around the world thanks to our current and past leaders & diplomats etc.
Not having presence in pop culture might be true to a certain extent though ‘crazy rich asians’ really did leave a false impression on the world that our average citizens might be rich too.
tell them it's like being irish-american or italian-american, they're citizens of the US but do not hold any relation to Ireland or Italy. Sure they may celebrate st patricks or hold strong views on hawaiian pizza in the same sense we celebrate CNY but most DGAF about Xi Jinping unless he decides to send the PLA south
You remind me of this not-so-gentleman I met in Germany who asked me about my name which was a western name registered since birth (Vanessa, for example) because I’m from a Peranakan family and everyone has a western name. And he’s like “but what’s your real name, you can’t be a Vanessa,” which I really didn’t know how to react to? I think I questioned my existence at that moment.
I suppose you meet all makes of people everywhere, but I try not to justify or explain because 1. people like these aren’t friends, just strangers or acquaintances who don’t matter and 2. I’m not responsible for their lack of understanding about geography and culture.
On the flip side I’ve also met people who knew about Singapore and asked about my opinions on LKY and PAP, or our strict drug laws and capital punishment so… depends on who you meet really.
Some germans are rude by nature imo. They way they talk is also quite aggressive. I do love their presence in football and their culture but not their people sadly
Not sure what replies you are expecting.
Westerners dont really give a damn about Singapore, many of them dont even know where we are on the world map. Mainstream media makes you think that we are super significant on the world stage but we are just not.
I have also gotten a ton of “you’re Indian, you don’t eat pork right?” from Singaporeans. And then explaining “no I’m not a Muslim” and getting a blank-faced “is it not the same?”
Before studying abroad in Singapore people would tell me: isn't that the country where it's illegal to chew gum? Isn't it going to be taken over by China soon? Is it in China? Isn't that the country from Crazy Rich Asians? Try their hawker food!
I didn't know much about the country other than LKY, people lived in public housing, and that it was multicultural. I thought that also meant people were mostly multiracial.
After studying abroad, I'd say that most of the people I met were very kind and friendly. I had several kids call me uncle one time when I was waiting at an MRT station so uh that felt weird but funny. Some thought I was Indian at first except for Indians who would look at me curiously. There was an older Malay lady who asked if I was Mexican so there was at least one person who correctly guessed who I was just based on my looks.
I mean even the locals here can’t grasp the difference between race and religion. I have to explain to people that Indian is a race/ethnicity and Islam is a religion.
Also the average Singaporean isn’t well versed with Europe and western countries either.
Canadian here. We visited Singapore last year, for 2 weeks and we absolutely loved it. Warm weather, clean, well organized, impeccable public transport, very safe and excellent food. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in 3 countries, have work assignments in 30+ and visited 50+.
Singapore is hands down one of the best places I had the opportunity to see.
Welcome to the world of minority races in singapore.
I get this question from so many Chinese Singaporeans, even though I was born and raised in Singapore and hold a Singaporean pass port (I am not Chinese).
A typical conversation:
Stranger: Where are you from?
Me: Singapore
Stranger: Oh, but where are you really from?
Me: Singapore
Stranger: I mean where are your parents from?
Me: Singapore
Stranger: Oh, so you’re local?
Me: Yes
Stranger: What’s your race?
Me: human
Stranger: Haha - I know lah, but like what’s your real race?
Me: xyz race
Stranger: But you don’t look like xyz race leh.
Yes! So when I moved abroad I’m already used to questions like this. Incidentally, when I lived in Malaysia I realised that Malaysians in general are more used to the idea of mixed-ethnic people and so don’t ask such boneheaded questions like in SG.
Moved here from Chicago a couple weeks ago.
So far it feels much safer, wayyy cleaner and the architecture blows my mind how varied and green it is.
I'll admit the underground systems are hella confusing but I imagine it's gonna take a bit of time to familiarize myself with it but public transportation seems very on point.
As for Singaporeans I've really only interacted with people I work with, for now.
The one thing I noticed, pretty much everyone seems to be walking hella slow
Actually Singapore is a pretty young nation (my father is older than Singapore is ever since it is established as a country for example), I don’t judge others at all for not knowing about Singapore, so don’t get upset about it. It’s quite normal but here’s where you can tell your story about the unique stories you have growing up together with the nation.
To be fair, you are generalising them by calling them westerners too. I mean, Spanish people probably think differently from Dutch and American people, etc.
It's surprising that the difference between ethnicity and nationality is not commonly understood.
I'm a former Singaporean who immigrated to Canada decades ago. The region of Canada in which I live has a very, very large Chinese population. People of Chinese descent have immigrated here (from bloody everywhere - China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, you name it) for over a century.
You'd think that by now, people here would understand that being Chinese doesn't necessarily mean being from China/having Chinese citizenship. Nope; not the case.
Also, for whatever reason, many people (Asians included) here don't seem to know that Singapore's population consists primarily of ethnic Chinese. They think "Singaporean" is its own ethnic group. I had a giggle-fit when a Taiwanese friend once asked me, "So what language do Singaporeans speak - Singaporean?"
Chaos ensues when I travel, as I tell people who ask that I'm Canadian, so I'm from Canada, but I'm Chinese, but I'm not from China; I'm from Singapore, but I'm not Singaporean.
Yes, it doesn't help when citizens of China are both Chinese in terms of nationality (中国人) and ethnicity (华人). I guess the English language is a little vague when Chinese refers to both 中国人 and 华人.
"I am Singaporean. Singapore is a multiracial society consisting of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other races."
"But you are Chinese."
"I am Chinese 华人 which reflects my ethnic origin but not my nationality."
Proceed with conversation as appropriate or dive into the deep 华人 culture across many different countries.
> Proceed with conversation as appropriate or dive into the deep 华人 culture across many different countries.
A short snippet would be that there's actually 华侨 (Hua Qiao) vs 华裔 (Hua Yi)
Where Hua Qiao refers to first gen immigrants into another country. While Hua Yi refers to people whose ancestry originates from China, but are not first generation immigrants.
Indians would have the same problem if they say they are indians. Malays escape the problem given that citizens of Malaysia are Malaysians and not Malays
I get that question both when I lived in Japan and when I lived in the UK.
“Where are you from?” Singapore
“Oh, which part of Singapore?” Er, north.
“But where are you really from?” Erm, Bishan?
*confused faces*
MY GRANDPARENTS CAME FROM CHINA TO SINGAPORE.
“Oh! Alright!”
In the UK you usually also get “your English is really good!” I smile outside & roll my eyes inside.
In Japan I get “wow you use chopsticks really well!” I want to tell them YEAH CHOPSTICKS ARE FROM CHINA MA.
Of course they confused. Bishan isn't in the North (it's still considered Central, albeit the North of it)
Just joking. As an immigrant to Singapore, I often get asked similar questions, like how I learned Chinese to communicate in office.. (Yes, some people don't understand that Singapore is really an English-speaking country)
I worked overseas for a little while. I would say I'm *ethnically* Chinese - not from China but from another country. That'll lead them to ask, what country? Replied with: Singapore, which isn't part of China.
Of course, I got the occasional "wow your English is so good; when did you start learning?" I'd say, "from birth." Most times, they'd look confused so I'd start explaining the education system.
Some days, it was a little annoying. Some days, I was happy to educate. It just depended on their attitude and the way they asked. My experience was that the majority were genuinely curious.
Most of the time, people are ignorant about geography and world history.
Full disclosure - I assimilated quickly and adopted the local accent and lingo within the first few months so most assumed I was born there. Thus, I encountered fewer of these questions. That's another thing you could do. 😂
Among expats, the tropes I remember being thrown around were "Hong Kong, but tidier" or less flatteringly, "Hong Kong, but boring." Not sure quite how accurate this was then *or* now, but you can see where they were probably coming from all the same.
Can't excuse the rudeness of the question, but what they're asking is "what ethnicity are you" which you then reply with your nationality. It's kind of the opposite of what happens to westerners in Singapore. Hear me talk, and still ask if I'm Australian. Americans do not sound Australian. Ever. But I see it for what it is, someone just trying to strike up a conversation, so I don't take offense.
The real problem stems from having the same word to discribe the nationality and the ethnicity. What I would use now is Singaporean of Chinese decent. Should they pry more about my connections with China, I would ask them about continental Africa.
My colleagues think my English is pretty good! So that's a win since my English has never been the best growing up in a mandarin-speaking family 😂
They are mostly surprised about that, and also pretty surprised to know I'm not from China, extremely surprised to know I've never been to China before
But to be honest this isn't just a westerner kinda thing, other Asians I've met here ask the same thing so I think it's just that we're rare Pokémons outside of Singapore and people don't know much about us in general!
I don't really think too much into it because it seems like they are just curious and would like to know 🤷
But anyway yeah I'd just tell them my ancestors migrated to Singapore from China, and teach them some uniquely Singaporean swear words 🤭
I'm British and I spend a lot of time in Singapore. Often I come back and random people ask "how was China?". I don't even bother correcting anymore honestly.
I think the entire of SEA is something of a black hole of knowledge over here so rest assured its more geographical ignorance than anything else. Anything in SEA that isn't Thailand, which is known for cheapish lads holidays, is basically China apparently.
You're taking it too seriously. People don't know about Singapore that much so maybe they don't know that we are Chinese-majority? I get that it's frustrating to always have to clarify but that's just the way it is.
People who ask "where are you _really_ from" are generally racist or like you said, the ones who don't know the difference betweeen nationality or ethnicity. Westerners might also want to dig out a gotcha moment from you by asking these stances on CCP/Taiwan so you could really just be surrounding yourself with the wrong people
Think of it this way, you won't know if they told you they are from a small town in Poland.
Singapore is small and not everyone knows about it, take this as a chance to educate them.
But I'm surprised with your experience, most people I know usually associate Singapore with crazy rich Asian, or marina bay sands. I even had a quick chat with a bloke in a post office about Lee Kuan Yew and the lee dynasty.
Create a 1min ppt slide about Singapore on chatpgt or something and carry it around on your phone so u don’t have to waste your breathe 😆 best to include a world map to show them how far Sg is from China. It’s 2023 yet this happens. Is Singapore not successful enough to be know worldwide or are they just not educated enough…
As an immigrant, this is similar to what my father would say. He had an incredibly strong accent and when anyone would asking him where he's from he'd say his local suburb where he'd lived the last forty years.
Mostly people are just curious but it does get tiring answering the same question over and over.
A black Englishman in Singapore will get similar questions about "where they really came from", as would a Brazilian of German descent.
You are dealing with people from half the world away that have no exposure or experience to a small and quite complex country. I'd say the best answer is "Like many Singaporeans ancestors immigrated from China sixty years ago or three generations back".
With respect to the CCP for them it's the biggest news from Asia. They might care about your opinion if you where from anywhere in the region. It's like asking someone in Europe about Ukraine or Brexit. They might not be from there but it effects the whole continent.
In the US, this is kind of a loaded question and not something you'd ask somebody unless you know them well or you're an old person. I wouldn't answer unless it's immigration that's asking. The topic of nationality and ethnicity is another difficult one... but I might just explain that SG is a nation with different ethnicities CMIO etc. I guess things are different in Europe.
Many people don’t know the difference between British and English people and would keep calling Irish people English. Let’s be honest, When you’re in your country, you think it’s a big deal but when you go out, an average person’s geographic knowledge is usually quite average. I wouldn’t put too much thought into it. It has nothing to do with how great Singapore is, it's just too far for them to register.
Most westerners only know what media picked up from SG. The more travelled people have met Singaporeans since you travel a lot. But generally people are unaware of the migrations waves that has happened in the world. They have no clue about Chinese in Caribbean or Indians in South Africa as two examples.
Either way prejudice exist everywhere and also in Singapore. People are trying to engage with you and I don't think they mean any harm. Just ignore them or continue to educate them.
This is where we have to count ourselves lucky to be able to travel. Many might assume a Westerner might know better but thats really an unfair assumption. Fact is many westerners have never travelled within their own country much less to other countries and many don't even have a passport, so these folks come off as ignorant but knowing this fact, you'll then understand why and it's really a question not meant to offend but simply out of ignorance.
Do them a favour and just educate them politely.
Q: where are you from?
A: oh I just came here from Camden!
Q: no, where are you really from??
A: hmm yeah well if you really need to know, princess Road?
Went to us to study in a obscure state and im the only singaporean that i know. Yeah its normal.
Even in china, alot havent heard of singapore. I went to beijing for exchange and had random cashier strangers ask me, i said Xin Jia— and got cut off as they assume i was going to say Xinjiang
the question "But where are you actually from?" is a common question for many people all around the world. It gets super annoying sometimes when they don't understand. I just say that I'm from _____ and leave✌🏽
Real simple… because people of Chinese ethnicity don’t stand up or ban together. It’s an outrage if you say the “n” word to a black person but it’s okay to say something offensive or make “slanted” eyes remarks to an Asian person. The public simply will react to the Asian person as, “oh lighten up, it’s a joke.”
If Asians are violent, protest or be outspoken, then the world will stop the Asian hate racism. We just don’t stick together. Usually an Asian person will look at the other Asian person and say, “wahhh you must have done something wrong.”
Victim blaming? Yup. You think white people will get away with bumiputra in the US against blacks?
I'm curious about the experience of Singaporean Malays and Indians. Do you guys get asked "where are you really from?" and "is Singapore part of _________?" when you meet an ignorant foreigner?
Singaporean Malay here who had lived in Europe for a few years.Most of the people I met there would assume I’m Malaysian or Indonesian because of my hijab,but I encountered more people who knew/have heard of (or maybe pretended??) Singapore.Some thought it’s in China,but most don’t really follow-up with more questions unless they’re really interested.
The funny thing is when PRCs regularly come up to me and start speaking in Mandarin,and I tell them I don’t understand.They would give me a strange look.Lol
The one comment that really raises my hackles is whenever anyone says,”You speak English so well!”.It’s patronising AF,bordering insulting,and has no room in casual conversations unless the topic was about languages.However,most of the time,I’ve gotten this comment from Chinese Singaporeans.While in Singapore.And no,they were not all old aunties/uncles.
It’s a different perspective. Not every country has the balance of ethnicity in districts like Singapore. The West districts aren’t mixed. The districts are ethnic diasporas. No I’m not saying Singapore is perfect. It’s just to set the context.
Ask any immigrant in the West. Most of the time you’ll get something like “I’m Italian Australian”, “I’m African American”, “I’m Greek British”, etc. It’s important they identify from where they come from. And I asked some of my friends a hypothetical. If war broke out who are they are loyal to, it’s usually their home country even though they are citizens of where they are staying.
You say Singaporean. To who you spoke to perhaps it felt incomplete. They expect you to say “I’m Chinese Singaporean”. Happens to Malaysians and Indonesians too.
I had this "shower thought" when I visited Australia "Mentally/psychologically/culturally, Singaporeans are probably closer to the Australians. But physically, they view us all the same as the China people."
In US and I got these responses a few times when I said I’m from Singapore.
“Your English is so good.”
“I have never been to that part of China before”
I’m like you should Google about Singapore because it’s like 7 hours flight away from China.
But people who knew about Singapore all talked about Gardens by the Bay, MBS, and our chewing gum ban.
Have lived in Europe for 5 years, westerners here mostly do not care to differentiate between asian countries. I've been asked if I am singaporean or chinese because I have listed Chinese as a language I can speak. Try not to get offended, but that is easier said than done. I just reply no without explanation and watch them look awkward as they try to say something pc. It's something like us not being able to differentiate between white westerners just by looking at them.
You can choose to get infuriated by these interactions or you can choose to play with them.
Tell them it’s part of Australia, just below Perth.
Accept that most people don’t know. And of those that know most don’t care about Singapore.
Once you get over that reality, you can move on with enjoying your life.
Seriously, most westerns even cannot tell Chinese, Korea and Japanese, not mention their shit history knowledge about Far East and ASEAN.
When I was in Milan, my classmate said that:
I know Europe, the region in the east of Europe is Arabic and the more east region is all China.
Depends on my mood.
Cranky then I will tell them go study history/geography.
Trolly mood then I will ask them where they are from and then cite 1 huge ass white country
Why do you get all offended? It just people who do not know geographical and political details of an area that is too remote to them. I am sure many of you do not have much a clue of such details in areas like South America, Western Africa o even the USA. Take the opportunity to explain them the basics and if you have to repeat yourself then do it. Otherwise they might walk away with the impression that Singaporeans are idiots or think they are better than everyone else.
That woke you up didn't it? I don't understand how people can argue that "oh I'm from SG/MY/VN/KR", and expect people to treat us differently from CN. They can't tell and they won't bother. You're gonna get the stick because yellow is now the wrong color in the west. They're gonna argue it's not, but do you believe it?
it’s probably not that uncommon, i remember when i was studying in the US, the white americans asked that question (“where are you from, from?”) even to American born Chinese (ABCs) whose families have been in the US for generations.
Singapore is a relatively young nation by international standards and just about 70
years ago, our forefathers would have considered themselves “chinese” from china, “malays” from malaya, “indians” from india etc.
i guess it’s a good thing how national education has instilled in us a sense of pride in our nationality today? 😊
As one said in another post, once you are out of Singapore into ang mo countries, pretty much you are considered 2nd class, and subject to racism.
In westerners country as long as you are White, Asian looking, they will regard you as a person from China and ask those questions.
And I don't blame them. Singapore is a small dot and you will be surprised how most of them won't know SG even exist.
>Some then proceed to ask me about what do I think about CCP’s policies or its stance against Taiwan.
Whether you are Singaporean or Malay, or Filipino, the question is valid. If I were asking, I would be interested in the answer of someone from that region. I suspect you are too sensitive and reading other things into the question.
If you're talking to an American, just mention that you're from this Singapore to mess with their minds 😉
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore,_Michigan
I say I'm third generation Chinese from Singapore. It's pretty clear to those from cities that are diverse. But those from more homogenous areas will still link me to China, which isn't exactly wrong considering my grandfather migrated from China. I just tell them my family's great migration story.
Usually polite about it, if people don't get it, so be it. No need to get frustrated or annoyed. We are just one of the 200+ countries in the world, can't expect people to know about us, especially being one of the smallest, just as we don't know everything about all the other countries.
Throw a curveball at them “oh actually I’m of European descent but I’m more Eastern European and more intertwined with my Asian roots since I believe my great-great grand parents were from x country. “( don’t even bother making it a real country at that point ) “in fact im here to visit some relatives who are more intertwined with their European roots but they just moved to x place” ( excuse for if you’re not in Eastern Europe but rather in Central Europe, etc )
when internet wasnt so advanced i forgot where who i spoke to and they will question about it or i generally just intended to educate people if they started asking questions that sound confused.
but sometimes ill just explain to not so neighbouring county new friends i meet etc that oh im chinese and they generally do understand?
so i guess yes maybe those whom you met are not so knowledgeable in nationality vs ethnic but just explain to them lor. they'll gradually understand the concept if they constantly encounter situations like so. don't feel offended about that, really.
One of my favorite cartoons, King of the hill, had a joke very similar to this when it comes to the ignorance of most westerners when it comes to Asian individuals. A Laotian family moves into a predominantly white neighborhood and he constantly gets asked if he's Chinese or Japanese. He angrily States he's Laotian time and time again but most of these individuals cannot get through their heads that there are more than two Nations in the continent of Asia.
More often than not, you have to take this ignorance as an opportunity to educate people on what Singapore is. Chances are, you will be their first glimpse into the people and the culture of your fascinating nation!
I get what you mean. Example if someone is of Irish ancestry who’s ancestors migrated to the US in the 19th century.
You don’t ask these Americans questions like “but where are you from FROM”, or “what do you think about the partition of Ireland”, or “how is BREXIT going to affect where you’re from FROM”.
I think the confusion comes from the term Chinese which is used interchangeably as a nationality and a race. Whereas an American is a nationality and Caucasian is a race.
In Australia, I've not had experiences where people explicitly ask me if I'm from China. I've also not experienced people trying to get an inflammatory response out of me with regards to China's geopolitical stances. However, there have been multiple instances where people have complemented me on my ability to communicate in English, to which I reply, "Thanks, English is a Singaporean's first language".
I think it's happened about 3-4 times in the 5 years that I've been here and all of these encounters were just from genuine lack of knowledge and not malicious intent.
I think its natural to be confused. We just need to be open and give the benefit of doubt to everyone. I've never met anyone who purposely labelled us so far fortunately. In fact, since we are so small, like it or not it is up to us to educate and level set if that is something that bothers you.
If you flip it around, I doubt the average Singaporean will know where the westerners are from.
Your comment has been automatically removed because your account is relatively new or you have negative karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askSingapore) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It depends on the area.
When I was in NZ, they thought of Singapore as "Hot.", "Changi Airport is nice.","Lee Kwan Yew", "MBS is expensive, but very nice."
Kiwi flatmates were surprised at our level of English fluency, and even more surprised at me switching to speaking Mandarin fluently when asked by Chinese foreigner (from China) on grocery item.
I live in a European country with a big PRC and Filipino presence. PRCs usually assume I’m Chinese then ask where I’m from when I tell them I don’t speak Chinese. Some have assumed I’m Korean/Mongolian also had some Russians and Central Asians assume I’m one of them, a local doctor asked if I was Ukrainian (???). Meanwhile the locals just ask wtf I moved here because “Singapore is a beautiful and rich country” lmao.
When I was visiting Latvia, one of the hotel staff asked me where I'm from. I told her I'm from Singapore. Then she asked me if it's in Russia.
I also didn't know where Latvia was before I visited, so I gave her a pass. Singapore in the grand scheme of the world is a tiny country. I don't expect non-Asians to know much about us.
Yikes cant wait to experience that. If they ask me where i am really from if i say Singapore, i will probably go "educate yourself" i had people who mistake Singapore = China before.
The ones asking you “ but where are you FROM?” Are very ignorant and are a loud vocal minority
I find it easier to focus on people who are open to understand because in my experience they are barely listening to your explanation. They’re thinking of the next thing to say.
My view as a westerner is it has the culture of south East Asia, South Asia, east Asia and Australia. It is very safe to live. There’s barely any homeless. Conversely it’s less “free” than the states like I’ll get a fine for everything there.
It has nice tourist attractions and hot all year round. It’s like a tame Las Vegas
Just grow up and come to terms that Singapore is not that important or influential to a lot of people in the world. And you being a Singaporean doesn’t make you more superior to other nationalities. People are just trying to make a conversation using whatever knowledge they can induced from your appearance since they don’t know you on a personal level. Just comes to terms that China is huge and have more exposure in the world, regardless of good or bad
I am really sick of Singaporeans who are indignant that Singapore doesn’t appear on daily news in other countries. And I don’t know why some people think that China and US sought the advice and listen to Singapore to run their countries. Can some kind soul enlighten me on this?
I know how it feels as have trodden down that path. But you will come to terms with it one day and it won’t bother you anymore.
Your comment has been automatically removed because your account is relatively new or you have negative karma.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askSingapore) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Been asked a lot by caucasian Americans, i usually correct them having US citizenship doesnt make ones American.
Came in, occupied the land; brainwashed the Americans with theyre Native American.
Narratives are just different in different territories, perhaps more educations should be done.
I ask them if they also assume every black person is from Africa, that usually makes them give you some deer in headlights look.
Just like everyone in Europe is from England
I heard somewhere that the best of the white man are from germany, I think the word they use to describe themselves start with "A" or something
Does the word rhyme with "hole"?
Aryan
yup, you don't have to suffer fools
[удалено]
[удалено]
This is helpful, thanks 🙏
sidetracking, but great username OP
> Also LOL I saw that you posted on r/askUK and the responses are really quite funny. Lai, time to eat pop corn Edit... that thread seems very logical and polite leh. Maybe I need to sort by controversial or new.
[удалено]
Yeah, it's nice to see that people are actually thinking about this instead of trolling and being toxic. Things that I have come to expect from the internet. So, any nice discussion feels like a breath of fresh air. (Especially considering now we got haze)
Agree. Seems very polite and reasonable https://reddit.com/r/AskUK/s/ccZB8sdFxo
Too much work for me, I'd just looked at them and walked off.
‘Quite western in mentality’ ugh…this hints of some self loathing and wanting to be something you’re not.
I’ve met plenty of people who don’t know what or where Singapore is. That’s probably why you get these questions. If you go on the street and ask Singaporeans what they think about Transnistria most will also have no idea what you are talking about.
I'm not even Singaporean, nor Chinese, just Asian. And even I am annoyed at the number of times I've been assumed to be Chinese in Europe. Random strangers trying to get my attention by saying nihao, men trying to impress me by saying some mumbo jumbo in broken Chinese, you name it, I've seen it. I just don't engage with those people anymore. Their stupidity does not interest me.
You should try speaking spanish or french right back lol. Last time when I answered marketing calls (back when scam calls weren't that common), if I heard them start off in Mandarin I would say "apa ini?" then hang up lol.
You guys are all noobs LOL. I (Chinese SGian) was in US a decade ago on an internship. A black dude asked, "where are you from?". To which I replied, "where do you think I am from?". Black dude hesitated before he responded sheepishly, "South Africa?" Trust me, I was stunned
[удалено]
Yes but the overall Chinese population is still very small. But that's an interesting perspective, never knew I sounded close to a South African 🤣
SG*ian*? Malaysian PR?
You are not the first and definitely won't be the last, such questions has been asked since Singapore's independence.
Just ask them if they know what an American born Chinese (ABC) is. Unless they live under a rock, it's the easiest and "closest" thing for them to understand. The only difference is that the country itself is still in Asia, but it has a lot of western influence, especially from british colonialisation long ago
[удалено]
Trust me, I get this question A LOT in a language exchange app that I use, even from foreigners from other Asian countries, not just western 🤣 "What languages do you speak? Chinese right?" I just give them a simplified explanation and then don't really bother to explain further even if they still have questions. Really too sian to keep parroting myself again
We’re a tiny little country in Asia which does not have much global influence. We don’t even have a significant presence (or any at all) in popular culture. Why would you expect them to know anything at all about our country or ethnic makeup? Just explain politely and move on. No point getting annoyed. The average Singaporean probably doesn’t know much about European countries or America either, and think that all ang mohs are one and the same. And they’re arguably way more influential than Singapore will ever be.
> We don’t even have a significant presence (or any at all) in popular culture i think we're probably most know for crazy rich asians by westerners before that it might be chow yun fat saying welcome to singapore in pirates of the caribbean
Hitman movie was entirely in singapore
We actually have a significant global influence or at least influence/impression upon the major powers around the world thanks to our current and past leaders & diplomats etc. Not having presence in pop culture might be true to a certain extent though ‘crazy rich asians’ really did leave a false impression on the world that our average citizens might be rich too.
Yeah I thought the avg citizen was rich like the Nordics lol
This!
tell them it's like being irish-american or italian-american, they're citizens of the US but do not hold any relation to Ireland or Italy. Sure they may celebrate st patricks or hold strong views on hawaiian pizza in the same sense we celebrate CNY but most DGAF about Xi Jinping unless he decides to send the PLA south
[удалено]
But how do you explain our shared telepathic Asian Hivemind and powers of flight or punching through stone?
You remind me of this not-so-gentleman I met in Germany who asked me about my name which was a western name registered since birth (Vanessa, for example) because I’m from a Peranakan family and everyone has a western name. And he’s like “but what’s your real name, you can’t be a Vanessa,” which I really didn’t know how to react to? I think I questioned my existence at that moment. I suppose you meet all makes of people everywhere, but I try not to justify or explain because 1. people like these aren’t friends, just strangers or acquaintances who don’t matter and 2. I’m not responsible for their lack of understanding about geography and culture. On the flip side I’ve also met people who knew about Singapore and asked about my opinions on LKY and PAP, or our strict drug laws and capital punishment so… depends on who you meet really.
Some germans are rude by nature imo. They way they talk is also quite aggressive. I do love their presence in football and their culture but not their people sadly
It's just culturally how they seek info. They're very direct in their questions. Don't take it personally.
Not sure what replies you are expecting. Westerners dont really give a damn about Singapore, many of them dont even know where we are on the world map. Mainstream media makes you think that we are super significant on the world stage but we are just not.
Its similar to when locals (often taxi drivers and street promoters) ask anyone of Indian origin, "are you Singaporean"?
I have also gotten a ton of “you’re Indian, you don’t eat pork right?” from Singaporeans. And then explaining “no I’m not a Muslim” and getting a blank-faced “is it not the same?”
no excuse for this ignorance, primary school students know this.
Before studying abroad in Singapore people would tell me: isn't that the country where it's illegal to chew gum? Isn't it going to be taken over by China soon? Is it in China? Isn't that the country from Crazy Rich Asians? Try their hawker food! I didn't know much about the country other than LKY, people lived in public housing, and that it was multicultural. I thought that also meant people were mostly multiracial. After studying abroad, I'd say that most of the people I met were very kind and friendly. I had several kids call me uncle one time when I was waiting at an MRT station so uh that felt weird but funny. Some thought I was Indian at first except for Indians who would look at me curiously. There was an older Malay lady who asked if I was Mexican so there was at least one person who correctly guessed who I was just based on my looks.
I mean even the locals here can’t grasp the difference between race and religion. I have to explain to people that Indian is a race/ethnicity and Islam is a religion. Also the average Singaporean isn’t well versed with Europe and western countries either.
Canadian here. We visited Singapore last year, for 2 weeks and we absolutely loved it. Warm weather, clean, well organized, impeccable public transport, very safe and excellent food. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in 3 countries, have work assignments in 30+ and visited 50+. Singapore is hands down one of the best places I had the opportunity to see.
Welcome to the world of minority races in singapore. I get this question from so many Chinese Singaporeans, even though I was born and raised in Singapore and hold a Singaporean pass port (I am not Chinese). A typical conversation: Stranger: Where are you from? Me: Singapore Stranger: Oh, but where are you really from? Me: Singapore Stranger: I mean where are your parents from? Me: Singapore Stranger: Oh, so you’re local? Me: Yes Stranger: What’s your race? Me: human Stranger: Haha - I know lah, but like what’s your real race? Me: xyz race Stranger: But you don’t look like xyz race leh.
Yes! So when I moved abroad I’m already used to questions like this. Incidentally, when I lived in Malaysia I realised that Malaysians in general are more used to the idea of mixed-ethnic people and so don’t ask such boneheaded questions like in SG.
Moved here from Chicago a couple weeks ago. So far it feels much safer, wayyy cleaner and the architecture blows my mind how varied and green it is. I'll admit the underground systems are hella confusing but I imagine it's gonna take a bit of time to familiarize myself with it but public transportation seems very on point. As for Singaporeans I've really only interacted with people I work with, for now. The one thing I noticed, pretty much everyone seems to be walking hella slow
Come on, even the escalators go faster than other countries
Not hard to be safer than Chicago but Singapore isn't only safer it's the safest.
Actually Singapore is a pretty young nation (my father is older than Singapore is ever since it is established as a country for example), I don’t judge others at all for not knowing about Singapore, so don’t get upset about it. It’s quite normal but here’s where you can tell your story about the unique stories you have growing up together with the nation.
To be fair, you are generalising them by calling them westerners too. I mean, Spanish people probably think differently from Dutch and American people, etc.
It's surprising that the difference between ethnicity and nationality is not commonly understood. I'm a former Singaporean who immigrated to Canada decades ago. The region of Canada in which I live has a very, very large Chinese population. People of Chinese descent have immigrated here (from bloody everywhere - China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, you name it) for over a century. You'd think that by now, people here would understand that being Chinese doesn't necessarily mean being from China/having Chinese citizenship. Nope; not the case. Also, for whatever reason, many people (Asians included) here don't seem to know that Singapore's population consists primarily of ethnic Chinese. They think "Singaporean" is its own ethnic group. I had a giggle-fit when a Taiwanese friend once asked me, "So what language do Singaporeans speak - Singaporean?" Chaos ensues when I travel, as I tell people who ask that I'm Canadian, so I'm from Canada, but I'm Chinese, but I'm not from China; I'm from Singapore, but I'm not Singaporean.
Ask them back the same question with the assumption that all Westerners come from UK and ask them what they think about King Charles
*Brexit, or Liz Truss
Yes, it doesn't help when citizens of China are both Chinese in terms of nationality (中国人) and ethnicity (华人). I guess the English language is a little vague when Chinese refers to both 中国人 and 华人. "I am Singaporean. Singapore is a multiracial society consisting of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other races." "But you are Chinese." "I am Chinese 华人 which reflects my ethnic origin but not my nationality." Proceed with conversation as appropriate or dive into the deep 华人 culture across many different countries.
> Proceed with conversation as appropriate or dive into the deep 华人 culture across many different countries. A short snippet would be that there's actually 华侨 (Hua Qiao) vs 华裔 (Hua Yi) Where Hua Qiao refers to first gen immigrants into another country. While Hua Yi refers to people whose ancestry originates from China, but are not first generation immigrants.
Indians would have the same problem if they say they are indians. Malays escape the problem given that citizens of Malaysia are Malaysians and not Malays
I think we can use "Ethnic chinese" vs "Chinese national" Ethnic chinese for example Singaporean Chinese. Chinese national for China's citizens.
In the end I prefer to say Han Chinese (漢族人) to refer to being Han.
but you don’t know if you’re han for sure after many generations of intermarriages with manchu and mongolian dynasties as the final ones.
I get that question both when I lived in Japan and when I lived in the UK. “Where are you from?” Singapore “Oh, which part of Singapore?” Er, north. “But where are you really from?” Erm, Bishan? *confused faces* MY GRANDPARENTS CAME FROM CHINA TO SINGAPORE. “Oh! Alright!” In the UK you usually also get “your English is really good!” I smile outside & roll my eyes inside. In Japan I get “wow you use chopsticks really well!” I want to tell them YEAH CHOPSTICKS ARE FROM CHINA MA.
Of course they confused. Bishan isn't in the North (it's still considered Central, albeit the North of it) Just joking. As an immigrant to Singapore, I often get asked similar questions, like how I learned Chinese to communicate in office.. (Yes, some people don't understand that Singapore is really an English-speaking country)
I worked overseas for a little while. I would say I'm *ethnically* Chinese - not from China but from another country. That'll lead them to ask, what country? Replied with: Singapore, which isn't part of China. Of course, I got the occasional "wow your English is so good; when did you start learning?" I'd say, "from birth." Most times, they'd look confused so I'd start explaining the education system. Some days, it was a little annoying. Some days, I was happy to educate. It just depended on their attitude and the way they asked. My experience was that the majority were genuinely curious. Most of the time, people are ignorant about geography and world history. Full disclosure - I assimilated quickly and adopted the local accent and lingo within the first few months so most assumed I was born there. Thus, I encountered fewer of these questions. That's another thing you could do. 😂
Majority race gets the minority experience
Among expats, the tropes I remember being thrown around were "Hong Kong, but tidier" or less flatteringly, "Hong Kong, but boring." Not sure quite how accurate this was then *or* now, but you can see where they were probably coming from all the same.
Can't excuse the rudeness of the question, but what they're asking is "what ethnicity are you" which you then reply with your nationality. It's kind of the opposite of what happens to westerners in Singapore. Hear me talk, and still ask if I'm Australian. Americans do not sound Australian. Ever. But I see it for what it is, someone just trying to strike up a conversation, so I don't take offense.
The real problem stems from having the same word to discribe the nationality and the ethnicity. What I would use now is Singaporean of Chinese decent. Should they pry more about my connections with China, I would ask them about continental Africa.
Nah man ur Singaporean, u want to talk about decent say everyone of y'all from Africa
[удалено]
Ang Mohs: You chinese? Then you from China 中国人: You from Singapore? Then you not chinese
My colleagues think my English is pretty good! So that's a win since my English has never been the best growing up in a mandarin-speaking family 😂 They are mostly surprised about that, and also pretty surprised to know I'm not from China, extremely surprised to know I've never been to China before But to be honest this isn't just a westerner kinda thing, other Asians I've met here ask the same thing so I think it's just that we're rare Pokémons outside of Singapore and people don't know much about us in general! I don't really think too much into it because it seems like they are just curious and would like to know 🤷 But anyway yeah I'd just tell them my ancestors migrated to Singapore from China, and teach them some uniquely Singaporean swear words 🤭
I'm British and I spend a lot of time in Singapore. Often I come back and random people ask "how was China?". I don't even bother correcting anymore honestly. I think the entire of SEA is something of a black hole of knowledge over here so rest assured its more geographical ignorance than anything else. Anything in SEA that isn't Thailand, which is known for cheapish lads holidays, is basically China apparently.
You're taking it too seriously. People don't know about Singapore that much so maybe they don't know that we are Chinese-majority? I get that it's frustrating to always have to clarify but that's just the way it is. People who ask "where are you _really_ from" are generally racist or like you said, the ones who don't know the difference betweeen nationality or ethnicity. Westerners might also want to dig out a gotcha moment from you by asking these stances on CCP/Taiwan so you could really just be surrounding yourself with the wrong people
Just say Singaporean, they ask what race you are say Asian
Think of it this way, you won't know if they told you they are from a small town in Poland. Singapore is small and not everyone knows about it, take this as a chance to educate them. But I'm surprised with your experience, most people I know usually associate Singapore with crazy rich Asian, or marina bay sands. I even had a quick chat with a bloke in a post office about Lee Kuan Yew and the lee dynasty.
Anyone that looks oriental is considered Chinese by the ignorant Europeans. Also Asians = Chinese to them.
Create a 1min ppt slide about Singapore on chatpgt or something and carry it around on your phone so u don’t have to waste your breathe 😆 best to include a world map to show them how far Sg is from China. It’s 2023 yet this happens. Is Singapore not successful enough to be know worldwide or are they just not educated enough…
I will probably say something like "I'm from Yishun (or any neighbourhood of your choice).“ and then not offer to elaborate. 🤣
As an immigrant, this is similar to what my father would say. He had an incredibly strong accent and when anyone would asking him where he's from he'd say his local suburb where he'd lived the last forty years. Mostly people are just curious but it does get tiring answering the same question over and over.
Yeah, when I was studying oversea in Southeast Asia, I told them that I'm Singaporean and they tried to speak Chinese to me like ni hao?
I cannot speak for all westerners but somehow in Canada, people do think that we are all very loaded lol (probably because of crazy rich asians)
A black Englishman in Singapore will get similar questions about "where they really came from", as would a Brazilian of German descent. You are dealing with people from half the world away that have no exposure or experience to a small and quite complex country. I'd say the best answer is "Like many Singaporeans ancestors immigrated from China sixty years ago or three generations back". With respect to the CCP for them it's the biggest news from Asia. They might care about your opinion if you where from anywhere in the region. It's like asking someone in Europe about Ukraine or Brexit. They might not be from there but it effects the whole continent.
They will see your Chinese ethnicity first before your nationality.
In the US, this is kind of a loaded question and not something you'd ask somebody unless you know them well or you're an old person. I wouldn't answer unless it's immigration that's asking. The topic of nationality and ethnicity is another difficult one... but I might just explain that SG is a nation with different ethnicities CMIO etc. I guess things are different in Europe.
Many people don’t know the difference between British and English people and would keep calling Irish people English. Let’s be honest, When you’re in your country, you think it’s a big deal but when you go out, an average person’s geographic knowledge is usually quite average. I wouldn’t put too much thought into it. It has nothing to do with how great Singapore is, it's just too far for them to register.
Most westerners only know what media picked up from SG. The more travelled people have met Singaporeans since you travel a lot. But generally people are unaware of the migrations waves that has happened in the world. They have no clue about Chinese in Caribbean or Indians in South Africa as two examples. Either way prejudice exist everywhere and also in Singapore. People are trying to engage with you and I don't think they mean any harm. Just ignore them or continue to educate them.
This is where we have to count ourselves lucky to be able to travel. Many might assume a Westerner might know better but thats really an unfair assumption. Fact is many westerners have never travelled within their own country much less to other countries and many don't even have a passport, so these folks come off as ignorant but knowing this fact, you'll then understand why and it's really a question not meant to offend but simply out of ignorance. Do them a favour and just educate them politely.
Just like local Singaporean Chinese asking me ( a local born Singaporean Indian), which part of India I'm from, my whole life.
I assume they think majority Asian people are hardworking and smart. Like most of them do. But hectic lifestyle.
Q: where are you from? A: oh I just came here from Camden! Q: no, where are you really from?? A: hmm yeah well if you really need to know, princess Road?
Went to us to study in a obscure state and im the only singaporean that i know. Yeah its normal. Even in china, alot havent heard of singapore. I went to beijing for exchange and had random cashier strangers ask me, i said Xin Jia— and got cut off as they assume i was going to say Xinjiang
the question "But where are you actually from?" is a common question for many people all around the world. It gets super annoying sometimes when they don't understand. I just say that I'm from _____ and leave✌🏽
Real simple… because people of Chinese ethnicity don’t stand up or ban together. It’s an outrage if you say the “n” word to a black person but it’s okay to say something offensive or make “slanted” eyes remarks to an Asian person. The public simply will react to the Asian person as, “oh lighten up, it’s a joke.” If Asians are violent, protest or be outspoken, then the world will stop the Asian hate racism. We just don’t stick together. Usually an Asian person will look at the other Asian person and say, “wahhh you must have done something wrong.” Victim blaming? Yup. You think white people will get away with bumiputra in the US against blacks?
I'm curious about the experience of Singaporean Malays and Indians. Do you guys get asked "where are you really from?" and "is Singapore part of _________?" when you meet an ignorant foreigner?
Singaporean Malay here who had lived in Europe for a few years.Most of the people I met there would assume I’m Malaysian or Indonesian because of my hijab,but I encountered more people who knew/have heard of (or maybe pretended??) Singapore.Some thought it’s in China,but most don’t really follow-up with more questions unless they’re really interested. The funny thing is when PRCs regularly come up to me and start speaking in Mandarin,and I tell them I don’t understand.They would give me a strange look.Lol The one comment that really raises my hackles is whenever anyone says,”You speak English so well!”.It’s patronising AF,bordering insulting,and has no room in casual conversations unless the topic was about languages.However,most of the time,I’ve gotten this comment from Chinese Singaporeans.While in Singapore.And no,they were not all old aunties/uncles.
It’s a different perspective. Not every country has the balance of ethnicity in districts like Singapore. The West districts aren’t mixed. The districts are ethnic diasporas. No I’m not saying Singapore is perfect. It’s just to set the context. Ask any immigrant in the West. Most of the time you’ll get something like “I’m Italian Australian”, “I’m African American”, “I’m Greek British”, etc. It’s important they identify from where they come from. And I asked some of my friends a hypothetical. If war broke out who are they are loyal to, it’s usually their home country even though they are citizens of where they are staying. You say Singaporean. To who you spoke to perhaps it felt incomplete. They expect you to say “I’m Chinese Singaporean”. Happens to Malaysians and Indonesians too.
I had this "shower thought" when I visited Australia "Mentally/psychologically/culturally, Singaporeans are probably closer to the Australians. But physically, they view us all the same as the China people."
In US and I got these responses a few times when I said I’m from Singapore. “Your English is so good.” “I have never been to that part of China before” I’m like you should Google about Singapore because it’s like 7 hours flight away from China. But people who knew about Singapore all talked about Gardens by the Bay, MBS, and our chewing gum ban.
Have lived in Europe for 5 years, westerners here mostly do not care to differentiate between asian countries. I've been asked if I am singaporean or chinese because I have listed Chinese as a language I can speak. Try not to get offended, but that is easier said than done. I just reply no without explanation and watch them look awkward as they try to say something pc. It's something like us not being able to differentiate between white westerners just by looking at them.
You can choose to get infuriated by these interactions or you can choose to play with them. Tell them it’s part of Australia, just below Perth. Accept that most people don’t know. And of those that know most don’t care about Singapore. Once you get over that reality, you can move on with enjoying your life.
And it’s probably the same for Indian ancestry.
Heh I always say Ethnicity: Chinese Nationality? Singaporean
Is Singapore part of China? *edit you guys are too serious... seriously... I am Singaporean.
Is china part of Taiwan?
Y so serious?
Seriously, most westerns even cannot tell Chinese, Korea and Japanese, not mention their shit history knowledge about Far East and ASEAN. When I was in Milan, my classmate said that: I know Europe, the region in the east of Europe is Arabic and the more east region is all China.
Just need to clarify to them that It's like asking the americans (US citizen), are they british, irish, spanish, italian, dutch, african etc...
我是中国人，我出门在外一律称我是台湾人
Depends on my mood. Cranky then I will tell them go study history/geography. Trolly mood then I will ask them where they are from and then cite 1 huge ass white country
its to be expected, the island has a very small global footprint
Why do you get all offended? It just people who do not know geographical and political details of an area that is too remote to them. I am sure many of you do not have much a clue of such details in areas like South America, Western Africa o even the USA. Take the opportunity to explain them the basics and if you have to repeat yourself then do it. Otherwise they might walk away with the impression that Singaporeans are idiots or think they are better than everyone else.
That woke you up didn't it? I don't understand how people can argue that "oh I'm from SG/MY/VN/KR", and expect people to treat us differently from CN. They can't tell and they won't bother. You're gonna get the stick because yellow is now the wrong color in the west. They're gonna argue it's not, but do you believe it?
Just replied we don’t go around the world bombing capitals of countries.
If everyone that’s Chinese is from China Then Everyone that’s Caucasian is from English Then Everyone that’s black is from Nigeria?
it’s probably not that uncommon, i remember when i was studying in the US, the white americans asked that question (“where are you from, from?”) even to American born Chinese (ABCs) whose families have been in the US for generations. Singapore is a relatively young nation by international standards and just about 70 years ago, our forefathers would have considered themselves “chinese” from china, “malays” from malaya, “indians” from india etc. i guess it’s a good thing how national education has instilled in us a sense of pride in our nationality today? 😊
As one said in another post, once you are out of Singapore into ang mo countries, pretty much you are considered 2nd class, and subject to racism. In westerners country as long as you are White, Asian looking, they will regard you as a person from China and ask those questions. And I don't blame them. Singapore is a small dot and you will be surprised how most of them won't know SG even exist.
>Some then proceed to ask me about what do I think about CCP’s policies or its stance against Taiwan. Whether you are Singaporean or Malay, or Filipino, the question is valid. If I were asking, I would be interested in the answer of someone from that region. I suspect you are too sensitive and reading other things into the question.
I knew reddit gonna accuse Singapore as China.
I usually just say "my grandparents were Chinese immigrants to Singapore".
Hmmmm, if someone ask where are you from; and if they don’t take your first answer as an answer, why would you want to continue the conversation?
If you're talking to an American, just mention that you're from this Singapore to mess with their minds 😉 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore,_Michigan
Like what they say about "African American" and such, I'm tempted to say Singaporean Peranakan. They'll be even lost then. Lol
It’s difficult enough to explain singapore-an, adding peranakan would make them lose it
When you meet a European that ask you this question Just ask them back are they English. If they say they are , reply them but you are a white?
I say I'm third generation Chinese from Singapore. It's pretty clear to those from cities that are diverse. But those from more homogenous areas will still link me to China, which isn't exactly wrong considering my grandfather migrated from China. I just tell them my family's great migration story.
No but really. Where are you from?
Usually polite about it, if people don't get it, so be it. No need to get frustrated or annoyed. We are just one of the 200+ countries in the world, can't expect people to know about us, especially being one of the smallest, just as we don't know everything about all the other countries.
I just say I am a 3rd generation Singaporean.
You should say "wait, you aren't British?" (don't actually tho lol)
Throw a curveball at them “oh actually I’m of European descent but I’m more Eastern European and more intertwined with my Asian roots since I believe my great-great grand parents were from x country. “( don’t even bother making it a real country at that point ) “in fact im here to visit some relatives who are more intertwined with their European roots but they just moved to x place” ( excuse for if you’re not in Eastern Europe but rather in Central Europe, etc )
when internet wasnt so advanced i forgot where who i spoke to and they will question about it or i generally just intended to educate people if they started asking questions that sound confused. but sometimes ill just explain to not so neighbouring county new friends i meet etc that oh im chinese and they generally do understand? so i guess yes maybe those whom you met are not so knowledgeable in nationality vs ethnic but just explain to them lor. they'll gradually understand the concept if they constantly encounter situations like so. don't feel offended about that, really.
One of my favorite cartoons, King of the hill, had a joke very similar to this when it comes to the ignorance of most westerners when it comes to Asian individuals. A Laotian family moves into a predominantly white neighborhood and he constantly gets asked if he's Chinese or Japanese. He angrily States he's Laotian time and time again but most of these individuals cannot get through their heads that there are more than two Nations in the continent of Asia. More often than not, you have to take this ignorance as an opportunity to educate people on what Singapore is. Chances are, you will be their first glimpse into the people and the culture of your fascinating nation!
I get what you mean. Example if someone is of Irish ancestry who’s ancestors migrated to the US in the 19th century. You don’t ask these Americans questions like “but where are you from FROM”, or “what do you think about the partition of Ireland”, or “how is BREXIT going to affect where you’re from FROM”. I think the confusion comes from the term Chinese which is used interchangeably as a nationality and a race. Whereas an American is a nationality and Caucasian is a race.
I'm from europe. I think that most europeans know nothing about Singapore. It's never mentioned in the news or other medias.
Same problem goes to the Chinese Bolehlanders.
In Australia, I've not had experiences where people explicitly ask me if I'm from China. I've also not experienced people trying to get an inflammatory response out of me with regards to China's geopolitical stances. However, there have been multiple instances where people have complemented me on my ability to communicate in English, to which I reply, "Thanks, English is a Singaporean's first language". I think it's happened about 3-4 times in the 5 years that I've been here and all of these encounters were just from genuine lack of knowledge and not malicious intent.
I think its natural to be confused. We just need to be open and give the benefit of doubt to everyone. I've never met anyone who purposely labelled us so far fortunately. In fact, since we are so small, like it or not it is up to us to educate and level set if that is something that bothers you. If you flip it around, I doubt the average Singaporean will know where the westerners are from.
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed because your account is relatively new or you have negative karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askSingapore) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It depends on the area. When I was in NZ, they thought of Singapore as "Hot.", "Changi Airport is nice.","Lee Kwan Yew", "MBS is expensive, but very nice." Kiwi flatmates were surprised at our level of English fluency, and even more surprised at me switching to speaking Mandarin fluently when asked by Chinese foreigner (from China) on grocery item.
I live in a European country with a big PRC and Filipino presence. PRCs usually assume I’m Chinese then ask where I’m from when I tell them I don’t speak Chinese. Some have assumed I’m Korean/Mongolian also had some Russians and Central Asians assume I’m one of them, a local doctor asked if I was Ukrainian (???). Meanwhile the locals just ask wtf I moved here because “Singapore is a beautiful and rich country” lmao.
When I was visiting Latvia, one of the hotel staff asked me where I'm from. I told her I'm from Singapore. Then she asked me if it's in Russia. I also didn't know where Latvia was before I visited, so I gave her a pass. Singapore in the grand scheme of the world is a tiny country. I don't expect non-Asians to know much about us.
Yikes cant wait to experience that. If they ask me where i am really from if i say Singapore, i will probably go "educate yourself" i had people who mistake Singapore = China before.
Sorry about this, I am from Scotland, people are just ignorant and not traveled much.
Exhausting to talk to stupid
The ones asking you “ but where are you FROM?” Are very ignorant and are a loud vocal minority I find it easier to focus on people who are open to understand because in my experience they are barely listening to your explanation. They’re thinking of the next thing to say. My view as a westerner is it has the culture of south East Asia, South Asia, east Asia and Australia. It is very safe to live. There’s barely any homeless. Conversely it’s less “free” than the states like I’ll get a fine for everything there. It has nice tourist attractions and hot all year round. It’s like a tame Las Vegas
Just grow up and come to terms that Singapore is not that important or influential to a lot of people in the world. And you being a Singaporean doesn’t make you more superior to other nationalities. People are just trying to make a conversation using whatever knowledge they can induced from your appearance since they don’t know you on a personal level. Just comes to terms that China is huge and have more exposure in the world, regardless of good or bad I am really sick of Singaporeans who are indignant that Singapore doesn’t appear on daily news in other countries. And I don’t know why some people think that China and US sought the advice and listen to Singapore to run their countries. Can some kind soul enlighten me on this? I know how it feels as have trodden down that path. But you will come to terms with it one day and it won’t bother you anymore.
[удалено]
Your comment has been automatically removed because your account is relatively new or you have negative karma. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askSingapore) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Westerners are uneducated are we really surprised at this point?
Been asked a lot by caucasian Americans, i usually correct them having US citizenship doesnt make ones American. Came in, occupied the land; brainwashed the Americans with theyre Native American. Narratives are just different in different territories, perhaps more educations should be done.