Identity

Title of Article: Chinese, but Singaporean
Author: Janadas Devan
Publisher: Straits Times
Date: August 23 2008

Reading this commentary has somewhat left me in confusion over my identity. All Singaporeans are known to be uniquely Singaporean but we all have a specific race and culture after all. No, I am not planning to disrupt the social cohesion we currently enjoy in the country, but I am here to reflect on our backgrounds and origins.

The breathtaking Beijing Olympics are over. China is in a league of their own, with their gold tally far superior than any other country. Singaporeans, with their lone silver medal, are elated. This Olympics has raised an important issue. If we think about it, Singapore is part of China, India and Indonesia. The Chinese, Indians and Malay in Singapore have bloodlines tracing back to our ancestors residing in the lands where each race originated. If we totally ignore the political boundaries, Chinatown is a patch of land in China, Little India is a patch of land in India and Kampung Glam is another patch of land in Malaysia. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride welling up as I watched the Chinese athletes blazing through the field of competitors. The Opening Ceremony was also truly magnificent. 5000 rich years of Chinese history was pristinely summed up in one night, as the entire world watched on.

There are many things that make a Singaporean a Singaporean. From our highly distinguishable language we call Singlish to our kiasu nature, we can always tell a Singaporean apart. All these traits are due to our multicultural society we live in, where we have created our own identity that we share among everyone from all races. However, when I look past this common identity, I can imagine my Chinese ancentors toiling in the paddy field or laying a brick which happens to be the foundation for modern China.

The Beijing Olympics has raised the issue of political nationalism. Being Chinese, I feel part of the dream and vision shared by the 1.3 billion Chinese nationals. This Olympics has not only been a sporting event but it has been an extremely successful cultural performance.

The Chinese culture has really come a long way. Singapore has also gone through a lot, but in a much shorter period of time. Having a multicultural society in our country is eye opening and enriching at the same time as we learn about other cultures. However, the recent Beijing Olympics has evoked some cultural pride in me and I cannot help but feel as if our society is divided into the different races, mainly Chinese, Malay and Indian and we are all still part of our motherland. Nevertheless, I believe that one day Singaporeans will establish an identity so strong and distinct that we will be seen as one entire race living on a tiny red dot.