That complaint sits very comfortably within the context of our multi-racial society. Don't get me wrong. I am not proud of it, nor am I going to point fingers at anyone in particular. Most of us, sink back into our comfort zone of racial enclaves when we go about our daily routine. No doubt, we acknowledge English as the official language of communication. Unfortunately, mindset is a complex matter. Familiarity tend to overpower the need to be sensitive to others. Being part of the minority group in Singapore, I have found myself in such a situation more than I like to be. I find myself lost when they communicate eagerly in their native language. And I have voiced out my concern to them. They apologise profusely and promise not to repeat that mistake. But the next minute they go back to doing the same thing. I have since given up on my attempts to correct them. I just slink back, keep my mouth shut and wait until they come to their own realisation. I have always shunned block parties and gatherings for fear of being trapped in that very situation. And it is not only in social gatherings that they step over the line of racial tolerance. Official meetings and important discussions between colleagues are sometimes also conducted partly in that language. And that insensitivity really gets to me. In quiet retaliation, I put on a mask, one that is passive, cold, almost resentful towards them. My meek attempt to hide any helplessness inside. [Based on an article found in the Straits Times Online Forum] |
