The incident of Prima Deli's blatant racism was met by Singaporeans with disgust and "not again!"

Even though this is not the first time I've come across reports of unfair employment practices, it still surprises me that Singaporeans are capable of such detestable acts.

This is because growing up, from kindergarten to poly, I've always had Malay classmates. They are my friends. Some are good at sports, while others love the Mathematics and Sciences.

Long story short, no one fit any stereotypes: they were different — they were all their own person.

If they fit a stereotype - they are Singaporeans who love local food and speak Singlish.

And I've never had any inkling that my other classmates, teachers or school did not recognise that because I never witnessed anyone being denied opportunities — like scholarships or overseas trips — just because of their race or religion.

That is why I believe that most Singaporeans are not racist. And I am sure that many other students and young Singaporeans echo the same view.

Blissful ignorance? Youthful naïveté? Probably.

However, instead of taking offence to this, what is more worth considering is: why is it that oftentimes, working adults are the most racist, but at the same time, experience the most racism?

But that is a whole other discussion. My point is, that by my definition, racism is an anomaly and not the norm here because most Singaporeans choose not to be.

For that — a Chinese, the majority, thinking that racism is not rampant here in Singapore — many would declare me racist.

This shows just how subjective racism is, especially because not every racist is as obvious as Prima Deli's ex (thankfully) "head of the baking department". There will never be a one-size-fits-all definition for what constitutes racism.

Consider this: a long-running joke is that Chinese men are not as good in bed. Racist? To some, yes; because it is an unfair stereotype. But to others, like me, it isn't; because I know very well that it's untrue — and even if it is not, it never hurts to be a little self-deprecating.

Another example would be "lepak one corner" which is the "playful" and "funny" Singaporean way of saying to relax. But for me, it is lazy, unfunny and borders on offensive because it suggests that Malays do nothing but loiter at void deck corners.

So who is a racist? From what I see online, many Singaporeans seem to define it as anyone who harbours even a single thought they deem derogatory towards another race.

By that definition, as long as you belong to a different race, you are a racist.

That is why during the Amy Cheong incident, where she infamously said Malay weddings costs "fifty bucks", a lot of the anger was diverted at the Chinese populace here.

Some were aghast that a Chinese dared to complain about Malay weddings when their funerals are much noisier and stretch for even more days — in so doing, meeting false stereotypes with false stereotypes, answering racism with racism, which unsurprisingly, only made things worse.

In the heat of the moment, many could not see that what Cheong said is only her own opinion (ignorant and bigoted as it was) and not that of every single Chinese in Singapore. After all, many ethnic Chinese were angered by her comments too.

What should have been done instead, perhaps, is to criticise her for her actions, instead of the race she belongs to.

We can follow the adage of loving the sinner but hating the sin.

In short, punish the racist, not the race.

If your friend made a joke that you find racist, correct him or her. Tell him or her that you are uncomfortable with his/her remarks.

If you come across a racist blog post, call out the author. That's the best option. Reach out to him or her to correct him.

If it is gaining traction and rallying a lot of negative racial sentiment, seek help to have it taken down.

If you have been treated unfairly at a job interview because of your skin colour, send a formal complaint to the Ministry of Manpower.

Punish the wrongdoers and only the wrongdoers. Instil caution into every racist but not into every race.

Growing up in Singapore, "race" is as much a buzzword for us as "exams" and "food" are. Wherever we are, whichever national event we celebrate and whatever local programme we watch, we are constantly reminded that Singapore is a multi-racial society.

Race has been such an integral part of my 22 years; yet, this is the first time I've dared to write about it — how odd that it's so frightening to write about something that's supposed to be so familiar to us all.

I guess the reason's quite clear: no matter how passionately or objectively you write it or whichever position you take, there will always be critics.

And of course as a Chinese male, no matter what I say, I will always come off looking like I'm speaking with "Chinese privilege".

Regardless, I still chose to write this because I find it important and I hope you will too, once you can see pass my race - isn't that the first step to combating racism after all?

Related articles:

Prima Deli outs itself as the “well known Halal bakery” that discriminated against cake decorator

Dear “well-known Halal bakery”, you’ve just lost a talented cake decorator due to your discrimination

Top photo: Prima Deli Facebook page.

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