Annoying classmates are a feature of schools everywhere, Singapore included.

Kids can be insensitive, often times banding together and poking fun at others over racial, national, or even class differences -- or anything innocuous.

So, it is not a surprise that at least one student from China studying in a school in Singapore has claimed to be a victim of discrimination and has spoken up about it.

Discrimination from Singaporean classmates

In an email to Singapore Eye, or Xin Jia Po Yan -- an account on Weibo, which is China's largest microblogging platform -- a Chinese student accused his Singaporean classmates of discriminating against him on the basis of his "farming" family background in China.

Singapore Eye, which is an account that mostly caters to mainland Chinese living in Singapore, then posted the email, asking other followers what they think about the incident.

Here's the translation of his story in full:

The student only mentioned that he's studying at a high school here in Singapore, which may refer to either a junior college or pre-university institution.

[related_story]

Chinese netizens weigh in

While most Chinese netizens empathised with the Chinese student in Singapore and supported him for bringing the incident to the attention of the authorities, some didn't think it was worth reporting.

Standing in solidarity

Translation: You have to make a complaint! Don't be scared! As long as you watch your attitude and don't stir up trouble, our anger will be felt more by others!

Blaming the Chinese student

Translation: Isn't it because you look down on farmers yourself, which is why you have these thoughts? Adjust your attitude. Having land is something to be proud of.

Turning the issue into a lecture on discrimination

Translation: So many people in the comments thinking that this isn't discrimination, you guys are really big-hearted. 'Discriminate' means that you're being singled out as you're different (from others). It doesn't have to be something negative. "You're Asian, so you must be good at Math, right?" is also a form of discrimination.

Brushing it off as a small matter

Translation: Child, don't think too complicatedly. Actually the teacher meant no harm. Go explore the world with an open heart, this is but a minor thing.

Same sort of discrimination in China

Translation: Personally, I feel that even if you're studying in one of the big cities in China, you'll encounter the same thing too.

Asking the student to take the matter in his stride

Translation: I feel that the teacher didn't mean to be discriminatory. Singaporeans don't have the mentality that farmers are inferior to others (this is because there're no farmers there, those in the agriculture business and who are being promoted are all successful people). The question your teacher asked also seems pretty legit. As for whether your classmates were laughing at you and discriminating against you, it's difficult to tell as I wasn't there at that time. But if there's indeed discrimination from your classmates, I suggest you go speak to your school first, before escalating to MOE.

And linking it back to Singapore politics

Translation: Singapore under the leadership of Lee Hsien Loong, still looks at China and the Chinese people the same way it did 30 years ago. Typical ignorant yet conceited mindset. How pathetic.

The post did not provide any updates as to whether his feedback has been acknowledged by MOE or if he has received a response.