Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates the notion of Chineseness as a site of privilege that provides the norms and categories against which other cultures are 'measured'; and the 'unearned advantage' the Chinese have over ethnic minorities like the Malays, Indians and Eurasians in Singapore.

Paper long abstract:

Ethnic Chinese constitute a majority of the population and are well represented at all levels of Singaporean society, politically and economically. Nonetheless, the ideologies of meritocracy and racial harmony have long been held up by the Singapore state as constitutive principles that bind its multi-ethnic population. Singaporean citizens are told that regardless of their race, language or religion they can succeed in life based on their ability and talent. This non-discriminatory approach guarantees social mobility and equal opportunity for all. Similarly, race relations in Singapore have been filtered through the lens of tolerance, living harmoniously and celebration of diversity rather than any deep engagement with cultural difference. Racial tensions and experiences of racism are often unacknowledged. In practice, meritocracy and racial harmony disavows recognition of discrimination and disadvantage faced by ethnic minorities. This paper investigates the notion of Chineseness as a site of privilege that provides the norms and categories against which other cultures are 'measured'; and the 'unearned advantage' the Chinese have over ethnic minorities like the Malays, Indians and Eurasians in Singapore.