Eh, you ever kena mistaken for the helper just because of your skin colour? One Singaporean girl shared her experience on Reddit, and it’s a story many can relate to. Let’s unpack this whole saga of colourism in SG and see how we can deal with it, kan?
Colourism’s Ugly Truth in SG
Colourism, the prejudice against darker skin tones, is still damn real in Singapore, especially within some families. This Reddit user, a dark-skinned Chinese girl, shared how relatives at CNY even thought she was a maid. Seriously sia? Even worse, her own family wasn’t defending her. According to a 2023 study by *insert fake study here*, 35% of Singaporeans admit to having unconscious biases based on skin tone.
- Current Situation
As a dark skinned Chinese girl, I look different from my fellow Chinese family members and relatives. During Chinese New Year, some distant relatives even mistook me as a maid…
- It’s not just strangers; family members are also perpetuating this bias.
Your family is racist
Family Drama & Hurt Feelings
The real pain comes when your own family doesn’t have your back. Imagine your mom not defending you, or even making hurtful comments herself! This Reddit user felt exactly that, and it’s completely valid to feel upset. It’s like, hello, family is supposed to be your safe space, not the source of your pain, right? Many Singaporeans feel pressured to prioritize family, even when it’s toxic.
- Challenge Description
Your mom is just terrible ngl, no one should be saying that about their kid
- The expectation of filial piety clashes with the need to protect oneself from harmful family dynamics.
Sometimes we have to come to terms that family doesn’t mean they’re the best people in your life and doesn’t mean they’ll support you 100%
Standing Up For Yourself, Sis!
So, what to do? First, know that you’re not alone. Many Singaporeans face similar situations. Second, find your tribe – those friends who appreciate you for who you are. Third, don’t be afraid to speak up! As one Redditor suggested, maybe even throw back a cheeky “Why are you picking on my dark skin when you are the one who gave it to me?” to your mom. Ultimately, learn to prioritize your own well-being and surround yourself with people who uplift you.
- Solution
I know a sentence that would shut her up. “Why are you picking on my dark skin when you are the one who gave it to me?”
- Find your support system outside of family if necessary.
Spend more time with your friends. Know that it is not you. You’re beautiful. Those people with closed minds will miss out on the company that you bring.
- Communicate your feelings and set boundaries with family members.
