Picture this: You’re overseas, proudly sharing about Singapore, when someone drops the bomb: “Singapore isn’t really Asia.” Sound familiar? This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a frustrating reality many Singaporeans face, as a recent Reddit thread highlighted.
Foreigners’ SG Perception
Ever noticed how some foreigners have a peculiar idea of what “Asia” is? A recent Reddit discussion perfectly captured this common frustration. A German traveller, fresh from exploring Southeast Asia, declared Singapore “not really Asia” because it’s “rich and developed, not dirty.” What’s more, others agreed.
This isn’t an isolated incident. It highlights a prevailing, albeit narrow, Western perception that often equates “Asia” with poverty or underdevelopment. Singapore’s impressive economic growth and high GDP per capita, reaching US$82,807 in 2023, directly challenge this outdated stereotype. Many Singaporeans find themselves defending our nation’s identity against such geographical myopia.
“So asia = poor instead of deifning a geographic region?”
- Challenging Stereotypes
“They come to this part of the world seeking validation that their part of the world is superior but gets a reality check instead.”
The Superiority Complex
At the heart of such statements lies a deeper issue: a superiority complex. Many Reddit users pointed out that some Western travellers seek validation for their own perceived global superiority. When faced with a highly developed Asian nation like Singapore, which can match or even exceed Western standards in many areas, it challenges their preconceived notions.
This cognitive dissonance often leads them to dismiss Singapore as an “anomaly” or “not really Asia,” rather than confronting their own biases. It’s frustrating for Singaporeans when our progress and modernity are met with such prejudiced views, rather than genuine curiosity or respect. It’s not just about geographical ignorance; it’s about refusing to acknowledge the diverse, dynamic realities across Asia.
- Prejudiced Perceptions
“Translation: it is hard for me to feel superior as a European when a non-European country can do what I can just as well if not better.”
- Refusing Reality
“Superiority complex. These kind of westerners think that they are better than us Southeast Asia countries, that we are backwards, dirty, rural, and ‘still stuck in stone age’.”
How to Respond
So, how do you handle such comments? Reddit users offered a spectrum of reactions. Some suggest witty comebacks that turn the tables, highlighting the hypocrisy or ignorance of the statement. For instance, comparing Paris’s cleanliness to Singapore’s, or noting Germany’s train delays, can often make them reconsider their sweeping generalisations.
Others advise against engaging deeply, especially if the person isn’t genuinely open to learning. Sometimes, it’s best to simply “pwn and move on,” as one user put it. Ultimately, Singapore’s identity as a modern, vibrant Asian nation is undeniable. Our focus should remain on our continued progress and unique blend of cultures, rather than validating narrow, outdated foreign perceptions. We know who we are, and that’s what truly matters.
- Witty Comebacks
“with how bad DB delays are, maybe Germany is Asia too”
- Challenge Ignorance
“By her logic, Paris must be in Asia. Its fkn dirty with piss smell everywhr :)”
- Prioritise Self-Worth
“Pwn and move on”
