COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Issue 4: Race relations
Casual racism is defined as racially insensitive speech or acts performed
without malicious intent. Many individuals are unaware of its offensive nature.
Participants discussed experiencing casual racism in schools, such as group
conversations being held in Mandarin despite the presence of an Indian friend.
Participants shared feelings of social isolation, which were exacerbated by
people neglecting their experiences. This reflects a lack of empathy and
understanding in people. The ‘Regardless of race’ documentary by Channel
News Asia in 2016 shows that casual racism is still an issue today.
Participants often internalised casual racism, resulting in them dissociating
from their cultural practises in order to blend in with the majority. For instance,
one participant temporarily stopped applying coconut oil when her friends
mocked its smell. Similar sentiment was shared by Harini V, a victim of
racism, in a video shared by Millennials of Singapore. The video showed how
some Tamils are reluctant to speak Tamil for fear of being viewed as too
Indian. Internalised casual racism affects the morale of minority groups and
reduces their willingness to associate with their own cultural practices.
Source: Millennials Of Singapore. (2018, January 30). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTHJNHDVoAo
Maathi Yosi | 2019
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B) Casual Racism