cultural imperialism in singapore?

We consume media everyday. Television, radio and the internet are all forms of popular media and they are all around us. The media has basically opened us up to the world out there. Things that we have never heard of, places that we have always dreamt of visiting and even unwillingly, we are constantly being influenced by what we come across through the media. In this regard, the debate of cultural imperialism arises.

Cosafe in Singapore

Photo by varf

Cosafe opened in Singapore at CHIJMES in November 2006. Customers at Cosafe are served by girls dressed in Victorian maid attire and in full anime make up. Instead of "Welcome!", customers are greeted with "Okaeri Nasai", which means "Welcome home, Master". With the constant exposure to Japan's culture through the media, this idea of a cosplay themed restaurant which is very popular in Japan has caught on in Singapore. In a country which is still fairly conservative, the idea of being greeted "Welcome home, Master" may not bode well with a fair number of Singaporeans. As such, it can be clearly seen that as we learn more about other cultures through the media, cultural imperialism can occur. 

Illustration by Jillian Tamaki

Another aspect is fashion. Walk along Orchard Road, and you can easily spot Singaporean girls dressed up in Japanese or Korean fashion. With all the drama serials in our stores today featuring the latest Japanese or Korean stars wearing the glamourous clothes in the latest fashion, it is of no surprise that our fellow ladies will want to follow suit.

Why then do all these cultures so easily seep into our society? Is it because that Singapore has a weak culture to begin with? Do we always have to follow others in order to be cool? When will Singapore finally find our own niche?

culture and diversity

photo by williamcho

Most of us have been living in Singapore for many years, and we should be very comfortable with our racial and cultural diversity by now. Although there are so many cultures in Singapore, are you finding it difficult to communicate with the people around you? Do you use explicit words to convey the meaning of your messages?

I will think that the answers to the above are no. After all, people of different races have assimilated very well into the big culture of Singapore. During communication, things are not spelt out explicitly for the listeners and the context in which the communication takes place at plays a critical role as well. We expect our listeners to get our message by placing it in the correct context. These are all indications of a high context culture. 

We are also afraid to say no. For example, when a figure of higher authority tells us something, most of us will just obediently follow the instructions. Although we may not fully agree, we dare not voice out our disagreements and prefer to discuss the matter in a more subtle and roundabout way, otherwise known as verbal indirectness. 

However, things are beginning to change. With a more pampered lifestyle compared to generations before us, we are more used to getting what we want. When things do not go our way, our dissatisfaction ring out loud and clear. We become more direct with our speech, stating definitively what we wish for and in turn, subscribing to a more low context culture. 

Which one do you prefer? Are you for us moving towards the low context of the spectrum?

to be lonely, or be a group-ie

illustration by cobol

It has been argued that all humans survive on affection, and what better way to obtain affection than joining a group which you feel comfortable in? Some people join a group for status and prestige, some join to feel included in the daily activities, others simply for the company.

The problems that arise from the moment you wish to join a group is aplenty. Take acceptance for a start (think back on the times when you wished to join a particular CCA for example), as a new member, how often is it that you were asked to do the menial tasks by the senior members? After gaining the status of a full member, how much is it that you did onto the prospective members that wished to join the group?

Having a cohesive group of friends in school, otherwise known as a clique, also contributes to a problem called groupthink. How many times have you heard a slang for a particular person in school coming out from a group? A person who is not in the in-group will not have an inkling of who they are referring to. By having shared stereotypes, the group will also have an illusion of invulnerability, and even ostracise particular people within their social circle.

There are many ways to combat this behavior, but how many of us actually attempt to do it? And most importantly, are we aware of the problem and is in fact taking some action to correct it?

To be alone, or in a group, you decide.