Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

1-2023

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which state-defined discourses of multiculturalism can unintentionally create a framework through which micro-aggressions are enacted against those interpreted as "other". These definitions cascade down from the state to majority and then minority ethno-national groups, who leverage positions of relative dominance to establish the terms of acceptance and integration into society. By negotiating these terms, ethnicity becomes a performative construct through which difference is asserted and reified. We illustrate these ideas through an empirical analysis of Singapore's minority Indian community, and how Singaporean Indians perform an idea of "Indianness" in response to their Singaporean Chinese fellow citizens on the one hand, and their migrant Indian counterparts on the other. This positioning causes Singaporean Indians to be subject to micro-aggressions vis-a-vis the Chinese majority, and to perpetrate micro-aggressions against Indian non-national minorities. In turn, this causes Singaporean Indianness to be underperformed throughout daily life.

Keywords

Multiculturalism, superdiversity, micro-aggression, performance, Indianness, Singapore

Discipline

Asian Studies | Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies | South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

Ethnic and Racial Studies

Volume

46

Issue

1

First Page

119

Last Page

140

ISSN

0141-9870

Identifier

10.1080/01419870.2022.2059387

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2022.2059387

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