The demands of (dis)placement, the micro-aggressions of multiculturalism: performing an idea of "Indianness" in Singapore
Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
4-2022
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-à-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 and Ethnicity
Research Areas
Humanities
Publication
Ethnic and Racial Studies
First Page
1
Last Page
22
ISSN
0141-9870
Identifier
10.1080/01419870.2022.2059387
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge): SSH Titles
Citation
WOODS, Orlando, & KONG, Lily.(2022). The demands of (dis)placement, the micro-aggressions of multiculturalism: performing an idea of "Indianness" in Singapore. Ethnic and Racial Studies, , 1-22.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3585