Comments on "careless comments on culture"

[Originally posted at:  http://mbdownunder.blogspot.com]

About two months ago, I wrote a blog entry called Careless comments on culture. I discussed a number of things, but the main force behind the entry was my realization that some cultural tendencies/differences annoy me, no matter how open minded I try to be. Recently, a student from Singapore found my blog and left a comment on that entry, responding to my generalizations about Asian/white culture(s) and stereotypes. I was delighted by her response simply because having a blog feels more worthwhile (and is more fun) when what I say gets a reaction. Otherwise I'm just talking at people! I've gotten Soong Yeng's permission to repost her comment here. I plan on continuing this dialogue later on... and you might want to reread my entry in order to better appreciate Soong Yeng's perspective.

Heys. I'm a Singaporean [Singapore is in asia but not in china:)] thats probably going to ANU to study in july and i was looking for fellow freshies when i found your blog. its a good read and i hope that my life at Anu will be as vibrant as your's sounds. 

I feel compelled to comment about the Asian sterotypes that you mentioned briefly. Especially about the cliques. i guess i feel somewhat defensive because i suspect that i am so likely to join a clique of my own. and because of that i wanna defend that behavior.do pardon me, i think i'm feeling guilty.

Anyways, i think that asians form cliques not only because of the languages we speak [my first language was English and my chinese proficency is better not described :( haha] but possibly also because of how we feel "inferior" to whites. [Is there another word for whites? To describe white ppl in general, whether from america europe australia or where ever] 

I'm going to make horrible generalisations here, so please dont get offended.

I know I think that whites are less likely to want to mix with me and that I probably have nothing in common to talk to them about. and if i'm unlucky i may meet racist people. so its "safer" to stick with other asians. Yet at the same time i do want to meet whites because they seem so much more interesting. and different from me. not to mention independent and brave.

and I feel now, that I have to choose between the two because asians and whites don't mix. but then i'm not in australia yet. so i dont know anything. :P

and while i can't think of any excuse to speak in high cutesy voices, i think its just an expression of enthusiasm and "high-ness" <--Does high-ness translate? high as in the kind of high ppl get during alcohol and drugs but achieved via natural adrenaline and NOT any drugs.

and i know of ppl that cover their mouths when smiling cause their teeth are not straight. also Chinese, in general, I think feel its more demure to laugh behind a hand. Surely you dont wanna see my tonsils?:D

Yup. I do hope you respond to this. Hopefully via email. You can reach me at ...
Soong Teng

Thanks, Soong Teng! 

I'm enjoying thinking about her response, particularly in light of some experiences and conversations I've had since I wrote that entry in March. Looking forward to more discussion soon.