It happens every time. They can’t help it. As a French-born woman now spending some time in Singapore, I’ve encountered countless clichés about both cultures. “French people are arrogant and indifferent to extra-marital affairs,” or “Singapore is so shiny and artificial.” In my opinion, these remarks, often based on fleeting encounters or media portrayals, reveal more about the speaker’s ignorance than the cultures they claim to describe. But I keep hearing them. In fact, they’re all over a certain press, and social media as well.
A French Perspective
Honestly, I’ve heard it all before. We French are supposedly all about arrogance, cheese, and wine. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked if we French consider extra-marital affairs to be the norm — as if we invented them. Please. The rest of the world didn’t wait for the French to start cheating on their spouses. Just look at the British Royal family if you need convincing. But here’s the thing: cultures are far more complex than these tired tropes. Growing up in France, I’ve seen the depth of our history, our art, our philosophy. There’s a richness here that’s often overlooked by those who only see the surface. Not to mention that France is a true meritocracy where education is very good and also very cheap. I wouldn’t have had the education I benefitted from had I not been born in France, and I am deeply grateful for this.
Singapore: Beyond the Facade
Move to Singapore, and suddenly, you’re in a city where everything seems designed to impress. But scratch that surface, and you’ll find a society with innovative urban planning, a rich cultural heritage, and dynamic social policies. And let’s talk about POFMA — when the press here gets something wrong, they must issue a correction or risk severe punishment. It’s a commitment to truth that’s refreshing… More information on POFMA can be found here: https://www.gov.sg/pofma
One of the recent cases involved Bloomberg. They claimed, amongst other things, that there was no publicly available government records of real estate sale transactions if caveats are not lodged, which was factually incorrect. Bloomberg stands by its reporting. I don’t know how this will end up, but I must admit that I wish newspapers had an obligation to correct all their lies and incorrect statements all over the world. It’s not going to happen of course…
The European Conundrum
The Anglo-Saxon perspective often reduces vast cultural landscapes into oversimplified, derogatory stereotypes. This isn’t just about France or Singapore; consider the European Union. Often critiqued for its bureaucracy, few acknowledge the delicate balance it maintains between national sovereignty and collective unity. What’s seen as inefficiency from the outside is, in reality, a complex system designed for peace, something Europe has enjoyed since World War II. Most people don’t understand that the European Union isn’t a federation or a confederation: it’s a supra-national entity that tries to find common ground on some selected topics. Nothing more, nothing less.
Brexit: More Than Meets the Eye
Brexit is another example where depth is missing in discourse. Most of my family was against it, but as a small business owner, I supported it due to the overwhelming regulatory burden. The UK’s relationship with Europe has always been unique, and understanding this requires more than just a superficial look at headlines or political debates. As for whether Brexit has worked or not, well, the jury is still out on this. Maybe I’ll write about it some other time.
The Harm of Stereotypes
This compulsion to judge from a place of perceived superiority does more harm than good. It perpetuates cultural divides and breeds misunderstanding. The frustration isn’t just about arrogance; it’s about a deeper issue of cultural misrepresentation. Mind you, it has always existed and is not going to disappear any time soon.
Moving Forward
So, how do we foster a better understanding? Well, it will take time, but here are a few pointers:
Education Over Hearsay: Prioritize learning about cultural contexts rather than relying on media sensationalism or second-hand stories. Read local stories, try to see things from a different perspective.
Engagement: Travel, exchange programs, or even virtual interactions offer a pathway to genuine understanding. Nothing beats lived experience.
Authentic Media: Encourage media to represent cultures with depth and authenticity, moving away from clichés.
Dialogue: Promote discussions aimed at learning rather than judging. Ask questions, seek answers, and listen.
Learn the language: Learning to speak a foreign language is so much more than grammar and spelling; it’s a journey into the psyche of a nation, and it helps to understand how they think.
Conclusion: A Call for Nuance
In an increasingly polarized world, we need to recognize and learn to appreciate more the richness of human diversity. Don’t get me wrong: this isn’t about accepting everything in the name of inclusivity but about understanding each other better. We’re not having those frank conversations about our core values yet; instead, we’re too busy with slander and virtue signalling. And that, in my view, is the key issue.
I dream of a world where we would move away from the echo chambers of cultural superiority towards a shared, complex tapestry of global human experience. Here’s to more inquisitive, respectful, and informed cultural dialogues.
