Singaporeans Criticize Ignorant and Racist Views About Their Country
Singaporeans have taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment over what they perceive as ignorant and racist views about their country. The backlash comes after a U.S. senator questioned the nationality and possible affiliations of TikTok CEO Shou Chew with the Chinese Communist Party during a congressional hearing on the online harms of social media.
During the hearing, Sen. Tom Cotton repeatedly grilled Chew about his nationality and potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This line of questioning has raised concerns about racial profiling and ignorance about Singapore's diverse population.
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, boasts over 150 million users in the United States. Lawmakers in the U.S. have expressed suspicions about whether the data collected by TikTok could be accessed by the Chinese government, as well as concerns about the app being used as a tool to expand China's influence.
Cotton's questions seemingly implied that Chew's ethnicity automatically connects him to the Chinese Communist Party. However, Chew clarified that he is a Singaporean citizen and does not hold dual citizenship. Cotton pressed further, asking if Chew had ever been a member or had any affiliation with the Party. Chew firmly responded, 'No Senator, again, I'm Singaporean.' It is important to note that being a member of the Chinese Communist Party requires Chinese citizenship.
The implications of Cotton's questions and his line of inquiry have been met with criticism and dismay both within and outside of Singapore. Social media platforms have been inundated with comments denouncing Cotton's approach and highlighting the ignorance behind assuming someone's affiliations based solely on their ethnic appearance.
Singapore, a multicultural society, has a population consisting of various ethnic groups. Approximately 75% of its 5.9 million inhabitants are ethnically Chinese. However, it is crucial to recognize that many young Singaporeans do not identify China as their cultural motherland.
The exchange between Cotton and Chew has drawn comparisons to the McCarthy era and has been described as narrow-minded and tinged with racism. Users on social media have pointed out the senator's lack of knowledge about Singapore and questioned his assumptions about Chew's affiliations based on ethnic appearance alone.
This is not the first time Chew has appeared before U.S. lawmakers. He previously testified in March 2023, where he faced six hours of questioning on issues concerning TikTok, such as data security and harmful content on the platform.
The reaction from Singaporeans has been a mix of disappointment and amusement. Some Singaporeans initially felt pride seeing a fellow countryman appearing before the U.S. Congress. However, it quickly turned to disappointment as they witnessed what they perceive as ignorant and racist questioning.
Critics argue that Cotton's assertions about Singapore's infiltration and influence by the Chinese Communist Party lack a clear foundation. In response to the backlash, Cotton posted an interview clip on Instagram, stating that Chew had 'a lot of explaining to do.' He further defended his line of inquiry by mentioning cases in which U.S. citizens were accused of collaborating or working with the Chinese Communist Party.
It is crucial to approach such discussions with cultural sensitivity and avoid making assumptions based on ethnic appearance alone. Singaporeans have expressed their hope for greater understanding and recognition of the diversity within their country.
