3/04/2013

Sinkie or Singaporean or a simpler term



When I used the term Sinkie to refer to Singaporean, it was more or a convenience without any negative connotations. Over time the term Sinkie has becoming more meaningful and prophetic. Many Sinkies or Singaporeans are having this sinking feeling and feeling very unease about it.

Many Sinkies would not mind using this term in its most innocent sense. I also notice that some feel very offended by it and get very heated under the collar. They all prefer to be addressed as Singaporeans. I must say that for Sinkies to want to be called Singaporeans is a good thing. There is still pride and identity left in this diminishing specie. Those abroad, some taken up PRs or foreign citizenships, still feel very Singaporean in them. You can take away his citizenship but you cannot take away their Singaporeaness, of having been a Singaporean.

Would Singaporean be a dying breed just like the peranakans? I will henceforth, in due respect to those Singaporeans who just want to be called Singaporeans, to avoid using the term Sinkie. I will have to find a shorter version to type.

There is still hope that the identity of true blue Singaporeans may survive the current crisis it is going through. Only when Singaporeans want to be Singaporeans, to want to maintain this unique identity in us, not some international citizen label or hotel guests that can go any where they like, will this Singaporean identity continue to exist in the form that we know, a kind of special feeling. But it is a losing battle if we are to constantly dilute it with more and more foreigners that are quite different from us. Another 1.6m is going to do more damage not just the characteristics of being a Singaporean, but we will become more like them, another new concoction, another rojak in the making.

9 comments:

vIRGO49 said...


Mr RB, Think its apt to be called Sinkie.

Our feelings, hopes, aspirations and etc been SINKED by the Govt.

With this sinking feeling, its apt to be called a SINKIE.

Anonymous said...

Maybe it is those sinkies that refuse to embrace globalization that are living like frogs in a tiny well.
Those that crossed the oceans to seek the pleasure and meaning of living are truly the ones sinkies have to learn from.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

Not everyone who wants to go can go. No country or govt will open their legs as wide as ours. Their priorities are their own citizens well being.

Anonymous said...

Open ocean dare not cross, fishing village was too backward. Big modern metropolis to enjoy, not happy.
Why are sinkies so difficult?

Anonymous said...

The Trojan Horse is in the city.

Anonymous said...

RB
No need to create a new word like Sinkie to describe Singaporeans.
The old fashioned word is "suckers".

Anonymous said...

It is like calling "ourselves" Idiots...feeling happy calling this way ? or just reflect our current status ?

Anonymous said...

Please do not hurt my boy.

He is cute and innocent and to be
callef a sinkie will fill his heart with injuries. He is neither naive nor sissy, he just does not want to be called sinkie.

Anonymous said...

This world is a better place without LKY and PAP. He makes us work 12 hours for a temporary flat and lousy public transport and compete with foreigners all over the world including those with fake degrees. Vote the opposition to make this a better place for you and me and to save this place from sinking further.