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'Brownface' is not Singaporean
The concept of "brownface" does not belong to Singapore - it comes from the West. Singaporeans think it is a compliment when a person of another culture dons our costume or seeks to learn our traditions. Try this in the West and risk being called out for cultural appropriation.
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Margaret Chan
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SINGAPORE - In her commentary (Goodwill takes years to build, but only seconds to destroy, Aug 5), Second Minister for Finance and Education Indranee Rajah wrote:
"The peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore is not because we are lucky. It's also not because everyone acts with awareness and scrupulous care not to give offence to others - as the recent incidents show. It is because we work hard at it, intervening directly if need be."
