Distinction between nationality and ethnicity
After all, some defended the original poster, saying it was a “fact” that Chinese Singaporeans share the same ethnic ancestry as mainland Chinese.
User “Chee Keong Ng27” said: “It’s the same. The Chinese in Singapore originally came from China. The facts are there.”
Others disagreed, highlighting the differences between nationalities and ethnicities and saying it was natural for Singaporeans to prefer to connect with their local culture.
TikTok user “username5838483” wrote: “This whole video is so…dense? Why do Chinese people in Singapore enjoy being called Chinese when they are Singaporeans? We have our own culture, lifestyle, experiences, etc. ”
Others rejected the video’s claim that Singaporeans don’t even like being called Chinese, but said some may prefer a more nuanced approach when distinguishing between nationality and ethnicity.
TikTok user “Peterttc” wrote, “Malaysian Chinese, Singaporean Chinese, Indonesian Chinese, and Thai Chinese are all descendants of Chinese people from southern China in general. Yes, we are Chinese people. Yes, you can call Tong Bau or your brother.”
He used the Chinese term “dongbao” for compatriots, referring to compatriots or nationals of a country.
One user “BellyShiok” said: “Singapore is a country and everyone born in Singapore is Singaporean. If our ethnicity is (sic) Chinese, Malay, Indian or Eurasian, you call us Singaporean. They can be called Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian. ”
Another user, 2808Rtay, agreed: “I have no problem being called Singaporean-Chinese. We are from different races and live side by side in harmony.”
TODAY has contacted the “Singaporean Son” for comment.
