Briton Anton Casey’s contemptuous and regrettable behaviour has added to the reasons why a fair number of Singaporeans harbour anti-foreigner sentiment.
And it also adds to the stereotypes of foreigners, particularly Westerners, such as not mingling with the locals and experiencing their culture (“We can afford to forgive this arrogant twerp” and “Anton Casey is not every expat”; last Sunday).
Many of us foreigners condemn Mr Casey’s behaviour.
I am a United States citizen and Singapore permanent resident. My wife is Singaporean and we chose to live here. Our children go to local schools, and we are immersed in the local culture.
In general, foreigners with Singaporean spouses did not move to Singapore because their employers transferred them here, and they are not on expat packages. Many take public transport and are respectful towards Singaporeans.
People need to look beyond stereotypes.
Marc Servos
* Letter first appeared in ST Forum (2 Feb).