Was It Insulting or Just a Personal Opinion?
SINGAPORE: A French expat’s comment calling Singaporeans “lifeless” has sparked a debate on whether the remark was an insult or simply a personal opinion that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
The comment was shared by Reddit user ‘thesuperpoodle’ on the Expat Singapore subreddit, where they recounted overhearing several expats criticizing Singapore and making fun of its people. The Redditor described how a French woman remarked that the people in Singapore appeared “lifeless” as they walked in and out of malls.
The Redditor expressed uncertainty over whether the comment was justified. They explained that the woman’s inference came after observing people at a mall, some entering to escape the heat and others leaving to get fresh air. “It was just a normal Saturday,” the Redditor noted, adding that the expat might have expected something more dynamic, like people singing or dancing as they entered the mall.
The Redditor speculated that the expat’s expectations may have been misplaced, possibly leading to her disappointment, which prompted the insensitive comment. They also pointed out that generalizing the behavior of people at the mall as “lifeless” was illogical, as it was not representative of all Singaporeans or all occasions. However, the Redditor acknowledged that the people the expat observed could have been fellow expats or visitors, and cautioned against making assumptions based on appearances.
Another Reddit user, ‘itsWednesday’, who is also an expat, called the “lifeless” comment disrespectful. While recognizing that both expats and locals sometimes complain about each other, they argued that expats, as guests in the country, should refrain from airing grievances in public.
Some users, however, felt the comment was harmless, viewing it as a personal opinion rather than a factual statement. The discussion has ignited a larger conversation about cultural perceptions and the importance of mutual respect between diverse communities.
Whether deemed insulting or not, the expat’s remark has undoubtedly stirred a broader conversation about how cultural differences shape perceptions and the sensitivity needed when living as a guest in a foreign country.
