Travelling towards town on a Sunday, it is inevitable to meet our foreign talents from the Philippines. (Some may argue that they shouldn't be classified as talents but i'd rather differ)
Our country struggles a love-hate relationship with these visitors. Knowing this, as well as considering the events occurring in their homeland now, I stand amazed at how they can still put on a smile as they dress up in their 'nicest' clothes on their way to Church and/or rejoicement with their friends.
Despite the topic being taboo in the mainstream media, many Singaporeans regard our foreign talents who are not employed to work at an office desk as second-class immigrants. A sense of disdain is felt in the expressions of locals as they enter the public domains of transport and city centers in their cultural groups. Easily recognisable in their attire, lingua franca and volume, many the locals maintain a distance. Its funny that individually, they are trusted to care for our homes, feed our families, guard our children, and yet as a collective regarded as pesky, overflowing and alien. Is it because they are not directly contributing to the local economy? Is it that they live with a more carefree attitude than what Singaporeans should?
Unfortunately, the bias is unfortunately diffused to those who are 'gainfully employed' next to us in our workplaces. Many are treated with distrust as they "take our jobs" and by definition, our money.
Could it be that at the core of it all, we are jealous of our friends that have made our land a cash cow. Could it be that we envy their temporary contentment. Maybe, its the fact that they have something to live for at the end of the road. Do we?
