I wrote this some time ago, when this Mr Brown meme was all the rage. Two things: (1) I didn’t feel it expressed all I wanted to say and (2) August isn’t the only month for national pride. Come to think of it, there’s a third point. (3) I really wanted to make this an audio clip with nice background music and all. However, I couldn’t find anything suitable nor do I have musical talent. So, even though I still feel that it’s inadequate, here goes…

Hello.

I eat Mee, Nasi, Prata and Devil Curry.

I am a(n?) NSman. Although, we all still call it ‘reservist’.

(Why this comes straight after food? I’m not sure.)

My best friends are mostly in the Civil Service. Thankfully, they are not mindless robots.

I have been through JC and Poly. Which one is better is besides the point.

I wasn’t accepted to a local University*. Strangely, I now work for one.

I read newspapers for a laugh, and read blogs for serious, considered views.

People mistake me for Indian or Malay sometimes. If they hear me talk, they might think I’m a foreigner because I speak relatively well. My country once officially labelled my kind “others”.

Even though I’m an Other, I’m no stranger to this place. It is home.

My name is Kenneth Pinto. And I am Singaporean.

Technorati Tags: singapore, iamsingaporean, national day, patriotism, identity

* I just realised today marks my third year here.