US VERSUS THEM : SINGAPOREAN REACTIONS TO CRITICISMS OF THE NATION

Abstract

This study examines the reactions of Singaporeans towards external criticisms of Singapore. Data were collected through a combination of a sample survey involving 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with 30 informants. The findings indicate that the receptivity of Singaporeans to criticisms is affected by the nationality of the critic. Being a non-Singaporean, the foreign critic is perceived as having no knowledge of and no right to criticize Singapore. Singaporeans reactions to foreign criticism are also found to be related to perceptions of national sovereignty as well as vulnerability. These reactions are linked to the ingroup/outgroup mentality which, in the case of Singapore, can be understood as a product of state ideology and primordial nationalist sentiments. The theoretical implications of the ingroup/outgroup mentality are discussed in the concluding chapter.