What makes us Singaporean?

An old topic came up for discussion a few days back; the question of Singaporean identity. What makes us Singaporean? What defines someone as Singaporean?

Is it just a piece of paper that says ‘Singaporean’ under ‘Nationality’?
Is it our goals and dreams?
Is it our culture?
Is it the feeling we get deep in our hearts?

From foreign workers in Singapore, to the large numbers of Singaporeans leaving home to find a life somewhere else, this question had always been brought up.

So just what defines a person as a particular race?
Is it the colour of their skin? There is no such divide in Singapore.
Is it the culture in which we were brought up in or the traditions in which we follow? There is such a mix of culture and traditions that there isn’t one definitive style in which a Singaporean follows. Singaporean Malays can celebrate Chinese New Year just like a Singaporean Chinese will visit a Malay household during Hari Raya.
Is it a particular way we dream and the type of goals we have for our lives? Can that truly define a race?

Whilst we consider those questions, one particular one does stand out; Singaporean Culture.
The Japanese have their festivals and traditions that they follow to the tee.
The ancient Mayans have their human sacrifices and Gods to which they pray.
The Chinese have festivals and Gods to fit every social part of their daily lives.
So what is Singaporean Culture?
Perhaps it is an amalgamation of all the traditions and beliefs of all the people who have lived and contributed to Singapore.
Or maybe it is the simple act of welcoming all these different traditions that is Singaporean Culture.
What do you think?

Had a discussion with an old friend about this a while back. He views were interesting to say the least, but the main point raised was what makes a person Singaporean. He believes that it is what lies in your heart that defines you. If you truly feel that Singapore is home, and you yearn to return to Singapore and will return when you are able to if you aren’t already there, then you are Singaporean.

I guess under that definition, there will still be lots of Singaporeans outside of Singapore, despite whether they have Singaporean passports or not. Just here in Brisbane alone, I know a group of people yearning to return home. That if given a choice, they’ll return. But it seems to be difficult to do so. Singapore is now welcoming people home, people who have left in the past. But this invitation is limited to people of talent only. So what about the rest? The ones who really want to return but are not considered a talent? Are they considered the unwanted children of our nation? I really do wonder.

I know for myself, I really want to go back to Singapore. My friends, my family are all back home. But I have a better chance of making a life here. And I have my friends here. Can I still call myself Singaporean? If I pick up the Aussie mindset and get used to the lifestyle here, but yet not forgetting my Singaporean roots and the little weird things we do, am I still a Singaporean?

What do you think? Are you a Singaporean or not?