'Dad, am I not a Singaporean?' Girl asks after classmate comments on her skin colour, Singapore News

'Dad, am I not a Singaporean?' Girl asks after classmate comments on her skin colour, Singapore News

Singaporean “Colorful” Parenting: Teaching Kids About Racism One Rainbow Dress at a Time

When a Singaporean family takes a stand against prejudice, it can feel like watching a small‑scale superhero movie unfold in the heart of a bustling city. The story of father Lijesh Karunakaran and his five‑year‑old daughter Mayuki is a shining example of turning everyday encounters into powerful lessons.

The Twin “Color” Chaos

  • School Snub: While brushing up on crayons at the playground, Mayuki’s classmate joked, “You’re not really Singaporean because you’re too dark.” The insult didn’t stop there—he even refused to hold Mayuki’s hand, shouting, “I’m scared of becoming black.”
  • Rainbow Trouble: One sunny afternoon, Mayuki spotted a rainbow‑printed dress that instantly made her swoon. When she excitedly pointed it out to her dad, the shop assistant handed her a pink dress instead, insisting, “Rainbow colours are flashy. Your daughter is dark. Pink fits better.”

Lijesh’s Masterclass in Mercy and Maturity

“Kids grow faster than we think,” Lijesh wrote, fresh from the day’s epiphany. He turned the missteps into a conversation about identity and self‑respect:

  1. He explained how skin colors never “mix” like paint—your hue is in your own lane.
  2. He rousted the shopkeeper with a quick, “Actually, Mayuki loves the rainbow dress!” and followed up, “All colours look great on you—rainbow’s the best!”

With the actress-turned‑DJ of empathy, Lijesh diffused Mayuki’s doubts, telling her, “Pink, blue, white, black – every shade is a celeb.” The goal? To show her that being Singaporean isn’t about skin tone but heart and shared history.

The Viral Response

When the post went live on Facebook, comment sections exploded like a techno‑party. Netizens praised the couple’s wisdom and balanced reacted to Mayuki’s wit. “Who knew a five‑year‑old could handle that?” one commenter laughed. Another chuckled, “Only in a world where kids battle in lockers to pick the right shirt.”

What the Digital Crowd’s Taking Away

Beyond the comments, many readers admitted they’d survived similar micro‑aggressions. One user painstakingly recalled how the sincerity of a few words can steer a child’s perception.

“Your little one is an unstoppable reminder that grades aren’t the only thing that matters,” another said, “thank you for making us all feel proud.”

Bottom Line

In a country that takes pride in cultural mosaic, the small acts of parental love and humor are fighting back against the creeping shadows of intolerance. Mayuki’s rainbow dress became the symbol for a nation’s obligation to teach? “Brighter dreams are for everybody,” Lijesh concluded. And while we may joke about pink‑perturbed dress codes, the heart‑felt message remains clear: ${Color.\Delta}$ identity springs from community, not shade.

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