REFLECTION.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
I was aloof towards this group. Although I grew up in an environment where there were ample chances for interactions with foreign domestic helpers, I was unaware of their personal stories.
​
While planning for the project, I realised that I have never talked to domestic helpers about their life, I saw them as a “playmate” and “caregiver”. I was uninterested in their lives. Therefore, I wanted to take this opportunity to interview this group, to better understand and connect with them.
During my research, I came across articles that highlighted the discrimination domestic helpers face. I was surprised at the number of abuse cases involving domestic helpers and was shocked at the subtle discrimination directed at migrant workers. This made me realise that we may unconsciously discriminate against domestic helpers, and let it slide pass without much thought.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
I was not uncomfortable but was cautious when asking the interview questions. I was afraid that I would misphrase my questions and cause my interviewee to feel uncomfortable During the interview, I was surprised at some of her comments. She seemed unfazed at the incidents I quoted as examples in the interview, and I realised that she may be immune to such forms of discrimination as she had been working here for more than 20 years.
AFTER THE
INTERVIEW
I felt ashamed that I knew so little about foreign domestic helpers. The interviewee is my aunt’s domestic helper. Although I interact with her often, I knew little about her life. The interview allowed me to perceive discrimination from the perspective of domestic helpers and gain a realistic view of the current discrimination faced by minority groups in Singapore. It allowed me to feel more appreciative of domestic helpers.
​
I also became more empathetic and curious about this group. Domestic helpers are people that we see often but rarely communicate with. Through the cultural activity of visiting the interviewee’s house and her room, I learned more about her life and I was able to see for myself the environment she lives in. Although I often went over to my aunt’s house, I have never entered Jane's room and talked in such depth with her hence this project allowed me to have a new experience.
​
My perception of domestic helpers changed positively, now I see them as hardworking individuals with a story to tell. My interviewee had lesser first-hand experience of discrimination hence I was only able to have a general view of the discrimination faced by domestic helpers. Through this project, I am now curious about this group and I would love to speak to other domestic helpers to learn about their experience in Singapore.
​
I am now more open-minded. Although I often come across foreign domestic helpers in my daily life, I did not know how to interact with them. For example, I did not know what common topics we have hence I thought it would be difficult to converse with them. Through this experience, I was able to learn how to interact with unfamiliar groups. Although my interviewee is someone I know, I am glad that I took this step to interact with her and through this, I learned to take initiative and be more open-minded.
FUTURE STEPS
TO TAKE
.jpeg)
JANE'S ROOM:
she was scheduled to go back to her hometown for Christmas hence her room was packed up
I can start with small actions in my daily life, like taking the initiative in greeting foreign workers I come across. I can greet them instead of walking past them. Recently, I was surprised as a migrant worker greeted me. It was my first time having such an encounter and this made me realise that they want to bond with Singaporeans too. I can take small steps like this to gradually loosen up to migrant workers and domestic helpers. Through these small steps, I believe that I will soon be able to understand and form a deeper connection with them.