That said, many (Chinese) people thought the emotionally-charged response from Preetipls was worse. If she wanted to make her point, they argued, she could have done it without the vulgarities that appeared to constitute an ‘attack’ against an entire racial group.

So let’s ask the hard questions: was her tone of exasperation and anger—even as satire—the most productive or effective way to engage and educate Chinese people who are genuinely ignorant towards the racial sensitivities present today? Was it useful in helping this same group understand casual racism, or why the e-Pay ad was plain wrong? Was wading into what appeared to be identity politics helpful in furthering the conversation about race in a not-very smart nation?

I doubt it.

Would using her platform to put forth an explanatory video that demonstrated more empathy, patience, and practical tips to deal with ignorance and casual racism have been more effective? Should she have used the opportunity to educate instead?

Could she, for instance, have sat down with Dennis Chew and had a conversation about the many ways that casual racism manifests in Singapore? Could she have used this conversation to help him (and to this end, especially the older generation of Chinese people) understand the racial microaggressions that minorities face daily; that a seemingly inconsequential thing like the e-Pay ad only invalidates their experiences?

Yes. For sure.

No matter your skin colour, no one likes to be called ignorant and stupid. It’s hard to want to keep an open mind if you’re constantly reminded how close-minded you are.

However, even though we wish Preetipls’ video was done differently so that it could’ve led to a more constructive conversation, we are also completely aware that talking about race naturally taps into a visceral, almost primeval instinct.

Expecting someone from a minority race who is already systematically disadvantaged to remain objective and cool-headed when talking about race, while educating the majority race on the discrimination they face, is the very manifestation of privilege … and stupidity.

Even if we, as Chinese people, disagree with Preetipls’ execution and/or message, surely we must understand where she’s coming from on a human and fundamental level. After all, many of us became just as irrationally incensed when we felt ‘attacked’ by her video.

Worse still, we took offence at her video without being offended by the e-Pay ad, only highlighting our double-standards and blatant lack of self-awareness.

In the end, the response to Preetipls’ video proved her video’s message right: Chinese people do keep fucking it up.