[Parlay44]

Anton Casey: Fear and Loathing of Singapore's Arrogant Westerners

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/anton-casey-fea...rs-1433707



Anton Casey has put the behaviour of wealthy ex-pats living in Singapore under the spotlight by launching an arrogant rant against "poor people."

Yet the 39-year-old is far from alone in raising the ire of Singaporeans who are forced to share their homeland with foreigners who are seemingly oblivious - or indifferent - to how their bad behaviour alienates the native residents whose guests they are.

British wealth manager Casey is currently mired in public odium following his Facebook posts about having to take public transport on the island because his Porsche convertible was in for repairs. Ironically, he whined about having to "wash off the stench" of Singpore's tram system in his offensive posts. But this new veneer of arrogance on his reputation is proving more difficult to scrub clean.

Unconfirmed reports on Friday claimed Casey was spotted boarding a flight at Changi airport on the island to escape the public backlash sparked by his odious posts.

Casey's descent into a figure of contempt and loathing is only the latest among foreigners living in Singapore. Private bankers, bonus bandits and assorted chancers come from all around the world to make millions in the city-state and live in luxury in a sun-drenched climate. Around 40% of all residents are from abroad.

By heaping scorn on people with less money than him, Casey was merely reinforcing a stereotype of all foreigners as arrogant and deluded – living in a world of their own pomposity and completely blinded by wealth and its trappings.



The image has been fostered by other ex-pats behaving badly in Singapore. Top of the buffoonery list probably belongs to Olivier Desbarres, the head of Barclay's FX Asia - who was swiftly made 'ex' head of the division after he went in to meltdown by ranting at construction workers because he disliked the noise in 2012.

Yelling his head off, flailing his arms about and throwing objects around, Desbarres resembled a small baby transposed into a podgy middle-aged man's body. Calling construction workers "Chinese f*****g animals" probably sealed his fate. A man who boasted of having "significant resources" made himself unemployed. Desbarres' lengthy rant lives on forever on YouTube.

Even more serious than Desbarres' self-defeating venting of spleen was the case of Swiss ex-pat Juerg Buergin. UBS bank's executive director of operations had sex with an underage girl and was jailed for the paedophile offence last year. Buergin, 41, stood up at his trial and claimed he was the real victim and that the child prostitute and her pimp had stitched him up. The ploy failed and the UBS chief was convicted of two counts of having sex with a minor.



His appeal against his four-month sentence was rejected. Prosecutors in Singapore charged 51 other people for sex with the prostitute.

Another ex-pat in Singapore who sullied the already tarnished image of foreign residents was New Zealander Robert Stephen Dahlberg, 35. He dragged down the reputation of ex-pats still further by fleeing justice after being charged over his part in a violent assault on a man who tried to help a taxi driver during a brawl.



Dahlberg was in a group of foreigners who stormed out of a bar without paying and then began beating up a taxi driver. Dahlberg – who enjoyed posing for publicity photos like a pretend boxer - slammed his victim against a pillar and then kicked him in the face. But cowardly Dahlberg then jumped bail, before emerging a year later and whining – via his father - that the experience had taken a "huge emotional toll" on him. He was locked up for five months.

Disrespectful, Macho, Arrogant, Manipulative, Sexist?

These extreme examples provide clues about why the reputation of ex-pats in Singapore is currently in the gutter. Moves are now afoot to stem the tide of foreigners coming to the country who treat it like their own personal playground. From later this year, jobs must be advertised locally for two months before applications from overseas can be considered, while questions are being asked in society about under-reliance on native labour.

Singaporeans in the street may complain, but at least they don't have to live with the likes of Casey, Desbarres, et al. And spare a thought for the WAGs.

A woman calling herself Anna has lifted the lid on her life with an ex-pat westerner in Singaore. Writing for The Real Singapore – which describes itself as the voice of "average Singaporeans", she said her unnamed high-rolling partner was a tight-fisted scrooge, who was wracked with status anxieties relating to furniture.

Describing the ordeal of her relationship with an ex-pat, Anna said: "I didn't even know how rich he was until years later. He was a millionaire even when we first lived together, but we split the rent 50/50.

"Some of the women had sweet husbands who'd do things like sneak money into their purses to save them the embarrassment of them having to ask. But a good chunk of them were like mine, disrespectful, macho, arrogant, selfish, rude, manipulative, sexist and at times intimidating. Their behaviour wasn't reserved just for their ever tolerant wives, they'd also bully and ridicule waitresses, taxi drivers, maids or anyone else they felt unworthy of their respect."

She added: "How sad, that with such opportunities presented to the Anton Caseys, they choose to do the most predictable thing. Do they not wonder sometimes whether there might be something more worthwhile to do with our short time on earth than to make loads of money?"

If reports are correct, Anton Casey has chosen the right time for a holiday.

[Soma]

That first guy does seem like a classic rich asshole, but stories like these are commonly precursors to economic problems. Countries publicly scapegoat the foreigners, who are easy targets with no one to really defend them, and take the populace's attention away from the issues that really matter.

EDIT: Not having followed the Singapore situation closely and just looking into it now, news stories like this don't surprise me: Why Singapore's Economy Is Heading For An Iceland-Style Meltdown (Forbes). Governments and media are so predictable once you learn their game.

[Agent 47]

Dumbasses. I have no sympathy for these "men". If you are in any foreign country, you have a duty to at least learn about them and their culture, and be a decent person. It only improves YOUR STANDING.

These assholes are no different than a friend/family member who you don't mind coming over to YOUR house, but end up being massive douchnozzles by shitting in your bed, eating your food, and being ungrateful.

Thunder Cunts.

[Parlay44]

Quote:

Describing the ordeal of her relationship with an ex-pat, Anna said: "I didn't even know how rich he was until years later. He was a millionaire even when we first lived together, but we split the rent 50/50.

This was my favorite part

[Yeti]

Singapore has been a rich country for decades. Only in the last decade, according to my sources, has the gap between rich and poor come center stage on the national consciousness.

Singapore has become crazy rich. Middle class families are struggling to keep up with prices. It's now a playground for the rich and famous.

I'm not sure why. It is a boring place, and it's difficult to find much excitement. Its most direct competitor is Hong Kong, which is less restrictive on personal behavior. You can protest bullshit government policies.

And if you're caught with drugs in Hong Kong, you won't be put to death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_law_of_Singapore

[j r]

This Casey dude sounds like a real dumbass. I don't know that much about Singapore but the place seems like its held together by some subtle and unsaid assumptions. The government keeps tight control, but they keep everybody happy. And that agreement lets foreigners come there and make bank.

This guy comes in like a bull in a China shop and just shits all over everything. Glad he got run out of town. Serves him right.

[The Lizard of Oz]

Seems like just another article by a UK based (not Singaporean) newspaper on the apparently inexhaustible subject of the evil, arrogance and criminality of rich white dudes.

[Brosemite]

(01-24-2014 03:05 PM)The Lizard of Oz Wrote:  

Seems like just another article by a UK based (not Singaporean) newspaper on the apparently inexhaustible subject of the evil, arrogance and criminality of rich white dudes.

I would have to respectfully disagree with this statement.

If one has ever been to Asia, they will meet some old school European or sometimes Australian business men that can be very elitist, abrasive, and complain at the dumbest of things that will even get locals fired at say a cafe/restaurant. It would be a similar attitude to people in Western Europe that will head to Central/Eastern EU holding their stag parties & being utterly rude to locals.

I'm hoping these times will pass because a lot of the young westerner backpackers and travelers tend to have a much more cultured perspective on things with better manners.

As for a Singaporean paper trying to cry victim and push their agendas on others? I seriously doubt that is the case since people from Eastern Asia tend to make the least excuses of people I've met whereas those in the West are the ones crying victim about everything & pushing political correctness on others.

Sidenote - The most polite western business men and older travelers I've met while traveling around Asia? Typically from the United States or Canada.

[Walderschmidt]

(01-24-2014 03:53 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

I would have to respectfully disagree with this statement.

If one has ever been to Asia, they will meet some old school European or sometimes Australian business men that can be very elitist, abrasive, and complain at the dumbest of things that will even get locals fired at say a cafe/restaurant. It would be a similar attitude to people in Western Europe that will head to Central/Eastern EU holding their stag parties & being utterly rude to locals.

I'm hoping these times will pass because a lot of the young westerner backpackers and travelers tend to have a much more cultured perspective on things with better manners?

The most polite western business men and older travelers I've met while traveling around Asia? Typically from the United States or Canada.

Sounds like bitter grapes and the remnants of an imperialist mindset from the days when the sun did not set on the British Empire.

Wald

[Marlfox]

(01-24-2014 03:56 PM)Walderschmidt Wrote:  

(01-24-2014 03:53 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

I would have to respectfully disagree with this statement.

If one has ever been to Asia, they will meet some old school European or sometimes Australian business men that can be very elitist, abrasive, and complain at the dumbest of things that will even get locals fired at say a cafe/restaurant. It would be a similar attitude to people in Western Europe that will head to Central/Eastern EU holding their stag parties & being utterly rude to locals.

I'm hoping these times will pass because a lot of the young westerner backpackers and travelers tend to have a much more cultured perspective on things with better manners?

The most polite western business men and older travelers I've met while traveling around Asia? Typically from the United States or Canada.

Sounds like bitter grapes and the remnants of an imperialist mindset from the days when the sun did not set on the British Empire.

Wald

The European and Australian Empire?

[Brosemite]

Notice I said "some" business men from the west & not all. Might want to read the entire post before jumping into conclusions.

Majority of westerners I've met in Asia are all really cool IMO.

This stems from traveling as I'm just reiterating from experiences I've witnessed.

[Walderschmidt]

(01-24-2014 04:01 PM)Marlfox Wrote:  

The European and Australian Empire?

Admittedly, I should have prefaced my thoughts with, "In the case of the British".

Wald

[The Lizard of Oz]

yb13, no doubt there are some assholes everywhere but this article just seemed like yet another one that singles out rich white guys for special scorn and opprobrium. They're an easy target these days -- few people will rise to defend them.

Of course it's hardly a surprise that Americans and Canucks tend to make some of the nicest dudes in any locale. But I would wager that there are plenty of nouveau riche local Chinese in Singapore that are nastier and more abrasive than any of these other westerners.

[Brosemite]

^^ Wholeheartedly agree about how rich Asians from say China or Japan can be as equally abrasive (if not more) when traveling to say the Philippines or Thailand.

[Parlay44]

Any time someone is poaching your local pussy someone will have something to say about it.

[Daddy]

"Describing the ordeal of her relationship with an ex-pat, Anna said: "I didn't even know how rich he was until years later. He was a millionaire even when we first lived together, but we split the rent 50/50."

That's hilarious. I don't know how these men made their fortune, but I suspect they either inherited or were heavily helped by their family. They didn't learn to appreciate what they have.

[Brosemite]

The story was written by an ex-pat himself.

Perhaps it could also be interpreted as "certain idiots are coming into Singapore and screwing up the whole entire experience for other hard working ex-pats that are looking to genuinely enjoy themselves at the same time."

But, I can also see how the article's writing however is sure to elicit different responses (voiced or not).

[Marlfox]

(01-24-2014 04:29 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

The story was written by an ex-pat himself.

Perhaps it could also be interpreted as "certain idiots are coming into Singapore and screwing up the whole entire experience for other hard working ex-pats that are looking to genuinely enjoy themselves at the same time."

Same time, I can also see how the article's writing however is sure to elicit different responses (voiced or not).

A bit like 'the hollow vase makes the most noise'.

[Marlfox]

(01-24-2014 04:06 PM)Walderschmidt Wrote:  

(01-24-2014 04:01 PM)Marlfox Wrote:  

The European and Australian Empire?

Admittedly, I should have prefaced my thoughts with, "In the case of the British".

Wald

Yeah, although there's enough bad behaviour from (a small number of) the ex-pats from other nations for it not be uniquely attributed to 'sour grapes' from the Brits.

I always thought that foreigners description of us as aggressive and imperialistic was at odds with their corresponding desire to portray us as timid and soft.

The people least upset and bitter about the British empire are the British themselves.

[Que enspastic]

At least Canucks won't burn down the house if something minor goes wrong... like losing a hockey game.


Oh wait

[Marlfox]

(01-24-2014 04:44 PM)Que enspastic Wrote:  

At least Canucks won't burn down the house if something minor goes wrong... like losing a hockey game.


Oh wait

To be fair, that's a small blemish on their record compared to what the rest of us get up to.

[Beyond Borders]

All the bullshit at the end from the "woman who calls herself Anna" just sounds like embittered ex lover crap. A woman whines about her rich boyfriend making her share the bills and that's fair play for bolstering a news story? Give me a break.

Other than that sounds like some definite douchebaggery going on. I agree with the sentiment about how fucked up a lot of Asian guys can be too though. People with money and power definitely tend to get carried away and many Asians grow up with the idea that status affords you the right to act like a prick.

(01-24-2014 03:53 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

I seriously doubt that is the case since people from Eastern Asia tend to make the least excuses of people I've met whereas those in the West are the ones crying victim about everything & pushing political correctness on others.

I agree with a lot of what you were saying, but you lost me at the part about people in East Asia not often making excuses and playing victim... Are we referring to the same East Asia?

Because my experience (and that of just about any cultural brief about the region), is that Southeast Asians, at least, are very well known for their scapegoating and blame-shifting. Refusing to admit wrongs is pretty common in these cultures, as is demonizing and pointing the finger at outsiders.

I've spent a lot of time living out here in various countries, directly mingling with the people outside of expat havens, and they have an excuse for everything you can think of. I haven't been to Singapore at all, to be clear, but from what I understand, face is a deeply ingrained cultural value there as well.

Don't get me wrong - not jumping to the defense of the expats. Your statement just seemed a bit off in this regard. Maybe I'm reading you wrong though.

[Brosemite]

I suddenly went off the mark rant thinking about feminists & useless agendas that are constantly pushed upon others in the west (not to mention race trolling). Totally irrelevant.

As for pointing the finger in family-based, professional, or academic circumstances, yeah everybody does that...esp Asians too. I was once again just referring to the residual victimhood of certain idiots in our Western society & other agendas placed upon us.

With my comment, I mentioned meeting all different types of ex-pats all over the world while certain old school ones might act in ways that may offend locals & therefore create angst against hard working ex-pats that are genuinely just out to have a good time when not grinding out long hours. The writer of the piece seems to be an ex-pat himself from the UK.

I could see how the article singles out "westerners" a bit too vaguely. Based upon this quote however (particularly the bold), it appears as if the local economy in Singapore is heavily dependent on natives & especially ex-pats.

Quote:

From later this year, jobs must be advertised locally for two months before applications from overseas can be considered, while questions are being asked in society about under-reliance on native labour.

Singaporeans in the street may complain, but at least they don't have to live with the likes of Casey, Desbarres, et al. And spare a thought for the WAGs.

I have friends from the US/UK that have or are currently working in Singapore whom are really cool people. My ability to relate to ex-pats when traveling anywhere (especially Asia) is quite high as I will often spend a great deal of time with them. With regards to the guys being discussed in the article however, it doesn't surprise me hearing about the antics of certain pricks in the minority that will unfairly skew the perceptions of other ex-pats or aspiring ones like myself.