Sarong party girl
Sarong party girl (also known as SPG) is a term used in Singapore and (to a lesser extent) Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand for ethnic Asian women who exclusively date or socialize with white men (usually the upper class) for potential monetary or social benefits.[1]
Etymology
The term "Sarong party girl" has its fairly innocuous roots in the late 1940s to early 1950s. As a general practice, the army personnel stationed in the region socialised very much amongst themselves, according to their military ranks and status (i.e. officers would socialize with other officers as opposed to enlisted men). However, there were some instances when local civilians were invited to social functions which were hosted by the army. The term "Sarong party" came into use to describe social functions which included women who were invited via the guest list and attended the party wearing the sarong, a term used to refer to a wrap-around skirt popular among local Singaporean women (and men) of the time.[2]
Common stereotypes
Historically, the stereotypical "Sarong party girl" had a false foreign accent, was provocatively dressed, and exclusively dated or preferred white men either resident in Singapore or foreigners. The Sarong party girl stereotype in local entertainment is usually portrayed as a gold-digging, husband-snatching Asian woman, and this perception contributed much to Singapore's decadent image in the 1970s, as seen in films such as Saint Jack. Due to these stereotypes, women who are classified as Sarong party girls often have to endure negative sweeping statements. The Sarong party girl stereotype was popularised by a series of humorous books by Australian writer Jim Aitchison in the 1990s, offering a satirical portrayal of the SPG and related aspects of Singaporean culture. Over time, the term has taken on a somewhat more derogatory meaning. Nowadays, Sarong party girls are no longer identified by a unique dress code or appearance, referring simply to any local woman who prefers to socialize with males of a Caucasian ethnicity, particularly for romantic or sexual relationships. A Sarong party girl is commonly perceived as a fetishist who is racist and discriminates against their own community and race stemming from self-hatred, while showing a favoritism towards white people and effectively abandoning their Asian identity.[3]
Bibliography
- Aitchison, Jim (1994). Sarong Party Girl. Angsana Books. ISBN 981-3056-36-3.
- Aitchison, Jim (1995). Revenge of the Sarong Party Girl. Angsana Books. ISBN 981-3056-60-6.
- Aitchison, Jim (1996). The SPG Rides Again. Angsana Books. ISBN 981-3056-09-6.