For some children, racism would involve name-calling, making fun of how others speak, and criticisms about one’s parents and their occupations.

Paul, not his real name, studied at a Mission school, and believes that his anglicised name helped him escape the worst racist taunts. He saw the effect of racism on his Indian and Chinese friends, especially in the less academic classes, where fights were common. At a low point in his life, Paul said, “I wish I were Malay.”

The following is Paul’s story about his school days.