'Their drop of white blood is the sole asset they've got' (Flory 126)

Stoler’s article presents a realistic portrayal of the plight of Eurasians in a colonial society. The problem with Eurasians is that they have both the colonialist’s and the colonized’s blood in them and thus do not belong to any clearly defined categories. The Eurasians are products of transgressed boundaries, of blurred binaries that are problematic for those seeking to reinforce these binaries. The issue of loyalty to a certain culture then becomes the main focus, as Stoler highlights:

How then could the state mark some candidates so they would be excluded from the national community while retraining the possibility that other individuals would be granted the rights of inclusion because French and Dutch “blood prevailed in their veins”? (521).

This issue of loyalty and identity is presented in both the case study Stoler presents and through the portrayal of Francis and Samuel in Burmese Days. Stoler states the main problem with the boy’s case was whether he

could really be considered culturally and politically French and whether he was inculcated with the patriotic feelings and nationalist sentiments which might have prompted such a loyal response (523).

Similarly, both Francis and Samuel are condemned as outcasts of society because they lack the proper upbringing given to the privileged class: ‘Eurasians of that type – men who’ve been brought up in the bazaar and had no education – are done for from the start’ (126). Elizabeth’s view of them as ‘degenerate types’ (126) is reflective of the general sentiment Europeans held towards them. But as Flory highlights, can we really blame them? What choice do the Eurasians have as cursed products of transgressed boundaries? What future awaits them as members with no place in society? It is no wonder that Francis, Samuel and the boy hold on tightly to their European blood, if only to gain some sense of identity and belonging for themselves.

On a separate note, I find it interesting how attitudes towards Eurasians have changed. In Singapore, (I find) people tend to treat Eurasians with more awe and respect, and they seem to occupy a higher standing in society, almost similar to that of Caucasians. What brought about this change and why is it that where they were previously outcasts, they seem to have gained recognition today?