The Exportation of Racism and Stereotypes

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Hey everyone!
As I mentioned in my last post, last week was our independent travel week. However, since I stayed in Beijing, I didn't really do anything particularly noteworthy, other than a failed attempt to visit the art district, and eating 火鍋 (huǒguō hot pot) so spicy it felt like a hole was burning through my stomach (but it was soo tasty - totally worth it). Mostly I tried to stay indoors this week, due to a mix of bitter cold and air pollution so thick it could be mistaken for brown fog.

On a different note, one of the things I have noticed while I am here is that racism and stereotypes are not just something that the US struggles with. Being a more homogeneous society, racism in China is definitely less obvious, but it is very much there. One of the most obvious examples I have is that when the 400 level class went to the park to interview elderly people. It turned out that the only black guy in our group is in that class, and he ended up having to tag team interview with one of the white guys, because the elders refused to talk to him when he approached them. From what I heard, it seems like the only way the Chinese would even think about speaking with him was when he let his classmate approach them first. On that note, I would also like to point out that in Beijing, black exchange students are becoming more and more common. So at this point, it seems weird that there is still squemishness at the color of peoples' skin. Then again, I suppose the elderly in any society tend to be the last to change their viewpoints. I think the fact that China is originally such a homogeneous country (yes, there are minorities, but in comparison to those found in the US, they are not quite as different from the majority) in some ways makes it more difficult for people to let go of their preconceived notions and stereotypes created largely by Western media.

Speaking of stereotypes, I think that while I am fortunate enough not to suffer from racism here, I am a prime target for stereotype kickbacks. Adoption is and will always be a huge part of my identity. However, because I am adopted I'm in this weird place where growing up I always labeled myself as Chinese, whereas here in China I've suddenly had to start labeling myself American. However, “American” is a bit problematic because the way I see it, there is no one way an “American” looks. This is not the case for the Chinese; whenever I tell someone that I am American, the standard response is “but you don't look American, you look Chinese." In China, “American” is Caucasian, typically with the bonus blond hair and blue eyes. And I think what surprised me more than that is how even in China, white privilege exists.

Are you white and can you speak minimal Chinese? You're AMAZING! Do you know anything about Chinese culture? Awesome. And if you don't know something already, let me relish teaching you something, because your interest alone is enough.

I think the fact that white privilege is so prevalent in China, and that even halfway around the world, “America” is considered a white country, is a problem. America is not a white country. America is a melting pot of countries, with people of all different races and backgrounds. And I think that being in China has emphasized the importance of racial awareness and the need for equality in the US, because obviously the way we perceive ourselves as a nation affects how others perceive us. The stereotypes we create for ourselves are not limited only to ourselves, but are exported around the world, meaning that in order to truly be a world leader in having a modern, 開放的 (kāifàng de - open/accepting) point of view, we must first address the bigotry and racism within our own country.

That's all I have to say for this week. Sorry it's more serious than usual, but this is just something that presents a continuous struggle in terms of identity (that shouldn't even be an issue in the first place) on an almost daily basis. Anyways, until next week!

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Photos

My shoe vs Ian's shoe
PS guess which one is mine, haha