Racism in China
Does racism exist in China?
If you are reading this, you probably care about this question. This is a complicated issue, so please read carefully and leave your thoughts below or respond with your own post - but keep the language clean, otherwise your comments won’t show up.
This post is not meant to say that racism is worse in China than elsewhere - it is merely an attempt to describe the racism that does exist in China.
Racism Against Black People in China
Racism against black people may be the strongest form of racism in China.
Many families in China would be horrified if their son or daughter married a black person. Some would even disown them outright.
It can be difficult getting a job teaching English in China if you are black. This is because of the perception of many people in China that only white people are ‘true Americans’ or ‘true English’ people.
Sadly, it’s often easier to get a job teaching English in China as a white person from a country where English is not a native language than as a black person from a country where English is the only native language.
Many people in China think most black people play basketball and are violent. If you are black, many people from China will perceive you as African. If you are not, you will have to repeatedly explain that you are from another country
The most common slur against black people in Chinese seems worse than that used for white people - “black ghost” vs. “old ghost”. Many people in China also assume that if you are black, you have very little money.
Racism against blacks in China is also strongly linked to the class divisions and racism that exists within Chinese society. This is not a justification for racism against blacks in China, but for thousands of years Chinese people of lighter skin looked down upon those of darker skin, who often could not afford to be anything other than a peasant farmer.
Racism Against Other Races in China
Though racism in China is strongest against black people, there is a general relationship that determines how foreigners are seen by many people in China: The darker your skin, the more racism you will experience.
No matter where you grew up, if you are not white it will be tougher to get a job teaching English in China.
Racism against Japanese People in China
Leading up to, during, and following World War II, Japan committed many atrocious acts in China and much of the Pacific Rim (with Korea also suffering greatly). This is something that should be redressed by Japan, and not ignored.
However, two wrongs do not make a right - and racism against Japanese people in China is wrong.
Some children in China are taught hate songs against Japanese people in elementary school - and history books in China that deal with Japan focus almost exclusively on the terrible things Japan did around World War II, ignoring much of Japan’s recent history.
The fact that Japan is now a mostly pacifist country is not part of the general awareness of a person who grows up in China. Instead, the popular conception of Japan in today’s China casts Japan as a huge and dangerous threat.
There also seems to be more slurs against Japanese people than against any other group of people.
Subtle Discrimination in China - Starring, Hello, Talking, and More
Subtle discrimination in China is prevalent. Whether it be the obnoxious ‘hello!’ that gets shouted at your back, the constant staring, or the tendency for many people in China to immediately begin talking about foreigners or stories having to do with foreigners upon seeing them, subtle discrimination or at least ignorance is widespread in China.
Racism Against Minorities Within China
Racism doesn’t only extend to foreigners within China - it also extends to its own people. People from Tibet and virtually all Chinese ‘minorities’ are seen as backwards and in need of a helping hand to enter the modern world.
Those from Xinjiang province are often looked down upon as thieves - children are especially vilified, since they are all looked at as thieves. And Xinjiang people are often harrassed by the cop.
‘Classism’ Against Chinese People
You don’t have to be of a different race to be discriminated against in China. People in China often treat those they perceive as belonging to a lower class quite poorly.
Racism Doesn’t Exist in China!
If you ask a person in China whether racism exists, you may well be told that it does not exist, and that they respect people of all countries and colors. But dig a little deeper, ask questions such as ‘what do you think of black people’ or ‘what do you think of Japanese people’, and the answers that come back are often racist.
How the average Person in China Perceives Racism
Chinese people who believe there is racism in China often see it as a racism-against-blacks-only kind of phenomenon. It is clear that racism in China is strongest toward black people, however to believe that this is the only form of racism in China is almost as silly as believing that there is no racism at all.
What do you think about Racism in China?
Help out in the discussion and leave your thoughts below.
(The first 200 comments have been archived to reduce loading time / server load. So have comments 201-300.)
To American Chinese Person: You say I cite biased individuals. That’s funny, since you’ve not read one book that I cited. So how could you know such a thing ? You haven’t one thing that might have said in any of the books I’ve cited. You seem to be very narrow-minded. However, bien biasedis in no way, necessarily a bad thing, unless it gets in the way of objectivity. You don’t seem to have any objectivity at all. I’ve discussed how Racism-White Supremacy has been perfected and pertetrated by the powers that control the media, especially in the united States, but oftentimes around the world, as well, and thew only thing you can say is I’m biased. Why won’t you look at what I’ve presented. I’ve seen you statistics, now why don’t you look at my evidence ? “If you want peace, work for justice.” Peace, Olatunji
@Olatunji
I facts I presented are way more objective than your biased opinions. How are they not objective? The fact that you can’t even understand the simple welfare chart I linked doesn’t lend much credence to your opinions.
to LE thanks for your messege but you know there are 2 types of people those who actually don’t know any better and usually you find them on the streets not on these forums arguing and justifying hatred and racism. and then there is those like American chinese person who are racist and think they know best and can never be change. they say you can take a donkey to the river but you can never force it to drink. a lot of info has been provided for him without even him being attacked but his responses are very biting and show a lot of anger. nomatter how much you will argue and he will know it but then that might make him more angry coz his long held beliefs are crushing in his face. that coupled with inferiorities will breed more anger and might even make him worse off than what he was before so don’t throw your wise words to the wrong pple otherwise the idea is good and i can tell you now chinese people in china are much nicer people than him and once you start talking to them they usually realise their mistakes and actually change
@one love
I’ve provided links to undeniable facts about blacks in the U.S. It’s people like you who can’t change your minds and accept the truth.
If you want to talk about racism, go look at LE’s comments. Disrespecting Chinese people by accusing them of using “chinglish” is completely 100% racist.
To Amercian Chinese person: At least now everyone can see you for who you are : A coward. You won’t answer any of my questions. You take a look at anything I’ve said, you’ve your opinion and that’s it. At least now everyone on this cite can see you for who you are. If you ever get your head out of the sand and take a look at those books I’ve suggetsted, you might just open your eyes. But, it appears that you’re one of those people who say, ” Don’t confuse me with the facts, I’ve already made up my mind. You don’t want to deal with logic. Here’s logic on the welfare issue, despite the chart you cite. We don’t have the numbers to be the largest group of people on welfare. As I’ve said, we might make up the largest percentage, but in actual numbers, there are far more Caucasians than Blacks on welfare. Take a look at the States like West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio and you’ll see what I mean, if you’re honest. But you honest.I’ll leave you with this quote, once again, ” When a man or woman, who honestly mistaken, hears the truth, he or she will either quit being mistaken or cease being honest.” You’ve shown all of us on this cite which one of those people you are. Olatunji
To American Chinese person: I’m still waiting for you to address the issues I’ve cited on my staement #108. I’m still trying to figure out how my sources are biased, when you’ve not read one book I’ve cited. Some of the books I’ve cited are written by Caucasians, and all of them are written with the highest degree of scholarship. For instance, Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop is a multi-disciplinarian; having Doctorates in Archeology, Anthropology, Lingistics, Mathematics, Nuclear Physics and Chemistry. So, if you want to hoesntly know what I’m talking about read those books I’ve cited. Their scholarship is impeccable. But as I said, you’re a coward, becasue all you do is shout that my sources, which you haven’t read are biased.Your fear of knowing the truth is showing. But I’m glad, at least, that everyone on this cite can finally see you for who you are: A COWARD . Olatunji
To American Chinese person: If you want to know about the Cocaine that the US governemnt allowed intothe country, watch this video feed: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/412.html .This is if you aren’t afraid of knowing the truth. Remember,most Black people don’t own Planes or boats, and that’s the only way Cocaine can get into the country. Olatunji
To American Chinese person: You give a whole lot of credence to the statistics from a Nation that bombed Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima that had nothing but innocent men, women, and children, not on military installations, and even though Japan had offered to surrender, at two months prior to the bombings. Not to mention the fact that President Roosevelt knew, well in advance, that Japan was planning to bomb Pearl Harbor, this because the US had mined their Harbors, which by the way, is a violation of International law and considered an “ACT OF WAR” . You trust them soooooooooooo much. WOW!!! Olatunji
To American Chinese person: You trust the Nation that damned near annihilated the indigenous populations of the Western hemisphere and stole their land, and inflicted untold suffering and misery upon Blacks and stole the land of my people, of whom they had enslaved, as well; destroying any memory they could pass down to their descendents, of their language, culture, ways of worshipping the Creator, their political and philosophical ideas, etc. and you call my people uncivilized. Hum… things that make you go hum… Olatunji
Hi
I am a chinese man in London. I think chinese people do not have a lot of contact with blacks and thus the ignorance. Thus chinese have misconceptions
However, it is not as severe as Eaterb Europe where skin heads express violent racism to non whites.
To American Chinese person : Do you know of your history of ancient China ? I’m sure your parents gave you as much information as they could, and if you went to China, your ancestors did the same. Yet, you seem to not understand the tranmittal of culture. This is what has happened to Black people. It has happened to a few other races of people as well, but to the degree that it has happened to Black people. As Dr. John Hnerik Clarke so aply put it: ” One of the cruelest things slavery and colonialism did to Afrikans was to destroy their memory of what they were before foreign contact.” Without an historical, cultural, ideological, philosophical, spiritual, and political memory any people are lost-period. This is what has happened to my people. Most of my people don’t know nor understand what I’m saying to you. I hope you understand it, maybe you’ll see why many of people act as they do. No cultural direction. Olatunji
To American Chinese person: Every war since world war 1 has been started by the NEW WORLD ORDER ELITE. If you don’t want to accept this read this book
” Call It Conspiracy ” by Larry Abraham Every civil war started in Afrika since colonialism has been the machinations of the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, Warburgs,Brown Harriman, J.P. Morgan Group, etc. If there is almost constant civil war, how can any Nation rise up and do for itself ? Take Japan for instance, They’ve had Peace for 60 years, so this is how they’ve been able to rise up and become a force in the world. Afrika has the most natural resources of any continent-period. Everything needed to sustain the quality of life in the united States is in high quantity, on the Afrikan continent. But you seem to not have noticed this. Wake up. With kaos, those I’ve mentioned above, can maintain control of Afrika. And of course they have their surrogates - Uncle Tom sellouts, but they are miniscule, in actual numbers. They are the so-called leaders of the various Nations in Afrika, certainly not the majority of the people in those Nations. You must analyze all of the relevant data I’ve cited to arrive at the proper conclusion. ” If you want peace, work for justice.” Peace, Olatunji
To: onelove
thank you for saying what i have been thinking, and do not care if bigots and “race-baiters” do not heed the word[s], but that at least people like you as well as Mr.Olatunji, and more thoughtful people, with any good sembalence of intelligent, is that we should be discussing reasons to why chinese are racist and why there is so much racisim prograted, to whatever shores they migrate to, but the positive too, with what i have experienced. I can say with honesty and with candor, that the chinese in china[yes i live there too with my wife to be, as she is chinese and reads these too!] is different, then say “Canal street”, or even Los Angeles, or even in San Frisco[where large amounts of them congregrate at], So it makes you wonder why certain chinese[asians] grab for certain stereotypes and the worst parts of black or latino societies, and seem to have massive amnesia, when it is own people, or seem to forget the “caucasion connection”, and the total stirring up, and medial saturations to such said people. Most chiense here, seem to fawn and bow at the almighty “white man” and “white woman” standards from everything from beauty to what they need to do surgerically to make themselves more whiter or more towards the caucasian ideals of what a man or woman should be. I really like your outlook towards this, and you are right in saying to not spread the hate and insults, but i have shown thru my post, and can give countless links the contrary, to show “averagechineseperson”[troll], that his people are nothing to be totally proud of, with the past and present, and possibly future track record.You are totally correct in what you say about a nicer peope once they get over the “mental garbage” and “media worship” one sidenesses, they usually can challege the misbeliefs and outright errounous thinking, that many have come to embrace..unless they are like some here..that have a stake, in wanting to valid their biases, and bigoted belief system as well. It seems to me, that the “western nation”, coupled with their own quirks, and neuroses, and biases and ignorance, seem to have more “entrenched” dislike, and downright hatred towards black people, indians, and even other darker skinned/non HAN chinese asians. And as you so succinctly said here, that you cannot bring to water and make him drink…i say let that particular set “donkey” dehydrate…;-)
P.s- it took my lady to show me that they are NOT as bad,[some even gushingly nice!] or can shown another way and “rehabilitated”, but some thru time..and efforts and giving a another “path” or “vision” that is broader then the limited world that live in and exist.;-) peace and desist the hate!
to: averagechineseperson
what is said is true, just as your “statistics” are and with your negative views of the black people, condeming all to your very myopic views and bigotry, as i did not present the in any more negative light, then you have presented the blacks, and leaving said caucasians and others you may have come across in life? My experience with the chinese mostly here in america and canada,and china too… have given me the same “perspectives”, as you have here in america… you have with nothing but just outright calling us the “N” word, with all the stereotypes, behaviours, criminal elements, ect… So now..who is paint the rice/noodle bowl black[or white]! so to YOU averagechineseperson, it seems you like to dish out your “masters” propaganda, but neglect to find out they too..have compiled much negative “statistics” on the chinese here in america, the u.k, australia, and even canada, as well as china and the china held territories, and thru out. Just as you, from the same set sources that you so revere and worship. Something to think about yes?
And you should heed the words of “Pogo” with what he said with this fine verse:”We have met the enemy….and they are US!”
peace… with superior[mental] firepower
To American Chinese person: Out of kaos, nothing of relevance can emerge, becuase there is always turmoil. Take the Sudan for instance. The united States government and the Multi-National Corporations, it supports, have discovered Oil in Darfur, and that’s what the mass murder is all about. So, again with this type of kaos, you can’t start anything. You need to really analyze what is taking place in the world, and hwo is behind it. As I’ve said to you before, stop being a coward and buy those books and read them. Also, on that list of books, should be a book entitled, ” Blacks in Science: Ancient and Modern ” edited by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. Olatunji
to american chinese its not about numbers in Australia there are more asians involved in crime than anyone else at least thats whats on paper but thats shall we use that to say asians are bad people. its not what Lee says or what anyone says its about what you think and what you want and to me maybe i am mistaken but you come across as an angry person who think any bad words about china are meant for you and that you just hate anything black for reasons known best to you because you have not provided any good reasons to hate black people even those in south africa who i’m sure you have never met and who are now welcoming the chinese with both hands i’m out
@Olatunji
Wow, I honestly did not realize how dumb you actually were, not to mention delusional. I’ve now pointed out TWICE that you’re wrong about the welfare chart, yet you keep insisting otherwise. Sorry, but I don’t have time to teach you a math lesson.
@one love
“to american chinese its not about numbers in Australia there are more asians involved in crime than anyone else at least thats whats on paper but thats shall we use that to say asians are bad people.”
Where is your evidence to back this up? Oh that’s right, you have none.
And seriously, it’s called punctuation. Learn to use it. Your stream-of-consciousness writing is reminiscent of LE’s nonsensical rambling.
To American Chinese person: You still don’t want to deal with nor answer those questions realtive to those books I’ve asked you to read. As to the chart. You still don’t get it. The chart is wrong. The common sense of what I’ve said is lost on you. You’re a coward of the highest order. Perhaps, I misunderstood you. Are you saying that a portion of 13% (of 100%) can have more people, in actual numbers, on welfare than any other race ? If so, as I’ve said, your wrong. If you’re saying there is a larger percentage of Blacks on welfare than Caucasians, than, as I’ve acknowledged, you’re correct. But I’m talking about actual numbers, not percentages. There is a difference between the two. Now as to the the rest of what I’ve said, you’ve already proven to everybody on this cite your cowardice, because you have yet to read one of those books I suggested to you. As I’ve said earlier,These books are written by scholars with impeccable credentials of science. This I will acknowledge, you know what you know, but you don’t know what I know. How can you say everything I’ve said is wrong without checking it out ?That’s narrowmindedness-period. And you have shown a great deal of it regularly, on this cite. You don’t even understand why you think like you do. Analyze your self, first, see why you think like you do. I’ve thoroughly explained why you think this way, but you’re afraid to move beyond your own narrowmindedness to take another look and reassess your position.But in order to do that, you must read those books . You’d see that you are wrong. You’re afraid to do that. So, I guess I’ll have to leave you there. Olatunji
long time no see, buddies!
it seems this topic getting hotter and hotter. great job! but plz not so many personal attacks on each other. some white guys are watching us bite each other…
thewatcher(53) asked me do I view black people and white people as equals. My answer is YES! Why not?!
However, the fact does not always agree with me. The fact is that black, white, yellow, whatever color, are always NOT equal.
Until now, the white still enjoyed some extent of supremacy no matter they admit it or not. That’s because they are the inventors of modern industry and modern rules, basically they dominate the game called civilization in near history..
but i have reasons to doubt that these days are numbered as their advantage in science and technology is being narrowed by newly emerging countries like China and India. Also their super-superficial pop culture is no better than any other nation’s native culture, at least in my eyes.
As for the topic, i have nothing more to say..because it is meaningless for Chinese to argue with Black people, who are both not so comfortable with the white supremacy.
God bless you, my black brothers!
Also my Chinese people!
firstly i’m not english or american so excuse my gramma. anyway this is not about the gramma its about the words. b4 you just deny what everyone says why don’t you jst google crime in Australia. then follow the links unlike you i do not pray to these statistics coz i do not think they say anything about the person’s race. i they they only show something about the socio-economic dynamics of a country. anyway this will be my last response to you. you can hate black people till you die if you want you can even try joining the KKK i don’t know how you peolpe interact that side but as for me i think you are a bad example of chinese people coz the ones i know are much better than you and i get along with them well i just never thought there was a chinese guy with such strong hatred towards any black person from America to Zambia his reasoning is bcoz they are black. if you do not see this as racism then peace be with you
to I am chinese i just want to say i think your last comment was good!!
WEll fellow friends, responding to AmeChinese posting is just a waste of time.After reading most of his comments out here, you’ll agree with me that he’s a functional illiterate.Moreso AmeChinese,seems like learning English is so far your greatest educational achievement.Guess what, u’re yet to have a good command of the English language.So stop criticizing what people post out here.This board was suppose to be a place where facts are pasted and measures are taken to solve it.But from all indications most people especially Amechinese,seem to run away from the truth and are adamant to change.It’s just lamentable living in a civilized world,yet still acting primitively.
to: american chinese person[or troll]
It seems that we called you out and are nothing but a coward, and you can attack me all you wish, as my “nonsensical” writing, seem to really hit you at home, as you are nothing but a demented, bigoted FOOL and delusional IDIOT and 1st class COWARD! If the “sources” you site, and pray to, are so good..then show us some more… And then to attack more members that challege your mental illness and biased thinking patterns, shows you for what you are, and lowest of the low even for “americanchineseperson” that you so claim to be. If you ever come to a forum, do not be just a coward and “race-baiter”, and just think you can sit back, and get some actual “people”, to come and back your nonsense, and bigoted comments, that like YOU make even much smaller sense, then the person you claim to me.
NOT one book,[did not Mr.Olatunji give you some good recommendations or what?] or sources other than the dept. of justice website? WOW, i bet you are “mental giant”, as well as a “legend in your own mind”, sort of fellow in your lonely world..or group of other malcontents!;-) IF you can write a coherent sentence, in english, that does not sound like a “FOB” immigrant, then please share with us yes? And failing this…try some manderin… or even “Pidgin” english, IF you know this too!
In a nutshell, which i know you will not listen..do yourself and all the the TRUE human and thinking people here..and at least read something that is factual, and not out a KKK comic book! IF you pass…then feel free to join the human race..and the chinese people, which have alot to be proud of..instead of undercutting other racial and ethnics thru this divisivness, and your most inaccurate “statistics”, that you are so in love with!;-) If you continue to come back to this forum, please bring something besides your ignorance, your biases and prejudices, and your so called ad naseum “facts”, then you might gain some “face”, instead of having it “ripped” off you, like the mask it is…and exposing you for what and whom you really are….;-)
Peace thru superior[mental]firepower!;-)
@Olatunji
Like I said, I can’t teach you math. Sorry. And no, I’m not wrong about the chart. You might want to try looking at it again. Try real hard. I know it’s difficult for you to comprehend mathematics.
I honestly can’t have any confidence in your (weak) arguments if you can’t even understand a simple chart.
One more thing, funny, all those you listed books are written by black authors. Gee, no bias right?
And that’s seriously the worst argument I’ve ever seen someone put up in a while and I was on my school’s debate team where I saw some really weak arguments. Basically, you’re telling me to go read these books because their authors are black and agree with you. That’s laughable how lame that argument is. Why don’t you read some books why white supremacists then? There are plenty of those around. I’m sure they’ll have a different opinion than yours, which doesn’t hold much weight anyway.
@LE
I can’t respond to you anymore. Your incoherent rants make English teachers around the world cry. At least Olatunji actually tries to make some sense with his writing.
u can’t respond cuz i guess ya learning that all that glitters ain’t gold.Like u said that English teachers around the world do cry when looking at some postings out here i bet they commit suicide after reading your postings.
To American Chinese Person: How would you know whether or not there is any bias, you haven’t read the books yet, have you? In addition, some of the books I suggested are indeed, written by Caucasians. Those books are
(1) ” Two Nations: Black, White, Hostile, Separate, and Unequal ” by Dr. Andrew Hacker (2) ” The Heart Of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism, And White Privilege ” by Robert Jensen (3) ” The Thirteenth Tribe ” by Arthur Koestler
4)” Call It Conspiracy ” by Larry Abraham (5) ” 100 Years Of Lynchings ” by Ralph Ginzburg . Those are just a few books you honestly need to read, along with the others I’ve suggested. Peace, Olatunji
To American Chinese Person: How can you debate a thing and determine that it is bias, if you haven’t even looked at the “proofs” they have presented ? By the way, who is more biased than the United Sates government? Look at this from an Historical perspective. This is the same government that put your people in Concentration Camps duriin World War Two. You honestly trust them ? Wow !!! You’re in worst shape than even I thought. Olatunji
To: americanchineseperson[troll/averagechineseperson!
I guess we can agree that Mr.Olantunji DOES make sense..right Mr.chineseamerican TROLL? glad to see you will not respond to m and others anymore beacause you know that in your dark and small little, closed mind and and heart of yours..that you have been..OUTCLASSED and taken to task! bye and do not let the door hit you in your brain pan, situated between your butt cheeks... in english averagechineseperson, that would be your ASS!;-)
NOW please try to take a TOFEL course and think of something better to respond to this forum, besides the delusions and ranting of "Hitlerian Idiot", and a COWARD and B.S artist!
peace thru superior[mental]firepower
It is useless for you to try to convince me your lies, ok. You are not awake if you think that your race so great because you invent some civilization. WRONG! Let me tell you something, since I have been here to this country, and all the time see how blacks are given advantage and privilege not given to chinese mexican white arab etcetera, and you are petted like dogs, your egos are stroked and told by whites that you are so great, that you are the sacred cow and had some great civilization in africa before ( really the egyptian civilization which is Arab and which you falsely claim credit for, you not content to steal just tv’s anymore, now you want to steal people’s history, but that is another topic not for today) Let me remind you, that outside your fantasy shell America, there are cultures and races that they do not listen to your lies and propaganda. Yes there are race and cultures that know the truth about themselve and the truths about black “civilization” ….that IN FACT you have had no civilization because you never had even a wheel, or written language, or agriculture, no idea of mathematics or animal husbandry, no currency, and the music banging on the drums like chimpanzee. Stop wasting your efforts for trying and convince chinese that you are THE inventor of civilization. China civilization over 4000 years old. what you know about that? My advice to you is stop wasting yourself in ueseless fantasies that whites are teaching you there about your history there. Pick up a book on China and learn about the first civilization and maybe then you will learn something. You are so ignorant and used to hearing your country is so great and africa is so useful that you have shut your ears and eyes to know what is the truth. Well is America is not as great like you think. That is it, im finish trying to teach you. I know more about your culture there than you know about mine. so go learn to read, then maybe you can know the history about China I read your books, I know how you think. Fantasies! You blacks always wanted everyone else to read about your culture and how great yourselve are, but you never try to understand another culture, what books have you read on china? Well i dont care becouse im finish with you ignorant person.
to AVGchinese guy firstly it is very clear that you are lie when you say you know there was never african civilization just becoz african i am an african an i haveread a lot about china i have even travelled to china so as to understand chinese culture and language better. i also know that africans had civilization have you ever had of the great zimbabbwe ruins an ancient city build of stones by the monomutapa empire it what about the khami ruins in Mozambique aldo did you know there is more pyramids in sudan than there are in Egypt. did you also know that about maths hand science have you ever had about hannibal what about the ethopian Eunachs they are even mentioned in the bible. about agriculture and animal husbandry have you ever had about Tshaka the zulu there is evidence up to today to prove many years of african civilization unfortunately for africa becoz it never had a big population the people did not have to fight for space or resources and as a result they did not violently organise themselves which made them vulnerable to hostile foreign people who had learned coming from europe’s dark age its a long story i can not teach you. China had its own history as well a great history for sure to talk about african history is not in anyway to say it was any better or less than chinese so if you are happy about chinese history don’t say bad things about other pple esp when you have not even bothered to find out about other pple for you own info i bumped into this website trying ti learn more about china and so did a lot of people here and the attittude you guys have put here against black people has confirmed the article on this web which after reading it i thought was a bit extreme but after reading your comments and american chinese’s comments i’m now forced to believe that this article is actually not very far from the truth
To American Chinese person: Everytime I think you’ve shown how little you know, you impress me evne more. The Arabs are not the people of ancient Egypt (Kemet- indigenous name). The Arabs have been only been in Egypt since 640 A.D. As to Egyptian Civilization, it’s at least 4000 or more years old. The Solar caledar, which we still use to this day, was created in 4236 B.C. At this time, there was no China. In addition, the first two Chinese dynasties were The Jhia and Jhiang Dynasties and were both Black. Do some research and study some History. If you open up those books I suggested, you might learn something. Here are two books you can read:
” Blacks in Science: Ancient And Modern ” Edited By Dr. Ivan Van Sertima and ” Nile Valley Civilizations ” Edited By Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. These works are scholarly in scope and extremely detailed and documented, but you wouldn’t know that because you haven’t read them. Olatunji
To American Chinese person: In addition, The Egyptian Civlization was a Black Civilization. Here’s some proof for you. There is a papyrus, on display at the London Museum, in London, England. It’s entitled, ” The Papyrus Of Hunefer ” I’ll translate and decipher it for you. It says:
” We came from the beginning of the Nile, at the foothills of the ” Mountains of the Moon, where Hapi dwells.” Let me decipher it for you. At the beginning of the Nile , ther acutally two Niles. (1) The Blue Nile, which starts is Ethiopia and (2) the in White Nile, which starts in Uganda. Both flow down stream into the Sudan, where they merge with the Atbara river and flow down stream inot Egypt and empty at the Mediterranean Sea. This is the Egyptians, themselves saying where their ancestors came from. This proves where the Egyptians came from, the interior of Afrika, but there’s more. There is tera cotta, inscriptions on the walls of the temples,there is kinship of language
(linguisticals ties) and so much more, that it would take me too long to go into here. As I’ve said, “When a man or woman, who honestly mistaken,hears the truth, he or she will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest.” American Chinese person, which one are you? Olatunji
To AVGChinese
You have proven beyond reasonable doubt that you are an idiotI had a lot of difficulties trying to understand the nonsense that you wrote cuz it’s just full of mistakes.Let me start by asking you these questions.What’s a language,culture or currency? I bet u still don’t know.A fool like u will tell me that dumbs don’t have a languageg becuz they can’t speak.A language is any means of communication.Culture refers to the lifestyle of a group of people and currency is anything used as a means of exchange of goods and services.Let me break it down for u idiotchineseAMe. e.g If i had to rip of hair from your mum’s ass to get myself a pair of sneakers, then the hair would be considered as my currency cuz that’s what i used get my goods.GOT IT?? More so u talk about blacks stealing TV. Do u really wanna get down the part of theft? You best know that ya fellow Chinese are the greatest petty thieves in the world. Your people steal everythinge. e.g empty coke bottles, bikes etc.Guess what,a friend of mine actually told me her bag was snatched in broad day light in Beijing by 2 chinese guys on a motor bike.Read more about the Egyptian civilization before exposing ya ignorant ass. HOpe what OLATUNJI said was enough to educate ya ignorant ass.ChineseAm, have u ever heard about the saying that “empty vessels make the loudest noise”? that just what u are.A loud but empty ignorant fool.Have a rethink before u get posting out here again. Go and read some more and educate yourself.
P.S Do us all a favour,take the IELTS or TOEFL test cuz your mastery of the language is lamemtable.
To American Chinese person: Here’s another book for you to read:
” The African Presence In Early Asia ” Edited by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. Please, do some reading, will ya’.
to AVG chinese you accuse black people of only talking about black history, well my answer is that Black people talk about black history white people talk about white history chinese talk about chinese etc. would you not be buffled if you met a chinese guy running around preaching black history or the other way round. next time think first b4 you put anything down
to all you….well said and good to see some real thinkers too! Hats off to you prince, you really wound that one good! great points one all!
peace thru superior[mental & physical] firepower
To American Chinese person: A wise Chinese man once said: ” The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name. ” Your problem is the fact that you’re so angry with Black people because of some affront you’ve experienced that it has blinded you to open-mindedness. You’re so narrowminded that you won’t even examine anything that doesn’t agree with your position. I’ve cited countless books that I’ve read that refute most, if not all that you’ve said. Refuted what you’ve said with documented facts. But you’re so afraid to examine those facts that it scares you to death. How else can you continue to take the position that my research is false, but refuse to examine it? The only thnig that you do, is claim that it is false, but have yet to exmaine it. Are you that much of a coward? Your anger has blinded you, my man. At least examine my research and then try to refute, not before checking into its veracity. Come one, show us the fearlessness that you seem all to ready to display without knowledge of the facts I’ve presented. I’ve checked out your facts, wyh won’t you check out mine. Is it too much work ? It shouldn’t be, not for someone as intelligent as you.
To American Chinese person: An addendum to my last. Also, you might want to chgeck into the research of Dr. Bruce Williams of the Chicago Institute of Oriental Studies. His research has proven conclusively, that the origin of the ancient Egyptian
(Kemetic) Civilization was Nubia (Ta-Seti), present day Sudan. This is the site where they’ve found countless artifacts that prove the conclusions I’ve laid out. In addition, every tome there was political upheaval in Egypt (Kemet),the Royal family always, without exception, retreated to the South of Egypt (Kemet) to Nubia —Ta-Seti for protection. And every time there was a Political and Military push for re-unification of Lower and Upper Egypt (Kemet), that push alwasy came from Nubia, in the South-every single time. As I’ve said, you should do some research. Otherwise you make yourself sound and look like a fool. Peace, Olatunji
Does racism against blacks exist in China? Yes it does. But guess what? Racism it a two-way street and blacks can be some of the most racist people in the world as evidenced by The Prince who calls all Chinese people “ignorant” or “petty thieves.”
There are a lot of people in this world who don’t like blacks and Chinese aren’t the only people. All across the world, Latinos, Arabs, Indians, Pakistani’s, and other Asians can tend to have negative opinions of blacks. And the amount of racism and harassment other minorities have faced from blacks is disgraceful here in the United States. Look at some of the gas stations in downtown areas, Indian and Arab owners routinely face harassment almost every night from young black thugs. Same as it is in schools where blacks routinely pick on Asians, Indians, Latinos, etc. Is it honestly any wonder why they tend to have negative opinions towards blacks?
As I said before, racism is a two-way street. Do you, as a person of African/black origins, want the negative opinions of blacks to end in China or any other country? Fair enough if you do. But keep in mind that you, as an individual, have to take the initiative to end the racism and double standards in your own race before you start criticizing the worldview of others.
To Heaps. from what u have written i need not guess where ya from ,U def Chinese. Why didn’t u quote AVGchinese who termed blacks as TV thieves.When next you decide to post out here and wanna sound so intellectual try to be partial.YOu can tell who people are by the fruits of their work and reading ya posting is enough to know who u are.
impartial i meant
wtf. posting out here with ya’ll is making loose my mastery of the language. just forget about the second posting
To Heap: There is a huge difference between racism and bigotry. What you are describing is bigotry, not racism. I’m not making any kind of excuses, either. Just facts. If you honestly want to clearly understand why I says this, read these two books, both written by Caucasians: (1) ” Two Nations: Black, White, Hostile, Separate, And Unequal ” by Dr. Andrew Hacker and (2) ” The Heart Of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism, And White Privilege ” by Robert Jensen . Both books clear up any misunderstanding of what Racism truly is. In addition, in some of my earlier posts, I’ve gone into great detail about what Racism is really is and what it is not. Racism is not just someone acting in a mean spirited, hateful way towards someone of another race. It’s much more than that. That’s bigotry and prejudice. That’s altogehter different from Racism. Racism is about power and the ability to impose the view that your race is superior to another race, by way of its impact upon the real world. How someone feels about a person of another is of no consequence, unless it has an impact that people’s lives. It’s a collective impact. It’s not singular. : The criminal justice system and the way Police treats Blacks- not all Blacks are criminals. But if you watch the news, you’d think we are. Access to better education, bank loans and other forms of credit because of lower credit ratings that are given to Blacks. This doesn’t mean that Blacks are a greater credit risk, just that we are given lower ratings than Caucasians. Access to better medical care, experimentations upon Blacks, etc. All of these issues I’ve listed impact the quality of life for millions of Blacks everyday. Black people don’t have the kind of power necessary to do this to Caucasians or anybody else, for that matter. The Media does a fantastic job brainwashing people to the idea that we are all low life’s and not fit to be treated as human beings. It’s subliminal , most of the time. So unless you’re looking, you won’t notice it. But it’s definitely there. We don’t control the Media the media portays of us. Image is everything. If you don’t control your image, you control nothing.
Hi to you all i just got told about this website you comments are all very interesting but i think they are refering to America not china here in china yes racism is there but not as bad mainly in the people over 40 even though its still just a few of them but i have to admit some chinese people have bad manners in the eyes of foregners but they don’tmean to be rude and they don’t mean to be racist in my town now i we have 3 english teachers that are black everyone talks nicely about them
Actually Prince, I happen to be a man of color from India. Still, it was nice of you to accuse me of being a “def chinese.” This attitude of yours is exactly why you’ll never be welcomed in China, India, or any other place. Respect is also a two-way street. If you want to get respect, you have to give respect(which you clearly have not given to Chinese or anyone else). But honestly, I don’t plan on responding to anything else you have to say. Your “mastery” of the language is pitiful and the way you act only makes you look like the walking stereotype of blacks that you seem to want to avoid so much.
My final bits of advice to you: Man up, grow up, and learn to treat others with dignity before you demand the same. Otherwise, you won’t get anywhere in life.
And to Olatunji, I’m not going to confirm or deny what you’re saying either. Of course not all blacks are criminals or thieves. I know that quite well. And believe it or not, I actually have respect for you unlike The Prince. You’re actually well-spoken and eloquent and you back up what you say. But speaking from personal experience, I’ve grown up in a town near the ghetto where myself along with Arabs, Chinese, and Mexicans have been treated like absolute shit by the blacks there. I agree with you when you say that blacks have gotten a raw deal by the media. But at the same time that doesn’t excuse them when they treat other minorities like crap.
All I can recommend to you is to distance yourself from losers like The Prince. You’re an intelligent and well-informed guy and I have plenty of respect for you. I just recommend that you keep up with what you’re doing because you’ve got the right ideas and the right frame of mind.
to heaps hehehehehehe
why would anyone want to go to India and for the record black people are welcomed in china i have been there and i felt very welcomed. I have a chinese girlfriend and lots of chinese friends so please don’t come to this website speaking on behalf of chinese people you speak for yourself and Indian people anyway i never thought indain people hated black people now i know thanks to you coz in south africa we all thought we were brothers black and indians even if you look at our anti aparthied movement it is full of africans and indians and to china girl i think you are very right and thank you for pointing out that this is becoming more about have minoritiesin america live together than about china and chinese people in china
sorry about my that comment i meant to say this is becoming more about how minorities live in america than about racism in china
To Heaps.
Strange hearing that ya Indian. Well listen to this, i didn’t come to this website to get or ask for respect from anyone but to let people know about what goes on around.This page is based on talking about the realities that go on in China and that’s just what i’m posting. I hold a Masters in GIS ( geographic information systems) and i have the chance to travel almost every six months to different countries as my jo0b requires. I don’t need to be welcomed in China cuz i’ve been there 4 times and wasn’t very pleased with what i found out there.I won’t say much about India cuz i’m yet to get there but during my travelling, i’ve been in touch with so many Indians and guess what??? as an indian you’re yet to be welcomed in China. So worry about yourself and imma take care of mine.If u don’t believe me then u need to know more about CHINA and SKIN COLOUR.or ask some of ya Indian friends who a studying Medicine in China they will tell how often they get beaten in clubs out there.Heaps if u get back to one of my previous postings , i clearly mentioned that i do have chinese friends that i respect cuz of their rational behaviour.But unfortunately, a larger part of the population is still so close minded and that’s my greatest concern and some light needs to be thrown in that direction.Yes heaps i get rude out here when people try to play around the truth or expose their ignorance out here like AVGChinese.So if u think your people and welcomed in china then my guess is u still believe father xmas will visit ya home on xmas eve. peace
to Heaps.
Nice try calling me a “loser”.But sorry man i got a beautiful life going on and i can boast of what i do for a living. can u? I won’t make an overstatement cuz i don’t know ya. A piece of advice to u. next time u wanna call someone a loser make sure he really is “DUD”
I know that I said I wouldn’t respond to whatever you said previously, but I’m going to just say one more thing(and that’ll be it).
Trust me, Prince. I know that I probably wouldn’t fit in to China any better than you would. But still, it’s their country, not yours and it’s their right to have whatever cultural standards they want for their own society. Just like it’s India’s or Pakistan’s right to determine the standards of their own society and culture. Let the Chinese worry about their own society and you worry about your own. Because like you said, you worry about yourself and we’ll worry about ourselves.
I’m sorry that you didn’t get treated too well when you went to China and I’ll also concede that it was wrong of some of the people there to judge you based on your skin color. You mentioned that you had Chinese friends(I got Chinese friends too) but yet in some of your other paragraphs, you called them an assortment of names ranging from “uncivilized” to “thieves” to other generalized statements. It’s almost like some redneck from the south saying “Oh, did you know that 80 percent of criminals and thieves are black? But I swear I’m not racist! I have a lot of black friends!”
Using heated language like that is obviously going to provoke people of Chinese origins. Yes, people like AVGChinese have posted a lot of hateful and generalized statements about blacks as well. But you should’ve at least been the better man and proven him wrong. If you wanted to call anyone “ignorant,” then you should’ve at least directed it towards AVGChinese, the individual, not the entire Mainland Chinese population in general. There’s over a billion of them and you don’t know each and everyone of them individually and neither do I. I realize that I may have said some negative things about blacks as well and I apologize. I can’t erase what I said so let’s just put it past us and start at square one again, Indian, black, and Chinese alike.
Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m not welcome in China but frankly, I don’t let it get to me. They have their country and I have mind. And neither you nor I are going to change the opinions of over a billion people overnight so like you said, let’s just worry about ourselves.
Heaps
To Heaps
I must say i’m impressed with what you wrote. yeah i do acknowledge the fact that i called them petty thieves but that was only after AVG termed us TV thieves. Well, i guess whatever we say out here is just like spilling water on a duck’s back cuz nothing is gonna get in.I believe more than enough has been said about this issue and like Heaps mentinoed maybe it’s just time we quit the subject. Peace people and was nice exchanging ideas with some of ya. will be back if anything new pops up.
comming to think of it i reckon this website was written by a white guy trying to fuel make black people think chinese people hate them. its their tactic divide and rule china is now friends with a lot of african countries and this is not a good picture for the west they like to see only themselves progresing for years they have treated black people like animals some even say th e only mistake Hitler made was that he killed a white jew because if they were black it would not matter. it would be bad but acceptable because i think the queen did worse and the american did horrible things as well but it didn’t matter because the victims were black now they are trying to make black people think that they treat them better than us. Maybe racism is there in china but never will it be at the same levels as has been in the west for soo many years. actually i feel sorry for black people just by writting this article but i say in china we are not bad people we like all people of the world
i ain’t know that in china there was this much racism and hatred against black people
i only knew that they hated hmong people
and is racist to hmong people
that’s all
but good to know
To China Girl
Save your pity for your people. we don’t need it.We’re doing great
to prince
i do not have pity for black pple i actually think they are strong to have survived such a horrible ill treatment but the truth is they are not doing great as you say, yes they are starting to regain thier place again but the truth is the black race is still coming back from a very very dark age. If you are in america you cannot claim that black man has achieved anything without crediting the white system that provided the the neccessary environment if you talk of the african race you look at africa and to me when i see africa i see hope but thats it. this is not racism but i am just being realistic i love black people and i have nothing against them but Please mr Prince do not attack me for sympathising with the real black man in africa who are actually more nicer and humble people. They are cultured people. most black people are actually hated becoz of the actions of afro americans who in most cases are ignorant and always want to be praised for no reason at all if that does not happen they say its racism. And yes i feel pity for the inocent chinese man and women who arein America trying tomind their own business and they are picked on by black thugs for no reason other than that they are chinese or asian
to china girl:
So in your eyes it is the ‘afro” american that is the “bad” of the black race? and that afro/african americans are not considered “real” black raced people? And do you consider the chinese that live and are in america, not really “chinese”, but the worst? or are only chinese in china really “chinese”?;-)
thanks for clarifying this, as i have and many others have had opposite effects to african and chinese that come from their respective country[s], as i think you equate the few “africans” you have met and the few “afro-americans” that you met, being one positive and the other a “pox” on america and the planet? and you say that you “love” black people, but at the same deintergrate american black people? your attitudes are very simular to other southern whites and chinese that should know better…but still espouse the same inner bigotry and prejudices based on what “you” know and see.
you had a very good post and i was applauding your”sense”, until you started really ranting nonesense. I have run across people simular to you..and your actual post is simular to AVG chinese and American chinese persons rants. I do hope you can get true knowlege and to start being a true and open-minded person instead of the many chinese people i have met here in china and my home country in america…that i find to be detestable and very simular to “jim crow” whites and “south africans” and those from what was once in africa, the colony, that was Rhodesia. Hope you can get over your biases and prejudices..but i doubt it as it is too ingrained within…yes?:-)
If a chinese person is in america yes he is chinese but you can not say china is raising just because the chinese in america have good jobs no. but you look at China the country and what its doing. the same for blacks in diaspora you look at africa the continent and then you say well the black people are doing well. i am very sure that if africa starts doing well a lot of black people would just migrate there even from America because for the first time a black man can have a chance to excel without being kept down becoz o the colour of his skin. In other words the success of africa will be good not only for black africans but for those in the rest of the world. I may have said too much in the other post and i apologise thanks to you. but i think i did not deserve mr prince’s comment he is just angry at the chinese for no reason just becoz the ones in america which by the way if they have been there for more than three generations i do not think they are really chinese becoz i think they are americans and some of them even say bad comments about china and chinese people but never the less they are our brothers and sisters they will always be welcomed here in china
i still think the black people i have met from africa are still much more humble than those from America. A lot of americans black a bit arrogant not all of them though and i think its the american in them. but i do not think less of them as a people no.
To: China Girl
Yes, i think you met some africans that are much humbled in china, but not in their native lands, just as all that come to america and other westernized nations must somewhat comform to the society in which they exist. As you have not said which said africans you have come across and from which TRIBE, i will assume that you have not come across any Nigerians nor Tanazainians, not those from the Bantu and Mandingo tribes? they can be very aggressive and pushy, moreso then even the “african-americans”. It is simular to those chinese that come from macau and hongkong that i too…find too pushy and ignorant and loud and such arrogance to other races…if not just ask those americans and british and australians, that have come in contact with them, and they now have a negative connection with the chinese and chinese based asians from the region, but i know that it is a individual thing,[as some are good and not being "humble" is mainly a cultural interpetation!] and all chinese here are welcome to our “afro” neigborhoods,[the good ones!] moreso then, the caucasian ones,[white] as if you visited you would see more acceptence without the talking behind your back or front as well.
to Le
As you have seen i have studied a little bit o african histories from Garvey to King to Kwame krumar right now i’m reading a book a long walk to freedom by nelson mandela. Obviously africans like anyone else would be not so humbleif they were at their homes this i’m sure is not typical to africans. I am very surprised that even you would like to use words like tribes to devide african people bantu speaking people occupy south africa, botswana, mozambique, zimbabwe and a lot other countries they are bigger in number than the scandanevians or equal to the anglo saxons but something tells me you would never refer to the later as tribes. there are dutch speaking belgiuns and there are french speaking belgians and the same for china we have different groups of people that speak different language but i refuse to call an organised group of more than 1million people a tribe.becoz those words are used to devide and i think the sooner black people also stop accepting this the sooner you will not be devided by other forces of this world. Once once you paint a group of people with 1 brush as bad you are being racist. Australian leader John haward once said his country is being infiltrated by yellow hogs refering to asians and he won elections after saying that to me it shows that australia is the number 1 racist country and can never be compared to the US, China or even England, so when they say we hate these type of chinese they are trying to talk themselves out of the fact that they are racist. those type of chinese you just mentioned happen to be the ones who travel more to the west than any other groups. people coming from different cultures will always have problems especially the older ones but once we realise this we can give each other space and time to intergrate. chinese people are chinese it does not matter what they speak. I think the same should be said for africans yes maybe some are running away from sudan from a terrible war some are crooks coming from nigeria but some are just from botwana or south africa moving around but you can never compare these people because they are coming from different experiances and for different reasons and also might have diffrent levels of education. so be careful when you brand africans. i used to think it is afro americans who should hels africans blacks to settle easly in the US surely i hope there is no racism from black americans to black africans or the other way round
I was surprised to find how similar the author’s description of racism in China matched, almost exactly, the attitudes of Japanese people in Japan - it’s almost word-for-word the same. The only difference, of course, is that while Chinese see Japanese as the evil ones and discriminate, in Japan Chinese (after blacks) are the most discriminated-against group. Even many gentle or kind people have a common perception that most Chinese people are criminals. Of course statistics I know are skewed because police target certain ethnicities more, resulting in unfairly inproportionate arrests… However, if we are to believe the statistics, it is true that an overwhelming majority of all crime in Japan is committed by Chinese. I don’t know why that would be - unless it’s just a lie.
To China Girl -
I hate to attack you, but you make a lot of very ignorant statements. First of all, the African continent is not doing well at all. It has the most disease, worst poverty, least technology and science, etc. It is literally one of worse places on earth by any standard. Of course the people may be kind, but they are not doing well.
Secondly, although it’s true that there is a lot of crime by American blacks, you have to study a lot more about American history (and even world history) before you can understand why it’s like that. Coming from slave ancestry has deep and long-lasting effects on culture that you cannot understand. Chinese were slaves to Japanese too. Ah… perhaps that’s why Chinese in Japan commit the most crime, like blacks in America. Actually, I honestly never thought about it before, but that might be reason.
to china girl.
Yes what you have said is very much true in SOME cases..but do you know the african themselves are tribal? and they consider themselves, as “special people”[chosen] just as the ethnic Han majority do in each of the respective countries. i think you should visit to there and see yourself and speak and talk to them,as opposed to in china, as the old saying goes…”In rome..do as the romans do”..just means, that the africans that you have met[perhaps the elite ones that can come to china] are the ones that most are humbled and less “arrogent” as opposed to afro/african americans. if you look here at other earlier posts, you can see yourself that the chinese discriminate[i have seen this myself!] to other chinese, from other chinese colonies and chinese-based ethnic nations[I.e=taiwan] and this would nice if we all considered ourselves one people..but it is not to be as everywhere..people divide into “clans”, “cleques”, or “tribes” and specialized groups. I could say more, but it is unfornate to paint africans with massive inter-ethic tribel problems and interpersonal problems, to any kind of “progress” based on the history of inverventions and colonizations due to europeans and such. there are number of good books to read and i would suggest you start out with one i agree with much of the author’s research, but not the author himself and the total views. “THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BLACK CIVILATION” by Author Chancellor Williams. I hope this book if you have not obtained and read it yet…may help you with shedding some needed light on this that you are interested to know more about. to this i wish to you the best and keep on going with your post because i think though some are misconsidered in your way of looking at the africans and afro-american experiences, you are on the right track and i wish you well!
to sleepless in japan
i think you did not understand my post very well i only said there is hope in Africa and this is very true if you have been to africa you will notice the improvements. with the exception of sudan a lot of african countries are really improving and i can tell you now that a lot of people in countries like Namibia, South Africa, Botswana the people there have a much better standard of life than people here in china or in thailand and i’m sure even much better than some other eastern european states. the problem with a lot mof people is they forget that africa is the second biggest continent in land mass imagine if georgia was and england were put under the same brush or if you confused a russian guy with an english guy they would not be happy but they are all europeans africa is big some places are better than others the biggest problem africa has is that those so called charity organisations sponser programs that show the really worstg parts of africa in thier bid to get people to give them money in the name of saving africa and all most all of this money is spent in the respective donor countries. a lot of news about afric is about poverty and diseases. but more people are now dying of aids in russia than in any african country. Anyway just be careful about statements like “africa is the worst place on earth” because that is not true maybe there is one country in africa that is really bad but surely not all of it
to Le
I definately agree with you there are racist in this world wether we like it or not,but i personally i do not like dividing people based on ethnicity. I will try to read your book but it might be hard to get it in china. Anyways i just wish that every guest will feel very welcomed in this country
well well well this is getting interestting with this china girl. Anyway a lot of things have been said about africa. i’m an african myself and The truth is that not very many people know about african people othe than the usual crap africa tribes blah blah. only a person who has never been to africa talks like that. i just want to say africa is not as bad as you all think and a lot of people in africa have benefited from tourism as a result ask anyone who has been there they will tell you they we treated well asians,europeans, to black americans and those in the caribean well they are more welcomed bob marley is still like an icon in africa and a lot of those who have settled in africa they will tell you the truth. Africa is not dying as many of you think noooo it is coming just wakig up from a long illness. Peace to you all
To: china girl
glad that you are open-minded and like to learn more..just as do as well with the study of china! give me your address and i will be glad to send you a copy[but make sure that chinese customs do not think it is propaganda!] or some interesting books, some are written by chinese and asians for world and their respective countries. here are a couple more you might be interested to look into.
“Agents of repression”, by the authors Ward Churchill and Jim Vander. “An underground education” by the Author of Richard Zacks. and finally..”A history of chinese in america”, by Author Iris Chang. these maybe will help to you more of history and what can and does..shape attitudes. thank you for being open-minded and great post you have here, even if all do not agree, but i agree with you very much as to the sentiments, facts, and your ability, to try to get across the prejudical and racist attitudes so prevalent in the world today.;-)
as to Africa, yes it is one of the biggest myths that all places are at war and ect..but there are many modern cities in places like Lagos, nigeria, and Kenya, South africa[many] and Tanzania, and Ethopia and more too! Russia and India have quite a few HIV/AIDS and Herpes, and more too! but due to the media..they seem to always concetrate to Africa and it’s problems and i say give no more money to “despots”, because the money never goes to the “people”, but the “people in power” and the government. ;-(
have a nice day there!;-)
to china girl
Like YOU as well..i hate to divide the ethnicities, but most do and most insulted if you do not recognize the “differences” and one is a “better” class, or “superior”, if you have knowlege of people and why we have different countries and their respective borders….but if you can get the to others to agree to this..i will too!;-) keep up your “fight” and good luck to you in all that you doing to stimulate dull minds!;-)
Peace..thru superior [mental] firepower!
Until yesterday I had no idea that were African communities in China. Yet, I’m not Suprised. Also, Myself Knowing History, knowing the African was and is the frist to walk encluding exploring the world.The Africans are the Gods that traveled about teaching from religon to medcine and a hole lot in between.Like the chair.It is out of an African Mind.The list goes on. Negorid Africans are the Fathers of Humanity and civilization. They just were concord. And any honest Historian would say the same. So, lets overstand that the mistreatment of Africans worldwide is a resolt of them finally beening overtaken.
You are all arguing over things you have no power over. Stop talking and go and do something more productive rather than arguing over which race gets more shit thrown at them. Thats life. And have it gods way, all that shit will come to an end. Being black myself ive faced all of these ill treatments your talking about. Unless your going to actually get off your backside and do something about this whole scenario, dont comment or talk about it again. Power always shifts,and so will the hate and scrutiny of the world. Fast forward into teh future 50 years, and we,ll see who is under racist attack then -.-
The main reason, and perhaps, only reason why the chinese people are afraid of black people is because of the stereotypes that the white people have created for the black people. The western media had often portrayed black as violent, poor, and scary. Chinese people are not “racist” people because they do not think they are superior beings, and they do not target people of different color. They may look upon a foreigner as peculiar and may laugh because he/she looks funny, but this is often the result of seeing something unfamiliar or peculiar. The chinese people have a strong national pride, as all nationalities do. Calling the chinese people ‘racist’ is the wrong word here. There is no hatred or disgust in their feelings toward someone of color. Also, they fear the black people based on their perception that was created by the white people, as mentioned in the beginning. This is more true than anything else.
It’s funny, but I visit China just about every month. I am a Black American and I can say that I have never experienced any direct racism while in China. (It helps that I’m 6′4″, 250 pounds). In terms of differentiated treatment, there is some - but no more than I get when I’m in Alabama, Texas or San Francisco (the most subtly racist city I know). In China I mostly deal with business people (who want my order) or hotel staff (who seem to respect my black AmEx card). The rest of the folks I encounter…well, I don’t think that they are racist, just curious - a kid once asked me if I was Michael Jordan!
White America has truly done a number on us around the world. America’s diplomats and media placed planted the seeds and established the feelings and ideas regarding us such as lazy, stupid, and ignorant in the minds of people. Thankfully the world is beginning to calibrate on a higher level and they are accepting us based as them meeting us. As a matter of fact, before the Olympics many clubs and restaurants put up signs saying they didn’t want Black Americans because they thought we are all troublemakers and ghetto, and they didn’t want us shooting at people and stealing everything. It is good Black Americans are traveling and acting as ambassadors. For years we didn’t leave America so other countries only had what white American media told them about us. Another thing that helps is when you go out of your way and establish a relationship with someone from another country. That’s another way that news travels. Sports are doing a lot to create a positive image of America Blacks around the world. Things are changing but it’s going to take Black Americans getting out of our comfort zone and establishing wholesome relationships with non-Americans and traveling abroad.
I am very happy that Obama will be the President of the United States. This will defuse the negative stereotype of black people around the world. It is a pivotal moment in world history. I want to point out that china is not ignorant of Black people’s plight in american history and the racist colonism that has been the scapegoat of apartheid in africa. In fact, communist china under Mao gave support to the Black African revolutionaries by giving them arms and guerrilla warfare training from 1960-65. Because China has become a rapidly modernized and capitalistic society, the lifestyle of rich white america has become appealing. This may be the reason, along with the obvious american media portraiture of black americans, that makes black americans “second class.” Of course, I may be overstating; China views America as fundamentally black and white. This is accentuated in many Hong Kong movies.
China may be less racist than the American media is projecting. If you dress good, you are rich. If you are tall, you are better. If you speak english, you are rich, better, and american. There were a few incidences of “hate crimes” directed at foreigners in China, but many, or all, of these incidences were the result of foreigners’ verbal or physical assault on chinese people. Remember, if you are in china, just remember that the chinese people have a strong national pride. Respect this and you will be fine.
In conclusion, Obama will change all this for the better. Bruce Lee, the martial arts superstar, fought against this stereotype by having white and black students in his martial art school. People from Hong Kong and China would challenge Lee to fights because they were furious that non-asians were learning kung fu. Lee, of course, beat the crap out of them and continued to teach on his own terms. Bruce Lee’s first student was black.
“I want to point out that china is not ignorant of Black people’s plight in american history and the racist colonism that has been the scapegoat of apartheid in africa.”
-I apologized for this. the correct expression is, racist colonialism in Africa as the CAUSE of apartheid.
to rick:
yes you are very asute and what you said is very true, as even the Chairman Mao recognized the struggles that black americans and the apartheid of South africa too!There were many black americans hat went to china, and have talked and try to see what and how the chinese said, an i know to this day..it makes america mad that there are other countries without, the brutal colonization practices that most of the european powers have brought to the world, and even to china, with colonization practices! But, it does not seem to actually make anything meaningful to the masses of chinese, or would identify, or even care,nor to practice tolerances, or anti-racist leanings, to those that many centuries of disdain have been ingrained in the chinese psyche!:-(
I am an AfricanAmerican and I do not understand why other races of people who are not white themselve choice to display racism for they can also be a target…I just do not understand it its jus sad
it seems like we (non-white) are all struggling to be accepted by white people. The american media is the most powerful weapon in the world. And believe me, it is not unbiased. Asian men have been portrayed as sinister, evil and tricky for decades. Now, they are weak and wimpy (take a look at David Hung). Asian men are stereotyped as weak and wimpy to white women and cruel and dominant to asian women. Asian men in the United States are the only people who will look like losers if they are not financially successful. White men also see asian women as submissive and sex slaves. They often take advantage of asian men stereotype by giving themselves a more humble and lovable persona who treat women with respect. This is very unfortunate for asian men.
If you wonder why non-white people often talk of racism, you have to understand the history behind it.
Can’t we all just get along.
I am a black african living in china and I have been in China for a number of years now. Is there racism in China yes there is. But then again there is racism in most parts of the world. I can only make comparisons because I have lived as an expat in different countries around the world. Chinese haven’t had much exposure to black people and much of what they learn comes from the media. In chinese eyes blacks (mostly africans) are poor and miserable…only, in the west they do show a bit more of the more developed and happy africa. So when the average chinese guy meets me they think i have made some remarkeable achievement to be where i am and do what i do. This irks me a lot coz this is just one aspect of africa. The average african that comes to china is certainly not poor and is educated but perceptions do affect attitudes. There is a lot of racism against blacks in China but it’s more passive and this form is not recognized as racism by most. I stumbled across two posts in chinese saying lots of racist/hate stuff about blacks. Not sure if I should translate because it will enrage many blacks that read this post. The writer starts of by complaining about blacks in guangzhou and then takes it too far by calling all blacks “human rubbish”, exploits prejudices and seems to want to make a thorough argument that blacks are in inherently bad. He pulls out government statistics and mentions a number of reports. What is disturbing is the number of people that don’t call him out on his excesses and infact add more racist nonsense.
big5.thethirdmedia.com/g2b.aspx/ido.3mt.com.cn/Article/200802/show903176c30p1.html
Incidents like the below also don’t help racial harmony.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/sep/26/china.internationalcrime
http://ido.3mt.com.cn/Article/200802/show903176c30p1.html
the way china sees black people are basically from the result of american media for decades. Black people have often been portrayed as violent, drug dealing, uneducated people of lower class in America for a very long time. Even in Europe, black people were portrayed as subhuman. I think the Chinese people are more surprised that black people are really not that way and when they see people like you, they are in disbelief. But you have to admit that the racism in china is a lot more different than in America. You may be offended and upset about how the chinese people feel about black people, but at least they won’t burn crosses on your lawn and lynch you. At least they have never enslaved a race of people other than their own. Chinese people may be racist, but their racism are the result of ignorance rather than hatred.
mm…
I am Chinese.
some chinese are sensitive. On many chinese bbs you can always see a lot of comments just like ” we are insulted by the western…blablablabla.”
Now I think some black people are also sensitive. They are now talking about “racism” or something that most chinese don’t understand.
Is the sensitity comes from the suffering for both chinese and black people in the last centry?
Hey brother take it easy. I can bet most chinese don’t really know the meaning of “Racism”. We learn this from BBC news, from Hollywood movies. To chinese people, “racism” is somthing like the enemies of Schwarzenegger.
“Racism” is a behavior invented by white people. It doesn’t belong to chinese in China. If the behavior of chinese makes you uncomfortable, it may comes from some reasons other than “racism”.
give a example. If a chinese met a cheater from Henan provice, he’d like to think:”Man from Henan are cheaters”. If he watched a movie in which the bad guy is a black man, he’d like to think:”Black man are bad guys”. If he watched another movie in which has a ugly short coward chinese, he would login a bbs and write “we are insulted blablabla…”
Of cause it’s not a correctly way for thinking, but you can not simply attribute it to “Racism”.
BTW, I dont know what exactly racism is until I read the book “The Root”. It is a great book.
This is the first time i saw people talking racism in CHina. But it do exists in china.
I am a pure chinese but i am dark-skined and my lips are thick and prominent. so i got a lot of strange eyes since i was a child. when they saw me, they usualy will say:’look that guy, he looks like a black people!’ when i heard those words, i feel so sad and sometimes i hate myself. i feel so inferior. It affected me very much during the come into being of my personality.
This is a topic on which I was suppose to write an article. I come from a country of brown-people (not black). I had visited China more than 20 times, and now I live in Shanghai for more than a year. As my dad divorced with my mother and married a Chinese woman, I was given a chance to live, and explore a life by being a half-chinese. My father too is a brown-skinned, but still a Chinese woman loved and married him. That is not an excuse for me to hide that Chinese are not racists.
Chinese are infact ‘hypocritic’ racists, unlike the western racists who openly declare, and give a reason for why they are racists. My girl friend is a black skinned. I’ve heard plenty of times my Chinese mother calling her a “black pig” or commenting about her skin color before her chinese friends. Though they speak before me such things in a funny slang, this is not just one reason for my justification. I have more than 500 friends of my youhng age who are all Chinese. Some of them have confessed me openly, or I made them confess that Chinese people feel ’strange’ to see a black-brown skinned foreigner (not just foreigners. Even the Chinese minorities of Western China are looked down so).
I was a freelance writer in Politics since a long time. My observation on Chinese racism may end up with something called “hypocritic and extreme xenophobic racism”. The Chinese Communist Party has indeed educated the Chinese that their minorities are the ones who are capable of doing crimes in the country. This indeed added a political reason for their racist thinking, and stirred their racist emotions more towards the ethnic eughur.
Now this is the racism I could see in the most developed and civilised city of Shanghai. So it’s understood how good Chinese are on the other part of the country.
And finally, it doesn’t mean that all Chinese are racists. Many chinese women married black skinned men and had children. Many Chinese firms recruit black skinned employees from abroad and so and so. Racism exists in almost every country, but it’s more pronunced in China and some other countries.
I wish this will not hurt the sentiments of any pro-Chinese. What I write is what I felt for all these years in China, as a foreigner.
Thank you for this site. From my personal experiences here in the SF Bay Area as an ESL teacher (along with the views expressed by one of my teachers who is African American and devoted over 15 years of her teaching career to the Chinese and Chinese American community in San Francisco) everything that you’ve written makes sense. I would never go to China to teach English based on what I’ve experienced here as a person and as an educator.
Yeah, some Chinese and Chinese American people are allies of the Black African Diaspora; but their deep-seeded racists beliefs are just as common.
Again, thank you for creating this site.
I think this is the case of a Western trying fault in other country so he can feel better about themselve. There is no racism in China, since the concept of racism was never devloped. There is PREJUDICES. These prejudices against black people are often form by the consumption of Western media. The Chinese have the same perception of black people as whites in America. They have never met a black person, but through consumptions of racist Western media they have formed these prejudices. It is also base on classism.
IT IS NOT ABOUT RACE.
After spending almost a year out here living in Beijing, I have to agree that most of the observations the author makes in this article are fairly accurate.
Regardless of whether one argues if it stems from a prejudice or an un-educated ignorance, there is something very xenophobic and discriminatory embedded quite deeply in Chinese society.
A quick bit of background Wikipedia research on Han Chauvinism, The Fenqing, Chinese Nationalism will give you access to a myriad of up to date sources.
For example, I challenge anyone to deny that the police entering the Bar Street area in Beijing just before the Olympics and arresting every black guy on suspicion of being a drug dealer is the product of a predominantly racist society.
‘There is no racism in China…There is PREJUDICES’ seriously asian guy you are so full of it…I mean contradictions. Major races of the world are defined mainly on skin-color, prejudice based on skin-color is racism. Here we go with the blame game again. Another chinese admitting prejudice but blaming western media. True, western media should recieve a share of blame however there’s an old saying ‘If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck well then it must be a duck’ and a racist can be recognized anyday. Everybody else in the world admits there is racism in their own countries, even africans, but the chinese apparently are the only ones without it. Puleeeez. I don’t care what the excuse is if your perception of someone’s character or capacity is based on the color of skin then you my friend ARE a racist, period.
I am black and live in china. The sad truth is that there are many chinese that do look down on and are afraid of blacks. As for me China has made me really self-conscious about my color which is something I am not used to. It does come as a surprise. And by years end when my contract is done it’s adios. My Chinese fiance admits it would be uncomfortable and tiring for a black person to live in China for a long time acknowledging there is far more prejudice than she originally thought, several situations just plain disgusted her and helped influence her decision to leave this country for the sake of her…ahem would be mixed kids (yes she has already visited my african country). But then again China is big and it may not be the same everywhere and also knowing the language is a double edged sword because you get to know EVERYTHING they say.
Hmmm … Has anyone noticed that It is virtually impossible for a Westerner to become a Chinese citizen — whereas the process for a Chinese person to become an Australian citizen for example is the same for any other race… A child born in Hong Kong to a Western couple is not entitled to become a HOng Kong citizen - even if both his western parents are residents who contribute to the economy and pay taxes….
does that not smack of institutional racism??
are chinese more racist against blacks or are blacks more racist against chinese?
i say who cares… its like asking whether the chicken or the egg came first.
fact of the matter is that we black folk need to really create our own self-sufficient country without the civil war and violence others stereotype us as to show the world we got what it takes
unfortunately, a lot of other people look down on us from whites in america and europe to asians in china and japan… black is beautiful, these blind folk sadly cannot see it.
Chinese are just a very racist bunch. It’s useless reasoning because they have a complex. A complex about themelves and a complex about others. Racist and cynical. Any country that denies citizenship because of blood is xenophobic and racist.
A lot of you guys have some real good points and arguments. I am an African-American woman and I myself have never visited China so I cannot speak about the racism that quite clearly seems to be present there. I am truly saddened that the Chinese race forgets or is not educated on who the first people of China really were (whom were Africans). Maybe if they did they would open their minds and actually see that stereotyping black people has a whole is ridiculous considering their own history.
This is interesting a 300 entry comment section. Let me weight in.
Chinese aren’t inherently racist. What we are, is a product of the white man’s colonialism. China became a different beast because we have been suppressed by the white man. They tried to kill us off by sell us opium and then taking our land and treasures. What will you do, if a person of a particular race keeps coming into your home and robs you, beats you and rapes your wife? You will be suspicious of that race right??
For the black man, we are in the same historical boat as you. We, like you, were ripped off by the whites. Our land taken, people slaved, killed and suppressed. Don’t hate us. We are giving money to the African countries, no strings attached. To brutal regimes you say? What about white people defending Isreal? What about apartied? White people helping themselves to Afria? Did you know the US was sponsoring the Somalia groups to over take Somalia?? They were giving them weapons until the Islamic court came and over powered the American backed warloads. You bet you the white man is brain washing you with his media. They took from Africa and gave nothing back. Chinese on the other hand loan money, build schools and invest in Africa’s future. Did you know there is a large wildlife sanctuary and UN designated site in Africa after the Rawandan genocide, that was funded and donated with Hong Kong Chinese money?? There are signs there in Chinese. The white man, will sponsor regime changes and mess up the order to their own gain. Remember, Chinese people never did aparteid.
So please don’t think the Chinese are bad. We are practical but we leave your buisness to you. Racism in China??? As a Chinese I went to South Africa, I got stares, rude looks, and got ripped off a few times. That’s just part of being a foreigner. Come on. I went to a supposedly civilized western country in Europe and I got a racist rant against me in my face. So much for the adorable tolerant white man.
Remember this, no Chinese man ever came to Africa, put your people on a boat, shipped them off as slaves, beat you, raped you, killed you, slaved you, hung you on a tree and cut off your genitals and put it in your mouth if you sexed a white woman. Am I right??? Is this not FACT!!! This is American history X in the rawest form. Yet, the black people can make amends and love the white man. I saw that black girl hug Bush after Katrina.
Come on, think! The Chinese were always gentle buisness people. Come to China, learn the language, talk, converse, break-down barriers. You are there to change hearts and minds too. You are an ambassador of the black race. Show us your true character. We want to respect you as a black man. Show us.
Hi Guys,
I have been following your post for a while now and to be honest… I was a little scared of going to china since i received
a scholarship there for 2010. I am from Antigua where blacks are dominant because it is in the Caribbean. The Chinese government has been good to our country as well as Indian and Japanese governments.I just want to thank people like olatunji, Heaps, Prince and China girl. I look forward to experiencing a new culture now because of you guys. Thank You.
I didn’t even have to read half way through your article to tell its bullshit.
“It can be difficult getting a job teaching English in China if you are black?” Are you for real? Considering there’s a show on CCTV with a black guy TEACHING CHINESE! I find your statements totally lacking in credibility.
@ James
Really, some people were just meant to stay clueless their whole lives. It’s sad. Anyway strictly speaking the sentence “It can be difficult getting a job teaching English in China if you are black?” may not be entirely accurate but it depends. In Shanghai it is fairly accurate. In Beijing it is accurate. In Shengze (a town not known even to Chinese) it is inaccurate. A non-experienced white has more chances of being offered the job in China than an experienced non-white. Ofcourse for you my post is totally lacking in credibility.
To whom teaching English in China:
There are so many English speaking persons in China these days. If you are only qualified for teaching English-as-a-Foreign-Language, you will have tough competitions. Almost any English speaking person could teach that. You really need assess your qualifications against your competitions before spending a lot of time in researching racism in China.
In Chinese society (China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan), a teacher is not just required to teach skills such as English. Also, a teacher has to be an ethic and behavior model to students. For example, if you have a ring on your lip, you won’t get any jobs, period. On the other hand, if you could teach quantum physics, they would tolerate the ring on your lip during the time you are teaching. So, dressing and talking like an ambassador will help your career if you only have so-so qualifications. Please check how many Chinese PHDs in China. And, please check how many patents per year out there. Teaching spoken English is not a big deal anymore.
Respecting their value is the key for your successfulness out there. If you could not respect their value, you might be a racist in the first place. Blaming on them won’t do you any good.
Prejudices are everywhere which is unnecessary racism. When you have different value with others, you will face prejudices – the bigger the difference the larger the prejudices. When you are looking for a job, you will fell the strength of the prejudice stronger. It could lead you to believe the racism when you lost the opportunity.
Afro-American might have a better experience in Japan. It’s because that Japanese has surrendered to American (black and white) after the World War Two. Although the peace treaty has been signed, it’s under the condition of surrendering. The condition is still there, unchanged. If you expect to have the Japans experience from China, you need revisit your expectations. (Why yellow person couldn’t treat me as nice as Japanese)? You have a problem in your head, it is racism.
Good luck for your career in China.
These are my finding:
Prejudice is close to dislike. You have control on this. You can be a likable person if you work on it.
Racism is close to hate. This is hard to be changed. There are no easy solutions.
As I know, Chinese do not hate blacks. Make it simple, they have better things to do than hate blacks. They would rather spend time in trading stocks, trading apartments, or do anything to make more money. No one has the time for hating blacks unless you provoke them.
Frankly, I don’t know why white person hate blacks so much. They spent a lot of time in threaten blacks – wear on white cloth and burn cross. What are these for? What can they gain from it? I saw it on TV and I know what they did but why? It’s a mystery to me.
Obama became a president of America. That says most of people do not hate blacks. Why the racism topics come up so frequently? Chinese have never wear on white cloth and burn cross.
I am white and married a Chinese lady.We spend every summer in China together and I am treated better by the Chinese people then I am treated by Americans in the USA. I have seen not racism towards Americans in China.Never.When i retire I will live in China with my wife.We have 2 homes there now and hope someday to have my youngest child work in China.He loves it in China and has never had one problem with the Chinese, they all treat him as we treat them with respect.
Obama is a black. If Obama visit China, he will get the best treatment on earth. Obama doesn’t have to worry about racism toward to black in China, if any. Does it explain everything?
Afro-Americans have to earn respect as anyone else. There are 1.3 billions people looking for jobs in China. Why Afro-Americans deserve better treatment than others? If an Afro-American has nothing to offer, he/she will be just another one in the 1.3 billions persons country except the skin is darker.
English is invented by British. It is their language. Obviously, Oxford accent sounds better than New York accent, Taxes accent, black accent, and Asia accent. That is nothing to do with racism. I can speak English well but I don’t think there is any Chinese interested in hiring me as an ESL teacher. Do you consider this as one Chinese has racism toward to another Chinese?
Racism has a different meaning in US. It is really racism with hate. This problem is created by a small group of black and white. Obama and his voters don’t think this way.
I don’t believe there are supper human been on earth so racism with hate is not in my mind. In fact, I have seen white persons on the street to collect money for food in US. That says white person is unnecessary better than me. Please don’t export this kind of dark thoughts (racism with hate) to Chinese society. Chinese don’t think that way.
I would recommend Afro-American to get other skills such as computer science, quantum physics, etc. Afro-American would not have problems to teach these kinds of classes.
I did some research in racism. In Chinese history, there is no words equivalent to racism until 17 century.
Racism really is a way (idea) for colonialist to justify their bad behavior in taking advantages of other nations. For example, Chinese do not know what is gold so we can have it. Chinese are natural opium lovers so let’s sell opium to China that is not guilty.
Chinese are victims of colonialism. And, Chinese have never been colonialists. Otherwise, we would be a rich country since 17 century. It is funny that Afro-American accuses Chinese as racism.
The fact is that Afro-American is trying to get more than they deserved by accusing others are racism. It is understandable if Afro-American do this to white persons because white ancestors slaved blacks before. So, whites have to pay blacks a little more for their sacrifices. Chinese don’t owe Afro American anything. Please leave us alone.
The whole thing here is very ugly. It’s just cheap bargaining.
By accusing Chinese as racism to get more is really another version of justification that colonialists have used before.
I started to worry about Chinese students in the ESL classes.
There is nothing to do with the noble human right at here. I was to slow to realize it.
Live in China 4 months a year.Will retire there in 4 years I have net thousands of Chinese and not one has shown me any reason to think they are racist at all in China.
If you accept thier culture and live by thier laws,China is the safest country I have ever been to, know for a fact every city here is safer then any in the USA.
To David Swift
You have the right attitude. And, you will be retired out there to spend money – not competing with others. So, I don’t think that you will have problems in China. Frankly, I don’t want to compete with 1.3 billions persons either. It’s tough competition. They have more energy to earn money than I do.
Traditionally, Chinese are very acceptant of foreigners except during the Chairman Mao’s culture revolution days. That is gone. These days, the government wants to have a stable society to focus on economical developments. There are some problems caused by the uneven wealth distributions. They are trying to fix it. I read all of these from news papers and I am not a spokesman for the government.
As I know, many Russians migrated to China during their revolution days. These Russians settled in China and be part of Chinese for generations. During world war two, many Jews run away from Hitler and migrate to China and become Chinese. I got a lot of helps from American Jews in US. May be, it is because my ancestors helped them before. I’ll keep these positive reactions going. I’ve heard about the Rothchild family’s story. That is beyond my scope. By the way, there are many Islam Chinese citizens too.
Chinese are not made by one race. Chinese are a collection of people with similar culture background. It is not very legal oriented. I have US passport for more than 30 years. They still consider me as Chinese. If you declare and insist that you are a new Chinese, they will be pleased. They might laugh at you but it doesn’t mean to humiliate. In their mind, Chinese must be yellow. As a matter of fact, there are many mixed persons in China. And, there are many blue eyes local born Chinese in the west provinces. It is just that most Chinese have never pay attention to this stuff. They are not racial sensitive person. In fact, I just learned the new words such as bigot and racism in last few days.
As far as, Afro-American’s concern in China, it is really a social status matter instead of a racial matter. It takes long time and many people’s effort to improve the social status. Chinese are still working on it. By the way, there is neither affirmative action nor instructional racism in China. After all, Chinese government doesn’t owe Afro-American anything so they are barking on the wrong tree. If I were them I’d try very hard to improve my skills.
Good luck for your retirement in China. I might do the same myself.
Black people do not have to concern so much about skin color. Rumors say everybody came from Africa originally. Through different routes, people spread over to different locations. May be, they exposed to different degree of sunshine so the color became lighter or darker. These days, many white persons try to get suntan to catch up with us. They dislike being too white either. We are lucky to be in the middle.
IBM and National Geographic started a joint Genographic project to find out where we came from. And, which routes that we went through. Anybody is allowed to participate the project. Just send in your DNA with some donations, they will tell you about your history. .
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2345&itemType=PRODUCT
Confucius has said in (about) 500 BC: “The broad (best) way is that the world belongs to the public (everybody)”. The sentence implies that there is no supper human been and no one should take advantages on others. So, the world will be more peaceful. Almost every Chinese have heard the sentence, over generations, since 500 BC. And, most Chinese believe that it is the right way and we should do it forever.
Between late 17 century and early 19 century, we were attacked by foreigners again and again. It was a shock; we realized that Confucius’ way doesn’t work anymore. After our 54 movement in 1919, we knew that we had to be armed with bigger guns. And, we had to import different philosophies to replace Confucius. Dr. Sun Yat-san combined Confucius and westerns’ ideas and came up with a socialism philosophy. Unfortunately, Chairman Mao imported communism from Russian, later. With Russians’ support, Mao got his way or Russians got their way, who knows. History proves that communism doesn’t work. So, Chinese is looking for a better philosophy again. I think that Chinese will go back to Confucius or DR. Sun’s philosophy. But, we have to keep the bigger guns concurrently so we can walk straight with heads up. Until everybody in the world drop the big guns, we cannot drop it unilaterally. We don’t want to repeat the old history between 17 and 19 century again.
Do you think that human is stupid to repeat the war histories which sacrifice lives and waste money for thousand of years? While Confucius knew that war is stupid in 500 BC. Even more stupid, they are proud of what they did in the wars. That is killing people in massive amount with massive destruction weapons. It is nothing to do with the bravery.
Do you know how much a “smart” bomb cost? A poor person could buy food with that amount of money for years. These “smart” bombs won’t stop wars for long terms. While so many poor people are eating dirt, they spent billions dollars to build smarter jet fighters regardless how much government deficits are. They feel insecure. Why? They did bad things before. They worry about revenge.
Could we give Confucius a chance? It only works when everybody accept it, around the world. It doesn’t cost a dime – no jet fighters required. When the world belongs to everybody, you don’t have to fight to death for a bigger piece of pie. It is inhuman and it hurts our dignity.
By the way, Confucius is not a religion. Confucius is just a philosopher, likes Socrates type of person – not harmful and not threatening. Confucius is no god. You don’t have to be on your knees and you don’t have to bow to his picture. It is just a Confucius idea which is much better than the racism idea. Why we have to spend billions of dollars to secure (protect) ourselves just because that we believed the racism.
Soon or later we will be shocked again. Technological advance won’t work anymore. Look, even the North Koreans know how to build nuclear weapons. It won’t take too long for them to mount the nuclear war head on long range missiles. This shock would be the similar shock that Chinese had in 17 century, mentioned above.
I bet, over times, we all (everybody) know how to make a small nuclear weapon. Everybody is going to be busy in their car garages to build “something” to protect themselves. When you have to build your own nuclear weapon in your garage while your wife is yelling on the side, please think about what Confucius has said in 500 BC
my god his has definately become more interesting anyway racism inchina is there but the chinese government sometimes tries to hide a lot of bad news from china does anyone remember the clashes in shanghai in the 1970s when some black students were seen dancing and engaging with chinese girls yes racism is there in china the only thing is that i think it is not good to say chinese people are racist but i thin some are and some are not but with time maybe this will change for the better but what i just want to say to my fellow chinese is that we should not brush away such comments rather we should see how we can improve ourselves for the better of human kind. i think China might be or is already a world leader now what ind of teachings messege do we send to the people of the world if we can not even listen to clear issues like this even as we try to hide the facts that even in china there has been race related violence against black people.
To China girl,
Please don’t be confused by the snobbish, racism and bigot. I just leaned the difference last week. You can find it on http://en.wikipedia.org
Most Chinese are more snobbish than American. It is because that there are too many people in China. It is very hard to treat everyone equally. To be effectiveness, Chinese frequently distinguish who they are dealing with. Most of the distinguish actions based on the social status. In other words, the powerful and rich persons get treated better. The distinguishing actions could be seen by Afro-American as racial discrimination. They are very racial conscious person.
You have to work and live in US for years to understand the degree of their bigot and racism. Tourists would never know this stuff. One day, a Caribbean taxi driver told me: I didn’t know I am a black until I worked a few years in New York. Chinese’s bigot is nowhere near the degree of their bigot in US. So, I don’t consider Chinese’s bigot as bigot. (This is really a word translation problem).
Afro-Americans are under white power for their whole live. Even worse, they do believe, deeply in their heart, that superior races exist on earth. Although, they want to be equal but they do believe the existence of rank in races. I don’t believe so. I am lucky that I am a Chinese. I have 5,000 years of glory history to support me. And, I am glad that Chinese are doing well these days.
In States, ESL teachers are not highly paid jobs. Truck drivers and plumbers make more money than they are. Why do they take the lower pay jobs? They want respect. Orientals respect teachers based on Confucius logic. These receptiveness and politeness could cause problems. Afro-Americans would believe that they are superior than Chinese. The politeness becomes a confirmation of their superiority. Afro-Americans would rationalize the superiority by their believes — we are more western and we have some western blood. These are very sick thoughts. Unfortunately, they are growing up with these thoughts. The truth is that many Afro-Americans have racist mind but they didn’t realize it.
Afro-American teachers would have no problems in the classrooms in China. They might face the Chinese snobbish when they get out the class rooms. Unfortunately, Africans’ social status in the world is not as high as they want to be, regardless the causes. The Chinese snobbish could be very annoying to them. It contradicts to their believing. Such as, Chinese treat white western people well why Afro-American shouldn’t be treated equally well? And, it would be embarrassing to clarify that I am an Afro-American not African. This would sound like that they betray their brothers and sisters. Afro-Americans get caught in an awkward position in China.
The clashes between Chinese and black students in 1970s is a different story. First, I don’t think that western dances were acceptable in China in 1970s. Second, Chinese girls were willing to dance with black students that already says the bigot is not serious. Many white females won’t dance with blacks even today. Third, girls sometimes play games. If Chinese students won’t dance with me, I’d dance with black students. That ignites jealousy. With males’ territory in mind, those boys would become violent.
Instead of beat the issue to death, I suggest Afro-American read Confucius books. The more people accept Confucius the world will be more peaceful.
@ a Chinese i can not believe that you actually believe yourself to me if someone attacks a person because of the color of their skin that is racism so those clashes which i think were in the 80s were indeed racist attacks however i think there is some racism in china maybe it has not taken a violent stance than in America because i do not think there were many black people in china that long ago but if they were then it could have been a different story. i am African i have been to China i think it is wrong for you to conclude that black people want to feel more important or better than anyone but they are as an african i am proud of who i am and as just as chinese and other groups lo people have their history in Africa we have our own history as well a history we are very fond of. we have not been under the white people all our life i don’t know which school tought you this furthermore being polite is not a sign of weekness rather it is a sign of humility. You seem to be suggesting that any person outside of the west should not be polite to black people because they will think they are equal to white people or superior to chinese and you claim you are confucious. I do not believe in anything but me and i know that one fact is true until the philosophy that one race is more superior than another and another infirior then there can never be peace in this world.
Most of what I have said is about Afro-American.
I have never met any African yet. So, I have no opinion about African. Just have no idea.
to A chinese i don’t really understand wether you are suggesting that chinese people should not be polite to all black people lest they feel they are better than us or what. I do agree with you on one thing racism in the west is really worse than in China but you have to say maybe thats why all this black Americans want to come and live in China it is i think because for the first time they feel fairly treated rather than the fact that they think they are better than the Chinese people when we are giving them the jobs.
China girl
I wrote a lot because I saw the first page of this website. It says: Racism against Black People in China. And, Chinese racism against everybody……
It sounds like propaganda to make enemies for Chinese. In addition, these kind of complain sound like from Afro-American. And, it similar with what they did in States. So, I’ve tried to help Afro-Americans understand that Chinese have never slave them before. Chinese do not owe them anything. They are barking on the wrong tree. (Mentioned before).
Many laws in US are created to protect minorities. These make sure that minorities have the equal opportunities for jobs, education, etc. These laws are required because blacks were exported to US unwillingly in 17 century. And, blacks were slaved for centuries. US owe them a bundle. So, at least, US have to give them a chance to survive and compensate their loss. But, no law says that you have to love blacks. Law should not be employed to control people’s mind. We have the right to love anything we want. And, I have explained before that Chinese school might prefer Oxford accent than other accents. That has nothing to do with racism/bigot.
Collar-blind society is almost not existed in this world. China is not the worst place on earth regarding the races issue. If Afro-Americans want to change Chinese that is a long shot. There are 1.3 billions people in China. It would be easier to build their own country in their own ways instead of complaining about Chinese.
I dislike their intention to change Chinese, particularly in a way of accusing or complaining. Afro-American seem like considering themselves as prophets – soupier than Chinese. So, I recommend them to read Confucius books. They were written in 500 BC. BC means Before Christ.
I am not trying to suggest that Chinese students impolite to Afro-American ESL teachers. Polite is a good behavior that was recommended by Confucius. We should keep it that way. On the other hands, I am trying to help Afro-American understand that don’t get carried away by this politeness. Please don’t rock the boat and raise the flag. Just teach English.
China girl
Forgot to tell you why ESL teachers go to teach in China.
The un-emplacement rate is very high in US these days. The number of foreign students is reduced a lot because the world economical situation is in a slump.
1980s are the best time for ESL teachers. Japanese were very rich at that time. Many rich parents send their spoiled child to US to take ESL classes. (Not going to graduate schools). The purpose is not solely on learning English. The purpose is to get their soiled child fixed – learn how to control budget, to be responsible, to be independent, etc. These teenagers do not know the hidden agenda from their parents. So, they are very happy to have the freedom for a long vacation. They are very excited, so do the ESL teachers.
The good old days are gone. The best ESL teachers are able to keep their jobs in US. The rest have to reach out – go to China. As usual, they complain again. If they could focus on their job they would not have to reach out, in the first place. They might able to keep their jobs in US and stay with their family.
Now, they have job in China while their friends in US are on warfare. They should be very happy instead of complaining.
Ooops! I did bad mouth on them. If they could keep their mouth shut, I’d keep my mouth shut too. .
I just faced racism in China… so started checking net and various veiwpoints. Im working Indian women in China for 2 years and just tasted the bud of racism where i was pulled out of the gym class where i was doing yoga.. as my other chinese mates felt uncomforatble with me… that is what was advoised to me by gym managers. There was rush in class and i was called out from compete class and told in so called polite language that im welcome to use all equipments but cannot attend yoga/body pumping/body balance class at all as chinese ppl have have raised issue out of my attending class. No other reason.. i felts so jolted as gym staff also favoured this kind of discrimination and one person who is just doing her job is thron out and insulted. What more you need that racism doesnot exist in China.. its does exist not even for blacks/japanese but also Indians… besides rich n poor which we have seen all in 2 years stay in china.
If people that come to China treat the Chinese with total respect and treat them as you wish to be treated you will find they will treat you more kindly then anyone in the USA treats people they have known for a lifetime.I have found that if you accept and respect ones culture and do not try to force yours on them they will accept you as a friend. I have more friends in China spending 3 months a year there then I ever had in America where I was born. Racism is taught by parents. Parents in China teach their childen to respect all no matter where they are from. The ones that have problems with the Chinese should look at themselfs and change their out look on life or just leave China and go home.Chinese people in China have taught me more about respect, family and moral values then I ever learned in th USA. I for one take my hat off to the Chinese they treat me like one of their family.
To China girl,
Finally, I’d like to answer your question: “Shall we take these complain/accuse as critics to improve ourselves to be better persons?” My answer is that the question is very noble and naïve.
My take is that these complain/accuse just like “blowing wind” in Chinese words. When there is enough wind, Afro-Americans will be ready to take off. That will be propositions and legislations in China such as Affirmative Actions, Minimum Wedges, Unions, etc. These sound like good laws. It is necessary in US but it is unnecessary in China. (I mentioned the reasons before). US have paid a big price because these laws. Let me explain as follows:
• Minimum Wedges; the minimum salaries are about $7 per hour in some States in US. It sounds like a good law to protect poor labors. But, it made US products and services more expensive than other countries. No one will buy these products and services. These companies have to be closed or move to other countries such as China. That is part of the reasons US trade deficits became very high. If China passes the Minimum Wedge law, these companies will have to move else where again.
• Strong Union; you cannot even move your table in your office. That is union labors’ work. I’ll be glad to have other person do it for me. But, they are not very efficiency. You have to make an appointment first and they may not show up on time. If you are not there to be with them, they will disappear with multiple excuses. Then, you have to make another appointment and so on. This made US companies very inefficient. In other words, it is less competitive.
• Strong Union; it made some labor cost very high. For example, GM has to pay about $70/hr for their assembly line workers while Toyota only pays $25/hr. (You can hire a PHD for $70/hr). So, Toyota survived and GM declared bankruptcy a couple weeks ago.
• Affirmative Action; many universities took students based on the ratio of race population. For example, there are 10% Afro-American population so these universities took 10% Afro-American students. Students’ grades won’t be the first priority. It sounds fair but it is unfair to students with better grades. This is just an example. It doesn’t imply that Afro-American all have bad grades.
Over protective made US less competitive and it hurts US economics. The over protective works before when US was the only rich country in the world. After other countries catch up with the speed, the over protective becomes a drag to US economics. So, I don’t think that China should copy US laws and regulations line by line.
In fact, I don’t think that Afro-Americans have conspiracies to damage China. Afro-American is a product of colonists. They believe ranks of races. Comparing to Chinese, they believe that they are more western so they know better than Chinese. Naturally, they want to play the prophets role. They fail to realize that they are the English teachers only. There are many knowledgeable persons (PHD) out there.
I don’t mean to kill their new ideas. New ideas are good, if they are good new ideas. On the other hand, it is dangerous when they start to “blowing wind”. It will become a social movement instead of idea contributions. Part of the reasons that people dislike colonists is because they impose their idea on you. And, they believe they are smarter. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin believes he is smarter. After all, he is an unpopular person. Millions of people dead because his stupid ideas.
Laozi said correctly: Let the nature take it course.
Well that sucks alot. I’m a black and I was thinking about learning chinese and living in china and to hear such bias against darker skinned people makes me want to consider learning phillpino. And hear i thought the japanese people were racist. Thanks for the insight about china, since asians countries aren’t so different than america. I guess were all human in nature after all.
to Achinese
you talk like you know a lot about Afro Americans. and to me you sound like you are saying all the Afro Americans think the same that to me is a racist statement because you saying judging them by the color of their skin before you even give them a chance to say anything. Anyway if you doubt that there is racism in china just watch the news and see whats happening in xinjian province and ask yourself why.
Yes…this article is 100 % true….I myself experienced STRONG racism in china….I belongs to USA but not a white…so fool chinese were not ready to accept me as an American and treated us like trash…..I will never ever do any business with any chinese anywhere.
To one Love;
I didn’t say all Afro-American are the same. I made some generalized statements about Afro-Americans. It can not be applied to individuals.
Do you know most Zinjian people are white Chinese? Many of them are blue eyes and brown hair. Are you trying to say Chinese have racism toward to these white persons?
Zinjian persons are poorer than the east coast persons in China, generally. I also made a generalized statement before such as Chinese are more snobbish than American. East coast Chinese may not treat Zinjian Chinese as good as they want. This is nothing to do with Racism. In fact, the Zinjian event is a great instance to exam the Racism condition is China.
hm…as a ppl living in Beijing ,I never thought about racism in China. But, to be honest, I am really afraid of Black, since some of them r drug dealers in Beijing,Guangzhou and Shanghai. But most of them r from Africa, I never met a Black from America. The feelings about Japanese u discribed are right. But it’s not coz of the education in China, it did happen in history and most of Japanese denied to admit it and apologyze.That’s why some Chinese like me feel hurtful and dislike Japanese. The racism does exit in Indian ppl,since they are arrogant and discrimination against women. At least, I met several indian guys, they did. This is my frank views as a lady living in beijing.
To China girl,
One last thing. Although, Afro-Americans believe that they are superior than Chinese, the statistical records do not support their believe.
Based on multiple statistical data in US, the average family income of Asian Americans is the highest in US. The second is white Americans families. The average family income of Afro-Americans is way behind. In addition, the best school districts are always in the Asian concentrated areas. The above says, Asian Americans have the quality and capacity to make more money than others in US.
(Most Asians in US are Chinese and Indian).
I don’t really know why/how Afro-Americans believe that they are superior than Chinese. The only possibility is Racism. They have some western blood.
to A chinese
you really do not sieze to amaze me that those people in zinjian are not happy because they feel they are being unfairly discriminated at work places because of how they look to me that is racism it does not matter if its against a black, white brown or green man that is racism the fact that they are being segregated because of how they look is indeed racism. and in your comment to china girl you seem to suggest that if there is a western guy its ok if he feels like he is better than a chinese guy. i hope i am wrong about you man because if i am to think that you actual believe in the bottom of your heart that there is one race more superior than the other then surely you have to admit that you a a racist yourself. and again if you believe all black americans should not be treated with the same respect in china as everyone else then again you are a racist. By saying things like that you are saying all chinese people should hate afro americans and by a distant should hate all black people. I think yours is a dangerous mind and i do not know what black americans did to you that is soo bad that you would wish all chinese people to treat them without any respect. if they treat these guest without respect what do you expect china to gain from that. Don’t hate for the sake of hating its not nice
To one love;
I have said multiple times that Zinjian’s issue is a social status (financial status) problem. It is not a racism problem. You could not take the skin color out of the picture because that the skin color is on top of your mind. When you see things with a pair of color glass, everything is colorful. I cannot help you with that. It’s up to you.
As I know Chinese is not interested in superior than others. What’s that for? Of course, we don’t agree that others superior than us. Statistical records say that we are as good as others. At least, I don’t want to spend any energy to be superior. No one pay me to be superior.
Thousands years ago, Zingjian is sort of no body’s land. People do the hunting for living in that area. About 14 century, the Silk Road was developed to export China silks and herbs to Europe. The Silk Road went through Zinjian. So Zinjian people and Mid East people (Arabian) were the middle men (brokers). They became very rich. After Brittan and Spanish built large ships, the Silk Road was replaced by the ocean shipping. Zinjian and Mid East people became poorer but they could not forget their good old days (pride).
Many races are in Zinjian area. The problem this time is about Uyghur. They built Uyghur Empire in the 7th century and last about 30 years. Another small empire took over the Uyghur Empire. These took-over actions went back and forth many times by multiple races in the area. In the 12th century, Mongolian wiped out all of the small empires in that area. Genghis Khan (Mongolian) didn’t last very long and Chinese took over his territory in the 13th century.
Uyghur have never forgotten their old glories (pride). They built the East Turkestan Republic in 1945. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_East_Turkestan_Republic
A lot of international politics are behind it. Racism almost has nothing to do with the problem this time. But, in your eyes, skin color is everything. I am not trying to put you down. I am suggesting you to revisit your view point. It might help you to be a happier person. (If skin color were everything, it would be a painful live for you).
Uighur beat Han. Han beat Uighur. They both beat according to race. Therefore there is a racism problem in Xinjiang. And why? because the Uighurs say they are tired of this.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r96/jfallows/KashgarHotel.jpg
For those who don’t understand chinese it’s a job vacancy open only to Han people. This is an ad in a public place in xinjiang. Racism has to do with prejudice and not necessarily a superiority complex. And there are a lot of prejudices in China. Anybody who says there is no racism in China is just decieving themselves.
to A chinese
I dont know your experiances but here in Beijing a lot of black people i have met are humble and most of the time you can talk to them. secondly i think everyone knows that people usually move from one country to another because they are looking for a better job, better life or for peace. I am happy that we Chinese people can help these people. I am sure you are aware that there is a lot of chinese people around the world also looking for a better life elsewhere. most of the black people i have met hear are humble and very easy to talk to i don’t think they feel like they are better plus i really think that you should get over this idea of people thinking they are better than Chinese because every chinese people know thier history and we also know that our country is doing very well right now we are very proud of our history and our present and we dont think that anyone can ever think they are super than us. Unlike a lot of white people who are very insecure and then start racism I think here in china we are very secure and aware of our abilities because of that China is going to be a great country loved by all people and with better race relations than any european country or America.
To one love;
I don’t think you got the full picture of the Zinjian instance.
As I know, from news paper and web site, Zinjian government sent this group people to Canton to work in the factory. The purpose was helping Zinjian people to learn how factories work so they can do it by themselves at home, one day. In addition, The Zinjian government wants them to see the modernization in Canton. The government wants to replicate the experience in Zinjian. China’s new policy is to move some of the factories to the west (include Zinjian) to offset the rising labor cost in Canton. This group of Zinjian people will serve as messengers back home. The purpose is very good and it is not isolation or separation. Conversely, the purpose is to even out the prosperity.
Traditionally, Cantonese have tendency to engage group fight. They did group fights such as one village against another village frequently when they felt insulted. If you have a serious disagreement with a Cantonese, make sure no other Cantonese around. Obviously, these Zinjian people did not know that.
What was happened that day was a Cantonese girl walked into a wrong door in the dormitory which was Zinjian people’s room. The girl ran out with yelling and screaming. Cantonese boys went to rescue her. I guess it was the attitude again. If both side can talk peacefully, it won’t started a group fight. Frankly, I don’t think that the group fights is such a big deal. American soldiers had group fights in bars frequently per movies. It’s just a phenomenon of being too young. But, it would be a different story when international politics get involved. The East Turkestan is classified as terrorism in the United Nation. .
I am not an expert of this international politics. All I know is based on the news paper and website. After I read all these information, I feel that the Zinjian instance is not a Racism issue.
To china girl,
If you feels everything is fine that is great. I have spent too much time on this racism stuff. I have a lot work to be done.
There is a cultural bias against dark skinned people which is really what fuels much of the prejudice and therefore if you are black do not be surprised by negative reactions you may get by interacting with them. So if you are coming to China you need a thick skin.
Also if you can, stay away from the big cities were many of them feel more justified to be prejudiced because of a few dark-skinned criminal elements. People from outside the bigger cities are more curious but they also tend to be more humble.
I honestly don’t expect Chinese to change, ever, why should they. Unless black Africa becomes the next super power.
Venting out frustrations can be therapeautic but for those blacks who are putting up posts in the hope they might help to change attitudes I am pessimistic they will. Only their gov’t will.
But wish you luck in trying to educate them one by one. It helps to join a black community support group, make sure you speak the language and avoid topics of race with them if you can.
Please look the following web page, you will understand that the Zinjian instance is really a politics issue. The East Turkestan organization wants to build a new country in the current Chinese territory. The violence in Zinjian may not be started under the direction of this organization. But, their influence would contribute to the violence, for sure.
http://www.unpo.org/content/view/7872/107/
I run into this website accentually. Curiosity kills cat. This is as far as I want to know. Good Bye.
have to say..
this does really exist.
but this is some kind of conception inoformed in somebody’s head…
this is just like the first impression when we meet somebody..
but as long as we get familiar with someone we first met…
but we are friendly…
btw i’m chinese
Well, the facts are true to some degree, but the reason is not racism. The reason is Communist theory. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) set the evolution theory as the only truth in the world, and also the CCP theories tell us people are classified by different classes (named “Jieji” in Chinese). Moreover, the CCP theory make students to be very materialistic from childhood. Generally, the so called racism is the adore towards money and power. In ancient China (in fact any time with no CCP existing in China), Chinese people always believe all the people are equal and people should be tolerant with others. As a matter of fact , those racism only appear among people who were poisoned deeply by CCP theories.
Oh I think Chinese are very racist. The things I hear like not hiring minorities, don’t rent your apartment out to Indians, the rude “hello”or “laowai”shouted from behind your back on the street while you are minding your own business. I dun think most Chinese who are racist are aware of themselves actually. Their government should really throw open its doors and let them out into the world, so they can experience racism against them for themselves. Coz you see, racism exists everywhere.
I am a Nigerian student in America. I will be studying abroad in China in the fall and I will be honest with you. I am a bit scared of what awaits me. I am excited because I love traveling and I have been learning the language for a few years now. But when I think about the idea that I could possibly be treated differently from my other pairs…who will mostly, if not completely, be white students, I get really scared. But I choose to remain positive. It will be a learning experience for me. I just hope that I will be fine. Any advice as to what I should expect/do?
For 140 floor:
Are you kidding me? saying “hello”or “laowai” behind your back is just because they are curious of you. Can you call that racism?
For 141th floor:
Don’t worry about that too much. Most people in fact are curious about foreigners. Even for racists, most of them may not expose racism in front of you. To keep modest and polite is a very important skill to live well with Chinese. Being too cool or arrogant may offend most people. By the way, try to make friends with people with religious belief and be care of atheists because most racists are atheists.
Just live in China and you will see racism at every corner, on every street..on the subway, on the bus…and more importantly…by the police
There are racism everywhere, China is of course no exception.
However, keep in mind that in China, the worst case scenario you can get is stares and unintentional insensitive remarks. On the other hand, In many Eastern European country, Africa and sometimes America, you get mugged, bullied, beat up or brutally murder for being Chinese. Case closed.
It annoys me when Asians living in the West say they’re “superior” to Black people, citing average income. It’s shallow to think that wealth alone makes you superior. What about contributions to cultural life? Asian youth are imitating Black music and fashions (when they’re not imitating white ones). Maybe Black people are less wealthy because they don’t want to act like “Uncle Toms” around white people, the way a lot of Asians do…?
Well, Barack Obama’s half brother lives in China. He said he loved it there. There is always some stupid, ignorant human who out there who likes to divide the people of this world. This is why humans are weak.
Most people who have posted here are showing their racism blatantly as well as confusing the issue of this “discourse” by their insistence on falsely dividing up the population of the entire world into distinct races, which they also confuse with nationality. Come on! Racism isn’t genetic! People need to understand that we are all one species “homo sapien sapien”. When you treat someone differently because they are a different colour, size, age, ability, sex, etc.., you are showing prejudice towards them. This is wrong, period because it is unfair for arbitrary reasons. Yes, there are historical, cultural, economic, tribal and a host of other justifications for our fear of the “other” or the unknown, or the dark. But we, as a species, need to band together and help each other to get over our prejudice. Spewing invectives at each other only makes it worse and discredits the whole idea of blogs as a way for people like us to raise each others awareness of, and find solutions to OUR problems. To show just how ingrained racism is and the ridiculousness of the concept - a final anecdote. I told my Korean friend, “I don’t like Korean racism.” She replied, “Racism is part of my culture… if you don’t like it, then you are prejudiced against Korean people.” Indeed, we have a long hard road in front of us. Cheers!
The is racism everywhere and China is no different. Admitedly the racism manifests itself diffeent than it would in , say Poland or Taxas. But it is racism nonetheless. And if you were someone who had to live with it all the time, it can be very irritating. That said, it is not like everyone in China is racist. A lot of people may not be knowledge about the Black diaspora but that does not make them racists just.
As a black person who has travelled widely I am well acustomed to being stared at or people saying hello behind my back be it Beijing or Quito, but I just don’t automatically see racism mostly curiousity or a oppurtunity to break the ice.
Wow, such powerful words.
We all know racism is dumb, and we can ALL be dumb sometimes.
We need to stop judging people by media portrayal, and ignorant teachings.
But we know this already, don’t we?
Hello all,
As a Black American that has lived in China for several years, I find this article very opinionated and very one sided. I believe the author needs to look more closely at himself and see if it is beacuse he is black or is because of his class, apperance, or cultural understanding of Chinese people for his views. I speak Mandarin fluently and have had Chinese girlfriends from wealthy families. I will agree that there have been misconceptions, but most Chinese families and Chinese people have welcomed me. I believe it is less on the color of your skin but your class and how you carry yourself. Lastly, I would like to add that racism does exist in China and elsewhere around the world. If one only dwells on this then that is all one will see. I would suggest that the author learn more about Chinese culture, become more open minded, and stop thinking as a “black man” focus on being a human first and you will see that more oppurtunities will open up. Lastly, there are more oppurtunities in the world than teaching english. If you heart and desire is to teach english the so be it, but as an expat I will point out that other expats see teaching English ( unless you went to school to be a teacher) is for those at the bottom of the ladder. No matter black or not most likely you can to China without a purpose, lack profesional skills, or do not have the education to seek other oppurtunities. Nevertheles hang in there! Cheers
Yes, it is true that the racism in China is serious now. However, the local Chinese people do not realize it.
When you ask them: are you a racist? They say: no. But when you ask some specific questions, their answer will be very racism.
I would like to apologize to black folks who have been or will be treated badly by the Chinese when abroad. When you receive poor treatment I want you to remember this email. I do recognize and appreciate the greatness of African culture, and although I admit that I am ignorant of much African culture, I recognize that without it jazz would have never existed. Only a fool will say that jazz is mere drum-beating. This sort of judgment is a clear sign of limited life-experience and inactive mental activity. Also, what is the big deal about technological advances except that it has always degraded or destroyed the environment one lives in? Ancient African and Native American cultures recognized this and lived in harmony with their land instead of polluting it like the Eurasians have done. And for the most part the Europeans were good at robbing and killing others…So good in fact that their societies are structured for such conquest. I hope we Chinese get a little more sophisticated than that and see that that will only quicken our eventual demise. Look at Britain, the last empire–it is now only 1/2 of a little island. USA is gonna fall by the wayside too. China will rise but it will only continue to exist if it does not fashion itself after these two. It is inevitable that all dominant cultures will eventually fade, these things go in cycles. It is not of matter of whether it will, only a matter of how long it takes. To my Chinese brothers, it is easy to look down on others but we will miss out what we can learn from them. When you kiss white asses, realize that they look down on you too, for they perceive your folkways and lack of cleanliness as barbaric. But even being the object of discrimination can also teach you a couple of things, and from reading the posts here, Chinese have a lot to learn.
i am very dissapointed by this article and by the comments i have read. i cannot understand the thought process of a lot of people who have left coments here. i am a young black man born in london and have alays been fascinated by chinese culture, however having met very few chinese people everything i know about china(or everything i think i know) i have learned through television and the internet, which of course is never a reliable source when you want to learn about people; especially a whole race. since i was a child i have always had a mixed group of friends of many different races and religions. however i live in a predomantly black community so the majority of my friends are black and we have always been interested in chinese culture. it is also worth noting that african americans are not the only black people, there are black people all over the world, especially in the U.K and in the carribean (jamaica, barbados etc) we all originate from africa but we are all different and all have different views. london is a multicultural city where people of all races get along, so there is no reason why other contries cannot also be this way. this will not deter me from traveling to china as i am sure i will meet many nice people but i must say i am slightly upset, even though i probably shouldnt be so suprised since racism exists all over the world. a sad fact of life.
First of all, there are a lot of ignorant statements made on this page. No one here really knows their history. Xin Tangshu & Zheng He both sailed to Africa & brought back Apes, Giraffes, Lions & exotic spices. In that same breath, the Nubians, Egyptians & Ethiopians also sent Islam, mathematics & surgical techniques & various building styles to China & points in-between. To see every one say all the stupid crap I’ve seen so far on this site is just heart-wrenching. As a Black American (Louisiana Creole)I can tell you that we have made major strides, we invented the stop light, discovered plasma in human blood, developed some of the first known techniques iin open heart surgery, developed the first cell phone (in the 60’s during Vietnam which soldiers used that didn’t require a wire to the battery pack worn on your back)WE fought for civil rights for ALL people in the U.S. & worldwide in the 60’s, got help from the Communist Chinese during the Black Panther Uprising (Thanks China for your help during the civil rights era) we also created the cotton gin (which Eli Whitney Stole from a black man) that helped pave the way for making machines that refined cotton to a much better textile today than yesteryear, we also have style & music that is copied by almostt every country on earth including china. Lastly being a Creole man, born in the U.S., speaking French before english, just as my family has done since they were slaves here…we here in Ville, Platte, Louisiana have welcomed the Vietnamese & large Chinese population we now have with open arms & we leave the racism to the ignorant. So on that note, if you want to know something about a culture or a person, don’t assume or take the media’s word for it, just ask them politely & with an open mind & you just might learn something!!
Adieu mon ami’s
Such heated debate, wow. I’m a black American currently living in southern China working as an English teacher.
From my experience (and I apologize if this sounds condescending), the Chinese in mainland China cannot be compared to other cultures (Hong Kong and Taiwan are completely different and cannot be included in this observation). The reason I say this is because the majority of them seem to be truly ignorant when it comes to racial and ethnic diversity and that stems from the fact that 94% of them are the same. I recently tried to teach my students the meaning of the word “stereotype” and they just could not understand the concept. I explained it a million different ways, used stereotypes that they would know and that involved Chinese from different regions of the country and they, almost without exception, said that stereotypes were absolutely true and could not be swayed from that idea. I asked one of the Chinese teachers to tell me the exact translation of the Chinese word that I knew was supposed to mean stereotype and the definition of that word is nothing similar to the meaning of stereotype so it seems that they don’t even have a word for it.
I’ve had students ask me why I don’t have an accent because all black people speak a particular way. I’ve also had students tell me, quite innocently, that they didn’t think that black people could do anything until Barack Obama became president and now they know that black people can. I’ve had just about every Chinese person in a 50 mile radius run their fingers through my hair and comment because my hair is relatively straight and long. They don’t ask, just touch it. Again, I don’t want to seem condescending but it’s just the way they are. They don’t know any better because they don’t have exposure to anything else and even the ones who have just don’t get it. I’ve discussed the staring and the touching with a Chinese person who spend 6 years in America and her response is “they’re curious.” Even those who have spend time abroad and would have been mortified if they had been treated the way that we are treated here don’t get it.
All that being said, I don’t think that their treatment of me is markedly different than their treatment of my white friends in most cases - I’ve had cab drivers not pick me up, they have had cab drivers not pick them up. I’ve had people stare at me, they’ve had people stare at them. It’s part of the culture, and that’s what I have to live with. I do feel that I’m treated better than Africans, however and I think that is purely financial. I don’t feel like I’m in any danger and, for the most part, it doesn’t bother me much anymore. In a way, I feel that I’m a bit better off than they are because I know what people are thinking when they look at me but most of the mainland Chinese I know have no idea how the world views them.
Hi all,
It’s difficult for Black people everywhere over the world because White people are so racist and so powerful and so influential at the same time. The examples of racism discussed here, are all American-influenced. Let’s all remember that Chinese people never abducted Black people, shipped them across the ocean, enslaved and raped them.
K Cheung
To Olatunji,
Man, youre gonna either have to use common sense or be unbiased because if you do not read history (or ignore it if it doesnt back your philosophy) all you will be doing is spreading deception. Ok, that being said; do research on the indigenous people of Japan and on every other island off of Asia. Genocide was done against the indigenous people of Japan and all the islands off of Asia. The Chinese even called the Kunlun their “little black slaves”. I know you want only “White people to be racists” but in reality, it is something that all people from every background have practiced.
Racism exists all over the world. It is true at least in China. In fact, not only the black people, Japanese, xinjiang people, minorities, but also the normal chinese may be discriminated. because you are female, fat, thin, poor,or because of low-levels of education, even just your differences. This is human being!
Just thought I’d add something to this. I’ve lived in Beijing for a couple years, and seen racism against every race (including Chinese minorities), but also met a lot of Chinese people who just want to form international friendships and learn more about the world. I guess we all have to decide to either live in a rather isolated setting with only people of our own race, or go out and see the world, and deal with racism as it comes.
That said, a couple years ago a (Chinese) girl I was sitting next to on a bus went off on an anti-Japanese rant, and told me she hates Japanese people so much she wants to kill them all. She said lots of hateful things, and she was perfectly serious. That incident really, really, really disturbed me, because not only am I part Japanese-American, I have lived in Japan and am close to many people there, and it shocked me when this girl couldn’t even see them as human beings.
What can we take from this? I’m sick of the Chinese people (not everyone, but some take this view) who “comfort” me with the fact that “Most people wouldn’t act like that.” I think in China, and in the U.S., and probably in most other countries (can’t speak for everyone), we need to admit that racism is a problem. It’s cliche, but before you admit that a problem exists, you won’t be able to fix it.
I agree with all of you. Racism is bad. End of story. I don’t see why people feel the need to discriminate against others, it’s just mean. Quit hating.
Greetings, honestly I only read to about number 70 or so before I got bored (or maybe disgusted). I have meet many ppl of many races and have concluded everyone is, or has some degree of racism in them, This is based mostly on up bringing an environment. The damage is to what degree the racism is, as well as the attempt to overcome it. That being said there are a lot of “know it alls” on this blog. Many of which know close to nothing (ever evidents of not much reading, traveling, or just getting to know other ppl and cultures being done). The true history of the world should be studied ( not europeanized version). As far as statistics blow it out your anal cavity. Any and all statistics can be and are made to say what ever the out come you want it to be… in statistics and polls, who is taking them, who is being asked to take them. Any poll may have a different result if taking twice, or more times (all about how you feel about that question at that time. As far as Africa, It is a continent not a country (it has many countries, ethnicities, and races with the oldest history of the world)with economies and different cultures. As far as immigrants or emigrants experiencing racism from blacks in the USA is pure bull S. The only it thing you experienced was mistreatment maybe hatred. Not Racism! look up the word racism for a true definition. (you open shops here with grant money in our poorer neighborhoods tax free ,for a few years, and get mad because we dont like that. We have the money and good business plan try to open shop in those same neighborhoods and get blocked ’cause the color of our skin. (see how opening the same shops in poorer white neighborhoods gets your treated if they even let you do it) You bleed our neighborhoods and give nothing back you don’t try to live among us (in any neighborhood poor or well off) and get mad ’cause we are upset that you flood our ‘hood with cheap products and unhealthy foods underselling our own restaurants and stores and using corrupt politicians to help (not all of you and not all of your restaurants but a healthy majority ie china cafeteria, a lot of buffets, and the likes). All while placing better restaurants, and stores in non-black neighborhoods and you complain about blacks mistreating you. Gee I bet the Triads are laughing at you while extorting your restaurants and stores in the USA ( they by far are the biggest mistreatment Chinese receive here from any one Black(home invasions beat downs and shot dead) (and this is in the Atlanta metro area there is not even a chinatown here) Then there is Han, Tibet Hmong, Japan, African, etc, etc. Yes you are a very racist ppl and yet you say “not as bad as whites” wow is that the measuring stick you strive for? Hell every race is racist toward Blacks and African ( there is a difference the African has a home county as does Chinesse with a recent connection to cultures a language Black were stripped of that years centuries ago) thanks mostly to the Europeans through media propaganda. But the world is changing and soon all Chinese, Japaneses, Africans, Whites, and others will be what used to be called BLACK or brown skinned ppl no yellow skinned or white skinned, and soon no boarders nothing but one monetary value of state…Stop dwelling on race so much it is a side track to the real issues that will destroy the world “a separation of body spirit and thought” brought about from the world’s govt(s) Amani
Dian Wei,
This is one of the most intelligent things I have read in this whole issue. As far as racism goes for me, if someone treats me poorly I just see them as having a personal problem they need to get over. I will not acknowledge ignorance. I just move on to something better. You should see the look on some peoples faces when they realize how stupid the remark or action they just did does not matter. Yes I am a black man who is an American. I am not an Afro-American… I am an American. Period.
I lived in China for 6 years,and it was such a horrific time in my life,I needed education and my government sent me to the east. I don’t know about the US or other countries and their racism,but being looked at as a dull person for six solid years was so tough….i’m just so happy to be back to Zambia where I get the respect I deserve…Hopefully the chinese will change their attitude.
I know how white people in the Far East feel when that obnoxious “Hello” is shouted at their back. I am a Korean Canadian. All my life growing up in Canada, I have had people obnoxiously shout “Hello” in Chinese at my back. It is really annoying and we East Asians in places like Canada, USA, or Australia have to put up with it. So to people everywhere ~ please don’t shout “Hello” in a foreign language at anybody. You may think they would like they but they hate it!
Admittedly, I’ve not read every post because it get redundant after a bit and the back and forth between one or two people is really not necessary - no one is going to change their mind. I offer only this - statistics are fine and well but they are not individual people. I’m a respectful, respectable, mannerly, educated person and should be treated as such no matter what statistics may tell you about my race as a collective whole. Period. To do anything less would be the same as telling Yao Ming he can’t be on your basketball team because statistics show that the Chinese are shorter, weaker, and just generally less physically able than other groups…and just as ridiculous. I read and hear stories all the time about how racist my country (USA) is but I am probably one of the few people who can say that I’ve never experienced racism, never felt that I was being treated differently because of the color of my skin until I came to China. I’ve never been denied housing based on my skin color until I came to China where I make more than 5 times as much money as the average Chinese person in the city in which I live and the price of rent was less than 1/6 of my salary because I am black. I stood there and listened to the agent discuss my color and whether I was African or American before I was finally denied because the family of the owner didn’t want a black person living there. I would like to say that it didn’t bother me but it did and it would easy to let it that influence my view of the Chinese as a whole; to now think that I had just been living in a bubble and everything that others told me was true and dismiss the Chinese as a bunch of ignorant, uncouth people of whom better cannot be expected. Hypocrites who continue to flood Africa to exploit for their own gain all the while thinking that blacks are beneath them when I know how the majority of Chinese live in China. To revel in the blatantly racist words of many whites who live here when they discuss the “Chinese invasion” as they call it of their own countries. That, however, would make me just as ignorant and *some* Chinese.
Bonae, I’m sorry if that is your experience in Canada. You’re right, no one should have to put up with that. That being said, I don’t know any Americans (and suspect that there are precious few) who even know how to say “hello” in Korean or Chinese so I don’t think it could be a big problem in the US. Canada and Australia I can’t speak on.
Sensitivity towards blacks is way over the top in China. What irks me the most are the many denials that racism doesn’t exist in China. Just the other day I entered an elevator and two chinese guys were in it. One guy uttered the word heigui (chinese equivalent of nigger). What was my response…ignore it. Why because I’ve been called heigui enough times that I’ve now tuned it out. What did I do to deserve this insult, nothing. Sometimes they treat me as if I will pickpocket them. Yes absolutely absurd. I was offered a job in China, Shanghai and I was glad to come and the orient has always fascinated me. I grew up with Bruce Lee as one of my idols. But it has been overshadowed by another reality that prejudice is a part of chinese culture and not just racial prejudice. Bigotry is almost expected from many. If you are not bigoted you are often classed as open-minded. I have a chinese girlfriend she has said things about henan people. My colleague has said things about anhui people and the list goes on and on. They even deny each other jobs simply because they come from the “wrong” province. The first time I heard of some African’s experience involving the police I found the stories hilarious and ridiculus. I am black and decided to put police prejudice to the test. This was several years ago. Yes I know it sounds stupid but I did it. It involves the prejudice of a chinese girl with a black foreigner. One day I was with my girlfriend returning to my apartment from shopping I noticed a police car up ahead driving out of the residential area. As they were approaching us I started flirting with my gf, throwing her kisses and she giggling. And I kid you not they slowed down just when passing us by. They passed off and I told my gf to not be surprised if after a half hour we get visitors at our apartment. I knew that if they do come the most I could be charged for was cohabiting with a chinese girl which is illegal in China. That’s right cohabitation is illegal. After 20 minutes I get loud knocking on my door I open it and lo and behold 3 policemen and 2 people from the local community committee are there. “Yes can I help you”…”I.D we want to see I.Ds” My poor gf was shaking like a leaf. I.Ds were checked and in the end they did manage to get me on something. I did not register with the local police station. Darn. I was slapped with a 500 rmb fine. This was ten years ago in Shanghai…I came back two years ago and things have changed a little but racism is just becoming more subtle. I think the best way to discuss racism with a Chinese is by starting with the topic of prejudice. Something that 99% of the population is very familiar with but some refuse to change. “I will always look down on waidiren (outsiders). They are uncultured and uncivilized. I can’t help but look down on them” my Shanghainese friend said. Another said “guangdong people are known all over China as cheaters. I get a little nervous when I’m in guangzhou”. A lady friend of mine who was almost 419 scammed by some African confessed to me “after that I hated all blacks” but thank God she has changed. Add to that abortion of female foetuses and you get the picture. I suspect that if you butt straight into the topic of racism it maybe construed as seeking preferential treatment and you may well be viewed as a racist. To my Chinese friends I encourage you to get to know an african and find out for yourself that blacks aren’t as bad as the media portrays them. Treating someone as an individual first seems to be a novel concept I hope there is more education so that attitudes can change.
There is definitely something wrong with white expats in asian countries. They tend to have a sick obsession with asians and yet hate them at the same time. I am chinese and have been to china many times. I can tell you that whatever their view of blacks stems from white people. It is the white media that tells the chinese what to think. Until recently their only knowledge of blacks were movies, tv, and sports. I know exactly why you are trying to convince people that chinese are racist - you don’t want black people going to china! It’s the same story: white people use asians as scapegoats so that other minorities are mad at them while the white man runs off scott free. It is YOU who have no understanding of racism. Hatred towards japanese is NATIONALISM. Japanese people are ASIAN. But of course white people love to divide asians so we end up hating each other and bringing each other down. Chinese talk shit about everyone including other chinese. Are you going to call out racism? As a white person who lived in america and is now getting massages in china, you have no concept of what true racism is. Racism is inslaving a group of people. Racism is wiping out a race. Racism is genocide. Racism is apartheid. Racism is colonization. Check your history books…china has NEVER committed those crimes. Europeans are guilty of those crimes. You must feel really smug now that you can preach to people about how racist chinese are and how they discriminate you while your leeching off the fruits of my people! What next? Are you going to start another opium war? Maybe we should make a white exclusion act just like you did with the “chinese exclusion act”. How dare you even accuse china of being racist when you are racism incarnate. Before you demonize people of color who you will never understand and who you use for your own fetishes, look in the mirror.
Why should the Chinese change? It’s THEIR country. If you don’t like it, then don’t go there. Stay in your own backyard. Besides, some of the worst racism in the world comes from these very “diverse” types.
black being looked down in china , mostly is because too many illeagal blacks staying in southern china and make living by cheating,stealing etc.
the blacks’ behavior brings the feedback to them. also the xinjiang people, most of them are not educated and they make living by robbing, drugs etc. that is why normal person hates them, no choice.
Guys,
Please, please stop. There are very racist people of all colors, nationalities, and persuasions. Some of the people on this forum have shown their true colors. They may never change, but if they do, it will be because they want and choose to.
I am an American who has had to deeply, fundamentally question some of my subconscious ideas about race and class and equality, that I have held for a long time (without realizing it) because of my family, the media, and the culture/society I grew up in, after I left my small town for university. I’ve never been an overt racist, but certain situations have made me realize that in a lot of ways I still don’t see/treat minorities in America in any way close to how I would react to a white person, although I’ve tried awfully hard to change. Sometimes I still find myself saying things or thinking thoughts that make me feel awfully ashamed afterward. I think I have a long way to go, but I really really want to change. I want to treat and see ALL people the same way, regardless of color. I’ve gone so far as to almost stop watching TV altogether, except for the rare occasion, because I’ve come to the painful realization of how incredibly racist TV and movies are in this country, and how these media influence my subconscious in a way that violates my moral principles. I’ve stood up to my parents about some of their unkind views (although I really don’t think there’s hope of changing them completely, since they have thought this way for a long time). I have not yet found the courage to stand up to my peers for bigoted remarks that I hear, but someday I hope I will.
I attend a prestigious university in the Eastern US, and have had the pleasure of interacting with and be-friending extremely bright people of all races, and from literally every continent and dozens of countries. I’ve tried to get to know as many of them as I could, and occasionally found myself having closed-minded thoughts/discussions which I then quickly worked to correct.
I’ve met a great many honorable, open-minded people who are truly a gift to the world. I’ve also met many people w/ variously bigoted views, some worse than others. I used to get extremely angry, especially when I heard a bad comment about a group that I consider myself or one of my close friends a part of, but I’ve also come to realize these people are human, too, and they have a shortcoming, but they do not deserve our hatred.
In my years here in a university and city atmosphere that can have its share of racial tensions, I have met: a graduate student who as a young and idealistic white boy went to West Africa to work as a Peace Corps volunteer, spending two years teaching schoolchildren, only to come back extremely disappointed at the way he was treated by the Africans, which he says probably made him more racist against black people (although he has said that he cried when he left Benin, and now laments the West’s waste and commercialism as opposed to Africa’s pristine beauty and better, more natural way of life). An African American who told me about the Chinese restaurants that refused to serve him, and about the Asian students who treated him extremely poorly, despite his very high status as an important official’s son. He has said that he knows more Asian racists than white ones (although he admits that his best friend back home is Chinese, whose family treats him as one of their own). A beautiful bi-racial young woman whose Japanese mother gave up everything–her family (who disowned her), her heritage–to marry the Ethiopian man that she loved, whom she met at university in the US. A Nigerian student and taxi driver, who wanted to “teach” ignorant Americans about culture outside of the United States, but who seemed to have many prejudices of his own. A Chinese woman and recent US immigrant who was deeply, deeply prejudiced against blacks and complained about very bad experiences and poor treatment from African Americans, but through much discussion, voted for Obama and came to believe that “well, whites pick on them, so they pick on us”. A brilliant Tanzanian mathematics doctoral student who was very quiet, but very observant, who generally opted out of discussions about race and racism, preferring to lead by example, but then out of the blue gently lectured me about my complacency with regard to these issues, which had a lasting impact on me and made me realize some important truths over the years. A number of people of every race and origin who have made derogatory comments about blacks, asians, Chinese, and/or other groups, which have made me very uncomfortable, but left me very conflicted, as these were oftentimes close friends of mine, who I loved, respected, and cared about deeply. And sooooooo many more stories and discussions involving diverse individuals that took place over poker games, car and plane rides, and encounters in classes, hallways, and grassy lawns. And what have I learned through much exposure and discussion with such wide range of people? Sometimes, it’s really hard for me to say. I know that I’ve changed a lot. I know that racist or not, I learned a lot from every person who consented to share with me their stories and opinions. I know that there are privileged people in every society and culture and neighborhood who will resort to bigotry to maintain their privilege and status and traditional beliefs, or will allow their ignorance or fear to impinge on their conscience. I know that it is very very hard to change who you are and how you think, even if you really really want to. I know that when one feels wronged or protective of ourselves or those close to us, it is sometimes so hard not to hate. I know that argument is futile, and that “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”, and that the best policy is to lead with example, not words (and certainly not with hatred or violence). And perhaps most importantly, I know that no matter how bleak the situation may seem, there are always those of us willing and waiting to help, to change, to make our world a better place.
Reach out to the helpers. I think you’ll find them if you look hard enough. And if you ever feel so inclined, join us. We have a lot of work to do.
I’m really starting to get sick of the racist media.
Originally I was hopping someone would clear the air but it seems the media remains ignorant and nothing has changed. So since Journalism still can’t get a clue I will give them a hit.
People need to understand that the way racism works in China is far different that western countries.
The definition of Western countries racism is based on imperialism, colonialism and white supremacy.
In China racism works differently.
You can be from any race and become friends with any Chinese and that is fine. They will welcome you and show you hospitality.
There is no malice towards those of other ethnicities because China is a multiracial, multi ethnic and multicultural population.
However when it comes to family, cultural aspects and filial piety then interracial marriage is not welcomed.
That is the extent of racism. Living together is emphasized as a great deal of social harmony. The problem arises when you cross certain lines are crossed and they have a right to be.
Now this is what most people do not understand, instead they like to pass judgement on China with their own values in their own society.
Bad mistake here, we are talking about a completely different society.
I would recommend people work on their own problems in their own societies without trying to demonize people on the other side of the globe.
The world is getting smaller each day.The Chinese if they are intelligent people will one day understand that racism= tribalism=ignorance. How can you hate people you know nothing about. To think that all African-American are violent or drug dealers, show that the Chinese government has a lock on the Chinese people mind, no wonder they try to contain the information that the Chinese people receive. Racism is a sin, it is a throwback to when people were afraid of the “Others”. China will never be a great Power until it recognize the humanity of all races. Perhaps Yao Ming the Chinese basketball player could be an ambassador and help bridge the racial gap between Chinese and African-Americans. The Chinese people have underestimated African-American. They have no idea what a large positive and contributing impact we have had on America.Dr. Daniel Hale Williams - First Open Heart Surgery (1893)Frederick Jones
- Refrigeration for transport trucks (1938)
- Refrigeration for railroad cars (1945)Mark Dean - Microcomputer system with bus control means for peripheral processing devices (1984)Garrett Augustus Morgan, the inventor of the first traffic light. These are just a few inventions by African-Americans. Until the Chinese learn to respect all races they will be seen as a pariah on the world stage. How can the African nation sell China natural resources knowing their attitudes towards blacks. African-Americans and African can start working to depicting China as a racist nation, and make their products un-welcome in the world. The world has the power to make this happen.
I am Chinese. I don’t see anything wrong with Africans.In fact, they would be the first ones who will enter heaven. Whoever wrote the article is making a sweeping statement. We got better things to worry about than who is what color or race.
In terms of the subtle discrimination, I can not agree with you, if you get in touch with more Chinese, understand them, and observe their habit, you will find it does not like what you said. We are taught to stare people who talked is a kind of respect, this is a body language showing you are listen carefully. Teacheds in Chinese school often told students to stare them, that is to call them attention and warn them to listen carefully. Say Hello at your back, that is great misunderstanding, this is not a discrimination, we often do this between friends, the aim is to make a surprise, and showing friendlyness. Very sorry for your confusion, but some “subtle discrimination” is a part of our Chinese life, we do this like a habit, and even sometimes we are taught to.
Pls do not make a confusion on this, we Chinese people think it is common and normal, but due to culture difference, you may think it is a discrimination. After I take courses in cultural differences, I know some of our habit like you said in your article is seemed as a disdain, or a unfriendly gesture, but I think most of tChinese people may don’t know this. So pls stay longer in China to get a deep understanding of China.
well racism is more from old people, even in the united states, hey im in china right now as i speak and the people here love me and im black, hahaha, nad its easy for me to get a job here to teach english because im young and i can relate to the young culture because im a young dude as well im only 19 and i’ve had talks with lots and lots of people and its only been 2weeks so,racism exist everywhere but its more from older people that anything and thats the truth and the truth shall det you free..and oh yeah how can people think you have little money if you black..hahaha they think you’re very rich, whites as well..any foreigner form America that comes to china they believe you are rich..hahahahahaha
I find this debate interesting because you r talking about chinese racism against black people . However , i’m not sure if chineses are racist against blacks.
i live in china and i have experienced some chinese behaviour abour my skin complexion .For instance , the way they look at me , the way they comment . When , i have summarized all this , i could say that they r not doing it intentionnally but maybe by ignorance . china . just opened to the world , so it is still has a long way to understand foreigners .
U can find , in China , some people who never seen a black people or a white people . so what do u expect them to do once they encounter a foreigner ?
Black people are treated as well as white people in china , but today it is very hard because of the way some africans ”especially” behave. for exple , selling drugs , prostitution , cheating people . So , this fact force chinese authority to act severely on african immigration in china .
I’m also black , and if africans people respect themselves ,whereever they go , people will respect them .
“There is definitely something wrong with white expats in asian countries. They tend to have a sick obsession with asians and yet hate them at the same time. I am chinese and have been to china many times. I can tell you that whatever their view of blacks stems from white people. It is the white media that tells the chinese what to think. Until recently their only knowledge of blacks were movies, tv, and sports. I know exactly why you are trying to convince people that chinese are racist - you don’t want black people going to china! It’s the same story: white people use asians as scapegoats so that other minorities are mad at them while the white man runs off scott free. It is YOU who have no understanding of racism. Hatred towards japanese is NATIONALISM. Japanese people are ASIAN. But of course white people love to divide asians so we end up hating each other and bringing each other down. Chinese talk shit about everyone including other chinese. Are you going to call out racism? As a white person who lived in america and is now getting massages in china, you have no concept of what true racism is. Racism is inslaving a group of people. Racism is wiping out a race. Racism is genocide. Racism is apartheid. Racism is colonization. Check your history books…china has NEVER committed those crimes. Europeans are guilty of those crimes. You must feel really smug now that you can preach to people about how racist chinese are and how they discriminate you while your leeching off the fruits of my people! What next? Are you going to start another opium war? Maybe we should make a white exclusion act just like you did with the “chinese exclusion act”. How dare you even accuse china of being racist when you are racism incarnate. Before you demonize people of color who you will never understand and who you use for your own fetishes, look in the mirror.”
Expat is almost 100% right. I’m a black American and you white people enjoy the fruits of what China has to offer. Racism came from white people, and white media, like movies like Avatar. The great white hero saves the natives again. I’m black and I’m even married to a Chinese woman. Some Chinese people have some bad thoughts about us, but after you talk to them most of those people’s feelings change. Trying to change a white person’s racist view of blacks is like trying to strip white off of rice. Please man take your hate elsewhere. From a black American dude who is very happy in China with his Chinese wife.
” i could say that [Chinese] r not doing it intentionnally but maybe by ignorance ”
What a nonsense sentence. Look, when the Chinese start talking about me, I can understand Chinese, that’s why I lash out. They want to say their little racist comments in secret. But I let them know that’s not cool. And then, of course, they lie about it. That’s the 2-for-1 special here in China.