ElectricityConvert: Why are Chinese people so obsessed with white people? This has transitioned into white supremacy now. Is it wrong to appreciate the culture of others now? In a world where many countries with people of colour have been colonised by white people, it is obvious that the mainstream media would be dominated by white celebrities and public figures, even in Asia. If I were to turn on the television right now, there is a high chance that the program on the English-speaking channel right now would be one by or with white actors. “Why don’t you tune in to a Chinese channel, then?” you’d ask. To be frank, my Chinese isn’t very good. I’m unable to read it very well, and the problem with that is that I require subtitles when watching anything, be it the news, a YouTube video, or a cartoon. I am educated in English, since it’s the common language of the world, which is important in such a racially diverse country such as Singapore. I need you to understand that there is no way for me to be a white supremacist, not because I live in Asia, but because it would contradict the whole of my existence. For me to be a white supremacist would mean that I would have to hate everyone around me, and to hate myself for my genetics and ancestry, while also trying to harm myself for that reason. However, though contradictory, it would be possible to a certain extent. When I was a young child of maybe 7 or 8, I hated my tanned skin tone and wished it was lighter. I also hated how I looked, especially my one mono-lid (I have come to accept and even love it now). Why? The answer was simple. There was no representation. I didn’t see people like me on the TV. Everyone on TV that I saw was pale-skinned and pretty. I hated myself for it. I asked my mother if I could lighten my skin. She asked why, and I told her. She told me that tanned skin was pretty, but I didn’t believe her. I hated it. It was a social hierarchy that is broken and can not be altered, and I was trapped in it, as many others are. In addition to skin tones, our culture is mocked by the internet. The whole race is also blamed for COVID-19. Don’t you see how hurtful and unfair it is? While the Japanese (the Japanese! The Japanese Empire killed many people, especially the Chinese, during their occupation of Asia in World War Two. Look up the Sook Ching Massacre. The government has not apologised, though I do not hate all Japanese people, obviously) and the Koreans have their culture and language admired, ours is used as a joke. Our food is judged harshly. Century eggs are called disgusting. Our language is the butt of many racist jokes. The accent is mocked. We’re seen as foolish and greedy. We are trapped in this never ending cycle of violence and mockery. When we try to speak up, we are shut down and told “it’s a joke, calm down” and called slurs. We have never been “obsessed with white people” and we will never be white supremacists. We have only wanted to find a place in this world for ourselves. It is true that the world is changing and adapting to be more friendly to everyone of all cultures and backgrounds. But these things still happen. I was bullied mercilessly and called things like “stupid” simply for revealing my race online. These effects are everlasting. We can forgive, but we will never forget. This is my culture. I have learnt to love and protect it. I shall look into the mirror to admire my mismatched eyes and tanned skin. I will don my cheongsam with pride, and rightly so.
