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Black People in China: Do They Exist?
Mar 03, 2011By Namarig Ahmed, eChinacities.com.jpg)
In China, expats are often assumed to be white or Caucasian originating from the Americas or Europe. Other expats from Africa (some of whom are from the Americas and Europe), West Asia, Arabian nationalities etc. are given little to no recognition by employers, Chinese locals and perhaps even writers, such as ourselves. Black people in China specifically face a very different treatment than their white or Caucasian counterparts. The cumbersome of stereotypes, fears and intrigue clouds the interaction that Chinese people have with black people. It makes no big difference if one is from Africa or the Americas if the complexion is not white and many negative stereotypes and attitudes follow.
What to do?
It is true that black people in China face much racism and discrimination; however as their personalities are presented to locals, employers and in the market place, things often change. Once given the chance, they are often looked at from a different perspective altogether. Their once stereotyped persona by onlookers comes to an almost complete halt. The key here is to present ones’ self as one would in any other place, being polite, with a smile and confidence. Funny (or is it sad?) how colour can blind individuals and have them assume much negativity.
Curiosity or negativity?
Where do they get these stereotypes from anyways? Has Western media fogged their minds as well? And to be fair to the Chinese people, is it all really negative? Or do some of the behaviours stem from curiosity? Nevertheless, it is wrong to believe that this negativity and degree of racism only exists in China; perhaps it is just a bit more obvious here. Once, in a grocery store in Shanghai, a black couple were walking, smiling at passerbys and waving at children that stopped suddenly to look at them in fascination/ humour/ fear. A few Chinese people gave them a look of disgust. One in particular moved her cart and child from their path in exaggeration with a look of fear in her eyes. The couples definitely did not expect that reaction, however they continued steadfast in their smiling and cheerfulness and resumed nonchalantly, ignoring the rather puzzling attitude.
Another interesting encounter occurred with three black men who were shopping at a local market near Shanghai, laughing as they attempted to bargain with the clerks. At first a couple of Chinese people gathered; a few minutes later there were about six people around them. In about five minutes, a good 10-15 people crowded the three men. The men, growing accustomed to this behaviour, smiled at their audience and continued with the clerk. Suddenly hands appeared from the crowd touching their skin and their hair. One of the black men felt uncomfortable and left the shop and his friends. Later, when he was asked by his friends why he left he replied, “They came into my personal space.”
While the former interaction and behaviour of the Chinese people can be regarded as negative (moving the cart away in exaggeration), the latter is surely out of curiosity. However, one area remains the same: the feeling of discomfort. Although the degree of discomfort can differ from one individual to the next, it is still there.
Drug Dealers in China?
Simon, a black young man, aged 26, who works as an accountant for an international company, was sitting with his friends in a restaurant in Shanghai. His friends were around the same age, from various African countries. They were laughing at their different experiences and trying to put a bit of humour in the negativity that awaited them outside their intimate circle. Simon exclaimed, in utter confusion and almost anger, while still maintaining a subtle smile in his eyes, “Are you all tired of those that assume we sell drugs?” Everyone started laughing.
“I get approached by many Chinese people asking me if I had any [drugs], explaining they have money, “one man stated, “Almost shoving the money in my face sometimes.” They all laughed after they asked him if he took the money and ran. As much as they try to laugh off many of their experiences, the reality is that many black people in China have experienced very un-delightful encounters. Whether the behaviours are out of curiosity or negativity, is beyond the fact that it can become frustrating.
Chocolate City!
There are quite a number of black people in China. In Guangzhou alone there are about 100, 000 Africans who call the city their home. There’s an area there that is predominantly black and is famously called “Chocolate City” by the locals. However, with due time the Chinese people will learn that not all black people sell drugs and that their skin and hair is unique to them. They will also come to learn that not all white or Caucasian people speak good English or are wealthy. Until then, no matter who you are or what colour your skin is, just remember to be yourself and don’t forget that we are guests in their country; slowly but surely, with every encounter we share with the locals, we are breaking down stereotypes and building slight connections with every smile.
Related links
Racism in China
Is There Really No Racism in China?
Expat Racism Towards Chinese
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Thank you for this wonderfully written article. I am a black female student studying in China and it does frustrate me when i'm looked down on because of my colour. I have met some wonderful chinese people and will never say they all think this way. I have to admit, however, that some black people make it bad for others and people like myself have to be constantly proving that we are all not the same. My country/island is found in Central America and daily i have to explain to curious people that it is not in Africa :)
I love China's culture and language and i hope one day....we will all be seen as equals not just in China but all over the world.
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My country/island is found in Central America and daily i have to explain to curious people that it is not in Africa :)
You are very stupid to say this...who do you think you are?am sure you are one of does idiots that tell this uneducated chinese that africa is not a good place..get a grip
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hey I am from the caribbean..why is she stupid to say this.. Look at this scenario youngster.. take for example u are from europe and everytime a chinese come to u and say u are american (which is something also common).. how will u feel? what u wanted her to say that yes she is from Africa when she is not... she is basiclaly educating these people, every time i tell a chinese I am from the Caribbean, some reply is the caribbean from Africa what should I say to them? Yes and tell a lie, i wont .. and u are a bit ignorant to post a comment like this {seriously}
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People look down on others for all kinds of reasons. Why not color?
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^ What are you on about? She was saying that a lot of Chinese presume as she is black she comes from Africa....but she doesn't??
I get annoyed when people call me American or French because i'm white and maybe those nationalities are the only other white people they've met so presume i'm the same!!
It's natural to want to correct people - after all i'm sure the Chinese would have no qualms about correcting you if you asked them if they were Japanese!
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The catch in Ada's comment is the way she expresses that she's not from Africa. She first says that she is pissed off when people look down on others due to skin colour. Then moves on to sqash other blacks who behave badly in China and always tries to prove that she is not the same as them. Then she quickly disassociates herself from these blacks by quoting the fact that, she is not from Africa, as an example. So, she's implying that the bad blacks r those from Africa. Anyone reading her comment can immediately sense that. Even u.
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Hi,There are also many black studying in our university.I never found anyone looking down on them.on the contrary,wo like them.I think most of the chinese student are very inclusive.They are educated elite of the society and have less sterotype.I hope to know people from different countries and of different background with unique culture.Maybe we can be friends.My email is magnolia618@hotmail.com
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I also spend lots of time explaining that although black, I am not from Africa. I think it is an important distinction. If someone thought you were from Canada would you not correct them?
As a black person who is not from Africa I want to be thought of as a person from the country that I am from. I don't want Chinese people asking me what Africa is like because I've never been there. Its common sense. Lighten up.
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Lets be real here. Drug dealers=Africans. Its not 100% of the time but go to a number of Chinese cities and that is the case. So if you are a Chinese person and the only contact you have had or the only blacks you have ever seen (especially in Guangzhou), then its very easy for you to believe that black people=criminals. As far as I'm concerned, its very important that people know that I am not African. I don't want to be associated with the negatives. If you dont' like it, call your friends and tell them to stop selling drugs on the street because it creates a negative impression of all blacks. D
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Your words are too harsh my friend,You cant blame the lady for telling people where is from.
I dont blame the chinese for this behaviour its all because of ingnorance.
Give them time and lets us behave well too, add respect to our lives.Chinese deals in drugs than any country in the world.
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I am an african and the chinese i meet say i am an american and always have to tell them ,i have never been there,am proud to be an african and want them to know african have great people.
They this africans are sad looking, poor and sick people so when they see a black who is strongly built and good looking they assume you are an american, it shows how ignorant they are.
I feel pity for the chinese because ignorance is like a disease here.all I can say is give them time.
Look at how the chinese ladies are all over blacks, you can see that some of them are begining to see the light.
We are like chocolate,once you taste ,there will be no turning back.
Africa all the way but lets all respect and self value to everywhere and everything we do because people are watching us.
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Blacks .... its a trap dont respond to this article.
Chinese dont listen to this article its design to change your nature, remain the people the world know you has, loving and kind. Dont fall for this trap also.
Chinese are lovely people.
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Black is Black,Ebony Back,aren't you proud to be a Black.Trace your root and see that it comes from Africa not where u are talking.
the best thing in the earth is to be a black,because we don't feel cold,sun don't burn us,we are always health thought living in poverty, the bible says,Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of God.
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HI, Ava,
Your comment indeed gave this article a different dimension. I am neither saying it is good or bad. You simply explained what you have been going through as a black in China.
You should not allow this to bother you or affect your personality. What is most important is what you achieve here irrespective of what people think about you.
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"I feel pity for the chinese because ignorance is like a disease here."
Isn't that too harsh to say about us Chinese? In fact, when you specificly pointed out Chinese are ignorance is discrimination.
There's racial/sexual discrimination everywhere. When I was living in the UK, I had some pretty bad experiences because of my colour...when I was traveling in a small town in East Germany, I got stare at a lot because of my race...but at the same time, I met wonderful people everywhere in my life also.
I don't get bothered by people who have problem with my race anymore as I know they are ignorant. I also learnt not to judge people by their colour but see everyone as an individual.
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I agree, ignorance is a disease in China. Doesnt matter what race, color, nationality or country, they just gawk and gawk. Lived on the same street for 5 years. They still shocked to see my white face. I might as well been from Mars. They will and cannot ever go where I have been. They are more than a generation away from becoming unignorant of what stories they have been fed about the western world. Can they really know the truth?
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First of all i take offense in your depiction of all africans as either knowing each other, or that we all know a drug dealer or are doing illegal activities of some sort.
You are grouping an entire continent together, because of something you likely experienced, or have seen other people go through.
Is it really fair to say that you wont be considered african because its negative? Africans, being african is much much more than just skin color, and if you got to know individuals you would understand this.
You came abroad into another nationalities preconceived ideas and you just pile it on further, but you don't practice tolerance you just add to the intolerance.
honestly those who know better do better.
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you call Ava idiot...but you sure sound like one to me. Why should she tell them that her country is in Africa when its not. You africans even get angry when chinese think you come from Africa the continent opposed to coming from your own individual country. Now you want Ava to lie and tellthem that her country is in Africa when its not. Why cant she be proud of where she came from ...just like you are proud of your Africa. Why are you accusing her of probably telling others bad thigns about Africa. The only thing you sound like to me is someone who is ashamed of your very same Africa. Go and prove the chinese people wrong for their thoughts than bashing Ava....she did not creat this situation and she is being honest. Grow Up!!
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I cannot believe that you actually asked that question? Really? If one is fat, losing weight is the answer. If one is ugly, make up may help. But, when you are Black. . . you cannot change that fact. It is very obvious and nothing to be ashamed of. Others should be ashamed of the fact that they treat Blacks differently. Blacks are humans with the same genus species as all other human beings. I could understand it if we had an extra limb or eye or something totally out of the norm from being human. But we don't! So, we want to be treated with the same human decency as other peoples.
You missed a perfect opportunity to just read and not respond. Your ignorance is showing.
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Now i'm totally convinced that Jamaica is in Africa. Drugs dealers=African, you are such a retarded black. I bet the whole drugs people sell, consume or deal in Africa is way behind what's happening in the carribean. From my own experience, black carribean in my surrounding consume more drugs than all black african together even thou I have more of black african around. So if people like you stop smoking it, my fella black african will stop selling it. You really should go to Africa and see what our real values are, what the real values of you forefather were before they got sold. Peace out
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k, u're a fool i don't know if u're black from south/north america,tell me which part in this world deals in drug more than these continent go to guangzhou and tell them urself if u really got big 2balls between ur two tiny tighs
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