Many people in the world have stereotypes towards Chinese people. It may be big or it may be small. People’s only sources to the Chinese culture come from either movies, news or history classes. Let us kick start with some examples of Chinese Stereotypes.
1. All Chinese know kung fu!!!
Chinese people, I believe, are very proud of their kung fu. Most of the old Chinese movies always have some sort of martial arts incorporated into them. When people look at these movies of Jackie Chan, Jet Li or Bruce Lee, they automatically think that all Chinese can do that! Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing in the world!
2. Cantonese is the official language of China
This is also due to the Hong Kong movies, especially when the most famous, Jackie Chan speaks Cantonese.
3. All Chinese are brainwashed and worship Chairman Mao
Many high schools, especially Americans, study the Cultural Revolution but do not focus on how modern China looks. That’s like saying we don’t have our own thoughts! How terrible!
4. All Chinese are good at mathematics
This is the one I find most disturbing. Why would Chinese be good at maths! Why??? Everyone is different in this world with different abilities and talents. I don’t know where this came from. Is it true that Chinese students in America or Western civilization good at math?
5. China and Japan are the same place, and all Asians are Chinese
A friend of mine has actually experienced this. A person from the USA, emailed or msn-ed my friend asking him “so, how are things going in the land of the rising sun” (Japanese flag). This is very insulting because Japan and China are totally different. In Language, culture, looks, everything! Also, people tend to think that all Asians are Chinese, my god, what about India, Iraq, Pakistan, even Russia! Although it is true that some places, we do look alike but still! I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be proud or not.
6. Chinese are suppose to have small eyes
This is probably true when we are compared to Westerners. The problem is, some places go too far with this. When Bruce Lee was doing a movie for Hollywood, the director wanted to make Bruce look more Chinese by stretching his eyes to make him look more Chinese. Bruce Lee eventually did not accept the job and quit. Nice going brother Lee, nice going. Respect!
This is only a glimpse of the Chinese stereotype the world has on us. I believe this is mostly due to China town in North America. If anyone has been to China, and then to China town, it is obvious that China town is more “China” than the real China. Seeing all the lanterns, dragon sculptures, and red and gold gates, people automatically think to ancient China. China is definitely very developed and very cultured now. Although, I have to admit, China still has a flaw, and that is the people. It is true that Chinese people are mostly nice and sincere people. Many Westerners would have an impression after going to China that Chinese people are very friendly, but the manners still need improvement. For that, I don’t have to say much. After the 2008 Beijing Olympics though, I’m sure that China has opened their doors and shown the world what China is. China is a developed, civilized, highly sophisticated society. After the opening of the Beijing Olympics, I’m sure the world was stunned and shocked about the passion and drive the Chinese people have. Although, it is possible that the performance gave more impressions into all Chinese people knowing kung fu. Chinese stereotype is very insulting, and I wished that human beings around the world would take time to really learn about China more, due to the fact that Yes, China is the fastest booming country in the world and can affect the world as much as how the USA has affected the world.
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1 comment:
Hi Victor,
I agree that some of the stereotypical comments made by people in the world are a little extreme and it bothers me when people make such comments about my nation. I think these perspectives come from the way people learn about China. As you mentioned, though schools in America teaches Cultural Revolution, the students do not know how Chinese people today view this historical movement. I believe it takes time for people to truly understand China's culture and its people. Since China is becoming more dominant in the world, I think it is only a matter of time for this realization to occur.
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