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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