Hello! My father is Chinese Jamaican (my mother is Black) and I would like to try to get more in touch with my Chinese culture. The only problem is that I do not know how to speak Cantonese or anything and I am not sure whether or not the Chinese population would be accepting of me since I am Black (I look Filipino for reference). So, would I be discriminated against? And where should I start?
2007-02-08 14:27:55 · 2 answers · asked by Sugar 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I am a White American and I had African American classmates with me when I went to China (I lived there for five years and speak the language).
African Americans (and Southeast Asians) aren't necessarily discriminated against, but they are treated with less "awe" than their white counterparts are, who get treated as "special guests" wherever they go.
Like any culture, there is an initial ingroup vs. outgroup dynamic, but the Chinese love it when people appreciate the richness of their culture and history and admire people for doing so.
The best way to start is to take Mandarin lessons, and usually you get introduced into more Chinese cultural customs through the language instruction. The next best step is to simply go there.
2007-02-10 15:09:46 · answer #1 · answered by drjkfu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, you're not gonna be discriminated. Chinese people are mostly very friendly. When you learn more about Chinese culture you'll know. And I think you should definitely learn some Chinese if you want to go to China. And I mean Mandarin not Cantonese. Cause Cantonese is only used in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Mandarin is used all over the country.
2007-02-09 04:24:05 · answer #2 · answered by nofj2 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋