(08.04.2017)
In a previous post, I mentioned Chinese perception of America. Now I would like to address Chinese attitude towards minorities living in China. I have a friend with light brown hair and light colored eyes who was born in China. Having grown up in China, he is bilingual, however, regardless of his origins many Chinese will always view him as a foreigner. He explained to me that his experience has both positives and negatives. In some areas foreigners are highly regarded. Sometimes they are treated as honored guests. Salesclerks are friendly toward and interested in foreigners (this may be a result of the perception that foreigners are rich). Strangers are also often helpful. On the other hand, many people underestimate him. When they realize a “foreigner” speaks Chinese they are taken aback. Just for fun, sometimes my friend pretends he only speaks simple Chinese, then he shocks everyone with his fluency.
As for my own experiences with my classmates, there have been numerous random strangers who unforgivingly take pictures of our class or of individual students. Many are vexed by this behavior. Granted, in some areas foreigners are a rare sight. Their attitude makes one feel especially alienated, yet their actions are somewhat understandable. Built on immigrants from around the world, America is a melting pot of people of all races and backgrounds; as a result, pointing out a “foreigner” in America poses a challenge. Yet in China, foreigners attract a lot of attention. On the subway, my classmates and I have locked eyes with other people. Fascinated, they watch us converse and laugh. Uneasy at first, now I think we have pretty much adjusted, so we let them stare. When I walked around with a few friends from Norway I noticed how many people looked at us. They have been to China several times so they don’t mind the stares. Then when we entered places many people asked if they were American. Interestingly enough, America was everyone’s first guess.
When I am alone or with Chinese friends, I try to blend in… that is, until I have to speak. In my time here I have explained 我是被领养的 （wo shi bei ling yang de）, meaning I am adopted, to many people. They see me and say that I look Chinese. Then they proceed to ask where I am from. I answer America, and am typically greeted by a look of either amusement, confusion, or surprise. During my first trip to China either years ago. There were groups of people who stopped walking when they saw my sister and me with our non-Asian parents. As we walked by they continued to stare at us until we were out of sight. So they literally stopped and stared. Now that I’m here on my own, I exist as a wallflower. Unlike with some of my classmates. People assume I am fluent and will start up a conversation with me. Sometimes people try to speak english with my classmates, who often reply in Chinese. Impressed when they realize my friends speak Chinese, they smile. Yet when they realize I am not fluent, they often say out loud or to their friends “她听不懂” （she doesn’t understand), a phrase I have become very familiar with. Actually, I view the times that I can pass for a native speaker as little victories.