|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Chinese Week in Arizona
I'm mildly disgusted by Chinese stereotypes in Arizona--only mildly, but enough to trigger me into writing an entry. Hence, I have a few things to say:
1) The whole gathering-together-in-the-Chinese-market-area-to-boost-sales shindig that went down today worked. Not in my advantage, however. Only my biweekly grocery run, I was coaxed into buying a $5 parking pass to place my car anywhere near the Chinese market near my house. When I got there, it was packed full of anyone other than Asian, trying to indulge in cheap Made-in-China goods, rice hats, and traditional Chinese clothing. I just needed some groceries...
2) We entered a Chinese Go (traditional board game) room, only to find a few obese, Caucasian men staring us down, wanting a battle. They thought we came to compete with them in this event's "competition." Wait a second--how do they know how to play Chinese Go? I barely know how to play. My friend straight-up from Taiwan doesn't even know how to play.
3) The supermarket was packed. They probably made enough money to keep them in business (so THAT's how they keep in business!)
4) Sold rice hats like it was a Dodgers' cap at a Dodgers' game. I can't take that seriously...
5) Some guy was selling traditional Chinese clothing... except he wasn't Chinese. My friend pointed out that he probably had no idea he was wearing a dead person or ghost's outfit/hat.
6) Amidst all of this crisis, there were few Asians to be accounted for.
I guess it was a nice way to show Arizonians who Chinese people are, but it really just reinforced the stereotype. It told them that we are cheap (selling $1-3 made-in-China goods), our people wear traditional vests and dresses, and that we eat orange chicken. What's safer than to prescribe the same medicine, right?
At least the supermarket and restaurants came up on top this weekend...
|
|
|
|
|
<< Home