China News Service, June 23, according to the "European Times" reported that Elisabeth Hu, who is a project manager in the field of distribution, is a French Chinese, "I am French, I was born in France, my parents They are all Chinese. I think I am French, but maybe I think so..." Faced with the ubiquitous stereotypes and racial discrimination in daily life, she told herself to the French version of the "Huffington Post" s story.
The article is excerpted as follows:
"Because of the epidemic, the Prime Minister hopes that the French will take a holiday in the country this summer to explore the beautiful landscapes of various districts. I am happy to do so, and I want to go to dreams in many places! I want to go to the coast of Brittany and I want to go to Ardèche I want to take a walk in Provence...but frankly, because of the widespread racial discrimination in France, I am afraid to do so."
I am not really French
"Your French is so good, there is no accent!" I don't remember how many times I heard this from strangers, bank clerk, shop clerk, bar attendant, work customer, etc. This sentence may be out of good intentions. After all, this is a compliment, but it makes me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable immediately after hearing it.
This sentence seems to imply that every time I should not speak French, there should be an accent, just like the few Asians we saw on TV. Every time, I don’t know how to answer. I can only say "I was born in France" to prove that I have no accent.
I belong to a group of immigrants who have successfully integrated into French society. After graduating from high school, I entered the preparatory class, then entered a business school in Lyon, and now I am a project manager. Even if everything went smoothly and "orthodox", I still hear such questions and comments, and every time it reminds me of this sad fact: I am not a true Frenchman.
I remember a few years ago our family had a particularly unpleasant vacation in a spa town. No matter where you go, there are people watching us. At the restaurant where we dine, an older couple stared at us during the entire meal and whispered. Their eyes were not curious, but fierce and angry, leading us to just want to finish eating and leave quickly. Other customers also often give us sneaky skimmings. Obviously, we are not welcome. In other words, we are the "foreign appearance" in the restaurant.
Residents of this small town may rarely see "live" Asians outside of television. I think for them, the idea of "we are an ordinary French family eating in a restaurant" is incredible.
I didn't want to "kill with a stick" because of this bad experience, so I went to vacation in different parts of France. My conclusion is that if I'm in a city or resort, I'm less conspicuous. But the more remote and quiet the area I visited, the more I felt that it did not belong there. I will be observed, rejected, and feel unwell. When I travel, I like to go to the picturesque countryside, keep calm, and get out of the bounds. Paradoxically, in my own country, I cannot do it comfortably.
Discrimination is abnormal
Until recently, I felt that this (discrimination) was normal. After all, I am a descendant of Chinese immigrants. This country is not the land of my ancestors. I have seen on blogs, websites, and social networks that people openly talk about racial behaviors against Asians, and see that the action of "black life is life" continues to develop. Now I finally understand, no, suffer this kind of internalization and be It is not normal to accept "daily racism" as part of daily life.
I hope my child can freely choose a travel destination without having to consider whether he will suffer racial discrimination. I hope everyone can reflect on our stereotypes and stereotypes about different people. Most of these stereotypes are spread through the media and entertainment, and are rooted in people's hearts.
Do Asians on TV have to work in the IT industry, sell spring rolls or speak with an accent? Why can't Asians play the main role or protagonist in the movie? Why are the security guards on TV always black, wearing thick sportswear and living in the suburbs? Can't we see smart and rich black lawyers?
Each of us should be aware of these issues and spend some time thinking about these stereotypes that are unconsciously firmly rooted. "(Qiu Tan)