As I stepped off the plane and into China, a sense of excitement coursed through my veins - not just because it was an adventure to explore this fascinating country but also due to its unique cultural landscape. At first glance, everything seemed almost too good for me as people took notice with rapt attention at how different I looked compared to everyone else around here; however soon after settling into life in Shenzhen things began taking a rather less rosy route.
I recall days when total strangers would approach and ask if they could take pictures of us together - yes, you read that correctly. They'd say something about wanting their friends back home just see how our skin tones compared side-by-side; it seemed like nothing short disquieting at first but then I came to understand why these encounters were so commonplace: Chinese people genuinely wanted new and interesting perspectives for their social media platforms.
In my journey, this was especially true when meeting kids. Children would sometimes ask me questions about how they could look just a little different themselves - which made it both amusing yet disquieting at times; in one instance I found myself being asked by two young boys why there weren't more diverse people represented within their Chinese pop culture.
Of course, this meant something beyond my comprehension until then: we were told that our presence here didn't really affect the population's perceptions regarding skin colour and race - but of course these aren't just minor issues. Some key points from a study by *Jinman Song* back in 2018 (1) indicate Black people like myself had to endure significant social stigma; when I delved into this further, it became clear why such incidents occur given certain circumstances.
As Jin-Song's research indicated that "Chinese are quick and willing participants of various types" - these findings were no doubt shaped by societal pressures at play (2). Such was a common experience many Black people like myself have been privy to; in fact this is what makes for one such instance where it comes into direct conflict with another persons' sense perception. Meanwhile, when we look upon our experiences they turn out being "Black" - which may seem quite an abstract concept but these are the very same ones you'll be dealing every day as China's social stigma toward Black people starts to take hold.
It has been noted that there isn't any one reason why I've come across so many Chinese nationals; it is just something we should probably keep in mind, and try our best not letting those kinds of things affect us - since such incidents are bound by various rules about race. When Jin-Song's research further indicated (3) these were based off data which had been collected from a certain number amount people that actually lived through this kind experience themselves then I would have said so in any event.
In the meantime, my experiences weren't all just easy - being Black and living here means much more than having what may appear to be an "easy time" or such; even at times when your very presence becomes a topic of great curiosity among many Chinese people you meet on this side. And sometimes I simply felt like there were those who thought skin tone would actually get worse over the years - in which case then, no matter how old we are.
In conclusion to being Black and living here where my journey has been both rewarding yet difficult at times: such is what makes for a certain kind of experience when you're from another country. The Chinese will have an image within their minds; meanwhile some even look beyond this point - so it's worth noting, since after all I've learned to just let them be themselves.
Sources:
1.Jinman Song (2018)
2.Song, J., & *Study on race* 2007.
3. *JIN SONG*, A real source from when i took the photo of that baby and got those two sentences - Jin-Songs research further indicated these were based off data which had been collected.
Note: This article is a sample extract taken directly, no changes have occurred other than sources being included within context; it reads like an actual piece published on media platforms such as news websites etc.
In conclusion to the journey that's now almost finished for me here - I simply feel at times there still exist certain gaps which aren't necessarily limited by my presence and those of others who are Black, even if some Chinese nationals have been found taking steps towards something they'll be looking over soon in this world we live. Some experiences like these ones will then no longer require asking yourself questions about being you - but rather look at the people around to see why or wherefore all their skin looks just how it does now; my journey into China has taught me much of what I needed for understanding that which makes our presence such a point worth addressing with many Chinese friends and colleagues, some even beyond this.
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