Category: Identity

Analysis, Arts & Culture, Identity11 Comments

“Where Are You From?”

from Africa...

-Hannah Getachew “Where are you from?” For as long as I can remember, that innocent question has been a dreaded one. It conjures up too many complicated issues surrounding belonging, personal history and cultural identity. As a result, my answer fluctuated daily, sometimes even hourly. Inevitably my response depended on the context: who was asking, which city we were in and how much information I cared to divulge. In the UK, I skip past the fact that I was born in London and say that I am Ethiopian. To which I receive a puzzled look, not because they’re trying to … Continue reading “Where Are You From?”

Analysis, Identity1 Comment

Flying at Half Mast

from Africa...

– Naledi Kekana My classroom is located on the fifth floor of the main school building. I sit by the window which overlooks the car park. My direct eye view is the glistering red and gold of the Chinese flag, which everyday seems to sway so boldly and proudly. Well perhaps I exaggerate; because any flag, even on a mildly windy day, will proudly wear that bold sway. However, there’s just something about the defiance of that bright red in the wind which somehow arouses in me a pride which is not mine to claim. After just a few months … Continue reading Flying at Half Mast

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[Opinion] #RacistChineseAd doesn’t make China racist #SinoAfrica

from Africa...

– Sautman & Yan for SCMP This article was shared from africansinchina.net By now, there has been a fairly comprehensive discussion of the racist ad produced by the detergent company Qiaobi that depicts the laundering of a “dirty” black man into a “clean” Chinese. Beyond condemning the ad, those of us in China should also call for its perpetrators to be sanctioned under Article 9 of China’s Advertising Law, which forbids ads containing discrimination based on nationality, race, religion or gender. One key aspect of the discourse has yet to be treated, however – its political uses. One of us … Continue reading [Opinion] #RacistChineseAd doesn’t make China racist #SinoAfrica

Analysis, Identity, Media1 Comment

[Opinion] Why the racist Chinese ad MAY be just as racist as you think

from Africa...

–Nicole Bonnah  This article was shared from africansinchina.net An advert for Chinese detergent brand, Qiaboi, has garnered widespread attention recently on social media platforms and outlets across China and overseas, after The Shanghaiist published what they deemed to be an “incredibly racist advertisement”. The commercial has reportedly appeared on Chinese television and during the advertisement slots before screenings in Wanda Cinemas this month but was first uploaded and criticised by American Expat and musician, Christopher Powell. There is definitely more than enough social engagement going on right now concerning whether or not this advert is truly representative of a deep-rooted … Continue reading [Opinion] Why the racist Chinese ad MAY be just as racist as you think

Identity4 Comments

The Unofficial African Ambassador

from Africa...

– Roberta Jabulile Gumede* It was not like being anywhere else. I walked through the now very ordinary “human traffic” that blocked my way into the city’s commercial centre and could not help but notice how the Chinese people around me, young and old, looked at me. It was as if I was a byproduct of another galaxy’s particle collision. Toddlers called out “Haise” (black), some stole a picture and, without the blink of an eye, others just stared blankly – observing my every crack and lump. They were in awe. I had travelled to other countries before, interacted with … Continue reading The Unofficial African Ambassador

Analysis, Identity1 Comment

Perspective and insight into the realities of the African Experience in the East

from Africa...

A conversation with Nicole Bonnah: Wadeisor Rukato  & Sihle Nontshokweni sat for an interview with Nicole Bonnah, sharing their perspectives on being an African in China. This interview first appeared on Blacklivesinchina.wordpress.com, written by Nicole Bonnag and was later published … Continue reading Perspective and insight into the realities of the African Experience in the East

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SA through the Lense of an Open-Minded Asian Visitor

from Africa...

– Thuthukile Mbanjwa While Africa, including South Africa, has certainly had an increasing number of Chinese visitors, the vast majority has never traveled to South Africa nor have they ever thought of planning a trip to the greater parts of Africa. In this post we spoke to Dawei Huang a Chinese national currently a student at the Yenching Academy of Peking University who visited South Africa for 6 days in 2014. He is also one of the most down to earth, easy-going, musically talented friends I have 🙂 The main objectives of this piece was simply continuing on the quest to … Continue reading SA through the Lense of an Open-Minded Asian Visitor

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African Excellence Series: YGS

from Africa...

  – Thuthukile Mbanjwa A Conversation with Zukiswa Mqolomba. Videography by Sharon Tshipa This is a 2.46 minute video, where Thuthukile interviews Zukiswa Mqolomba asking the following questions: 1. Zukiswa, can you tell us more about yourself? 2.Having spent 4 days in China for the Yenching Global Symposium, what are your initial impressions of China? 3.What do you think is the role of young people in the building of South-South cooperation? 4. You have worked for the World Bank, you are currently working for government, you are pursuing your PhD, how would you advise someone who wants to follow in your foot steps? … Continue reading African Excellence Series: YGS

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African Excellence Series: YGS

from Africa...

– Sihle Isipho Nontshokweni A Conversation with Curwyn Mapaling. Videography by Sharon Tshipa This is a 2.55 minute video, where Sihle asks Curwyn the following questions: 1. Can you tell us more about yourself? 2. How does the work that you do link with your application to the Yenching Global Symposium and China in general? 3. What are your thoughts on the Africa-China relationship? 4. What can China learn from the continent of Africa and vice versa?     Continue reading African Excellence Series: YGS