this post was submitted on 01 Sep 2023
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You realize that this picture originated from Chinese social media right?
Things can undergo a transformation, just because the original usage might have been innocent. If something starts being used by white racists or western imperialists in a racist way, would ya look at that, it’s racist.
Also, it’s covert racism. It gives people plausible deniability. Like you are doing now.
And this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Peril
You may be in different circles than me. In my circles, it is used to poke fun at Xi Jinping, not the Chinese people. It is a caricature, just as we draw caricature of our own politicians. Despite the CCP's attempts, Westerners distinguish between race and state. Xi Jinping is not China and China is not Xi Jinping.
There are lot's of ways to criticize a political figure or a government. But you choose the racist caricature.
Back to point 2: it’s covert racism. It gives people plausible deniability.
But, at the end of the day, westerners imperialists love their orientalism and their covert racism.
You do realize the only reason why people keep sharing it is because of the Barbra Streisand effect. People loyal to Xi Jinping thought hate it, so people like me share it because it's funny to see their reaction
Winnie the Pooh isn't censored in China though, so what even is the point except to equate an Asian man with a yellow cartoon figure?
I think you should undergo the Barbara Pit effect