By Ai Jun
A narrative – are Han Chinese the “white people” of China has been a hit trend on Twitter lately. A researcher from Human Rights Watch, a New York-based non-governmental organization, hypes up this topic by asking, “should Han people reflect on Han privileges and Han Chauvinism?” It is very interesting to observe some Western forces “caring” more about Chinese people when the land they are living on is witnessing growing racism spreading like wild fire. Such rhetoric mirrors nothing but their obsession in measuring others’ corn by their own bushel.
To begin with, the question is a self projection of the US’ white supremacy. For a long time, white Americans have been inheriting advantages — just because of their skin color — with privileges in education, medical care, employment, etc. They tend to be too accustomed to notice or acknowledge this inequity.
But admit it or not, social injustice is deteriorating fast. Li Haidong, professor at the Institute of International Relations of the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that the US handling of relations among different races has long been a mess. The rising white supremacy and politicization of the topic have further made it worse. “Some Americans even believe their constitution is a law made by slave owners, and thus is partial to white people. As a result, they ask why would they be patriotic and loyal to such a country,” Li said.
Relations among different ethnic groups in China and racial problems in the US are totally different thing, observers note. Different ethnic groups of China have long lived on this soil since ancient times. They have gradually integrated into the Chinese nation through thousands of years and different dynasties. Yet the US is an immigrant country, with different groups which set foot on the soil tend to be mutually repulsive. The mass killings of native Americans in the history of the European colonization of the continent is an example. An article written by an American writer entitled, “When Native Americans Were Slaughtered in the Name of ‘Civilization’” offers an insight: “Their skin was dark. Their languages were foreign. And their world views and spiritual beliefs were beyond most white men’s comprehension.” So the genocide occurred.
More importantly, China has been adopting inclusive and supportive policies toward its own ethnic minorities.
A netizen commented on Twitter, “Western people might have no idea that Han people in China have no privileges at all.” Whoever clamors about so-called Han privileges and Han Chauvinism only lays bare his or her ignorance about China’s ethnic policies.
In China, ethnic minority groups enjoy preferential policies in education access and employment. They were exempted from the regulation when one-child policy was adopted, and are encouraged to use their own languages. Their customs and habits, regarding their diet, holidays, marriage practice and burial habits, are well respected. Their right to choose a religious belief is protected by China’s Constitution. There have also been policies that facilitate economic progress in ethnic minority areas, such as the one to boost the development of China’s west, including the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying once tweeted, “US frames that China disrespects ethnic minorities. Just look at China’s #RMB banknotes, Tibetan, Uyghur, Mongolian and Sawcuengh are also printed beside mandarin. Ethnic solidarity is deeply rooted in Chinese society. Is there any other language than English on a USD banknote?”
–The Daily Mail-Global Times News Exchange Item
