Racism rife among local Chinese
I REFER to the letter from J. Maurellet claiming that the 'Chinese are not racists' (South China Morning Post, August 21).
I am not at all surprised to learn of the minorities' complaints concerning locals' racism toward them.
As a Chinese born and brought up in Hong Kong, I have frequently heard locals uttering racist remarks, usually in Cantonese so that 'foreigners' are unaware of what is being said.
Indeed, J. Maurellet might find the locals 'friendly people', as it is true that some Chinese find it necessary to be exceedingly 'friendly' towards the Caucasians in the territory, perhaps due to some hangover from the old colonial way of life.
But remarks such as sei gweilo can often be heard once the individual concerned has turned his or her back.
Perhaps more significant is the problem of racism faced by people of darker races.
Though it is unfair to proclaim the whole of the Chinese race is 'racist', a large majority of Hong Kong Chinese people do refer to black people as 'dead black monsters' and Indians as ah cha quite openly.
Racial discrimination in offices and the service sector is often found.
Even when abroad, many Hong Kong Chinese show great intolerance towards people from darker races.
There are many more examples of the Chinese's racist views, but it is not necessary to go into them here, for my purpose is not to attack individuals but to point out to J. Maurellet that perhaps he or she should stop being so naive.
ALPHA LAU The Peak
