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Let’s face it: as British born Chinese, people of other
ethnic backgrounds cannot help but ask us where we come from. I get asked that
question numerous times in my life and tell them that I am Chinese but was born
and raised in London in the UK. Being a BBC
meant I had to go through life with two cultural identities: one being British
and the other as Chinese. It’s the same thing with ABC’s (American born), AUBC
(Australian born) and other Chinese Diaspora communities. We Chinese may have
the same skin colour, our eyes may be similar but what differentiates us BBCs
with ABCs etc is our accents. Additionally, A BBC speaking with say a Brummie
or Glaswegian accent is no different to a Caucasian, white Brummie or Scot. And
so whilst, technically our race is different, the accents will be of similar
vein.
Diaspora is a somewhat complex term mainly derided from race
and cultural studies, that refers to people of a particular racial background,
whose ethnic and cultural roots and upbringing are stemmed in a) awareness and
the sense of belonging, b) discovering, learning and understanding your
identity and c) acknowledging what it is to be a Chinese person living and
residing within a non- Chinese society. These types of questions are part of
what is known as the ‘identity crisis’ that certain Chinese Brits are faced
with, during at some point of their lives. Many of them are unsure about what
makes a BBC a BBC, as well as being uncertain as to what they have to offer to
society, in terms of skills and abilities and how their achievements say
something about their British Chinese identity. But this, in itself, poses a
challenge which many of them face because whereas on one hand you are learning
about your cultural identity, in regards to your nationality, race and accent,
on the other you are also having to deal with all manners of racist and
discriminatory behaviour from other people.
Cultural studies expert Stuart Hall argues in his essay: ‘Cultural
Identity and Diaspora’ that we have two identities: the first as in ‘being’ - offering a sense of unity
and commonality towards our country of birth or residency and the second being
the ‘becoming’ - i.e. the process of identifying ourselves with those particular
cultures that we have within and around ourselves. Another point which he makes
is that cultural identities are subject to a) history, b) culture and c) wealth
and power. Therefore, the Chinese identity is often tied to things such as being
hardworking, nerdy, as well as timid and non-expressive; thus it is often
linked to the argument about stereotypes.
Being British of Chinese descent, I feel that our identities
as portrayed in the media go way beyond that of the Jackie Chan’s, Jet Li’s,
not to mention that the so-called perceptions of members of our ethnic
community as DVD sellers, takeaway workers, of non-Chinese actors speaking
broken English and mimicking the way we talk is old fashioned and tedious. I feel
that we have so much to offer, through educating other cultures about our
culture and educating future generations of BBCs. We have the potential to do
well and excel in fields that people don’t normally associate us with - it just
takes hard work, determination, commitment and self-belief. All we read, see
and hear in the Western media is of Chinese people from China and Hong Kong,
particularly in a negative light- but never about the achievements of Chinese Brits,
and even Chinese Americans - unless you’re named Lucy Liu -, Canadians, Australians
and so forth. Frankly, I find this repetitive and to an extent, somewhat tiresome
as well.
Last Sunday’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Central London however weren’t by any means great. Like
most of London’s Chinese community, I was
disappointed by the turn out and the way it had unfolded; I pictured the day to
be special, that there will be lion and dragon dances on show, that the
atmosphere in Chinatown will be buzzing and
millions of people will flock into the area. Instead, all the main cultural
events were situated in Trafalgar square and there were only a few stalls being
set up selling cakes, jewellery and decorations in Chinatown; it was too quiet,
Chinatown? More like a ghost town. And yet what a difference Chinese New Year
makes in America, Australia and Canada: the crowds were buzzing,
the bright Red and Gold was an illuminating sight to behold. The street parades
were exciting and reminiscent of the Notting Hill carnival here in London. Why cannot we put
on a good show like they have done?
They certainly put ours to shame. The New Year celebrations
are memorable to so many Chinese people around the world, not just throughout China, Hong Kong - it isn’t just a celebration
of our culture, but it is stark reminder of our roots and status as members of
that community and to showcase to other ethnic minority groups our role within
a multi-cultural society, such as Britain.
Too often we are accused of being too ‘passive’ and
submissive, of not doing enough to further enhance our image in an attempt to
challenge those perpetuating stereotypes, as instead we prefer to sit back and
do ‘nothing’. The fear of speaking out, thus often implying intimidation, fear
and lack of self-confidence within ourselves, as well as worrying about its
consequences has to be thoroughly addressed and looked into. This is not what I
call arrogance but confidence. Do we want to remain anonymous and be perceived
as being ‘invisible’ throughout the rest of society, so that the UK mainstream
media for instance can continue televising Chinese people and mocking our
culture - or do we want others to take notice and appreciate us for our
efforts, our talents and to give our community something to be proud of? Assimilation -
not dissemination is crucial.
Being BBCs, we have to face and overcome so many struggles,
hurdles, as well as challenges, but it is also crucial that our identities as
Chinese Brits remain firmly rooted and that they act as a motivator to help inspire
ourselves and other BBCs to achieve their own, as well as our own goals in
life-whatever they may be, in whatever field it may be and to give them and us
hope and inspiration for the future.
Do you share Waiching Liu's views? Share you thoughts below. |
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