https://medium.com/@geethat/chinese-allies-a6e835a59d75#.y5nl98sdz
I want to say a little about Chinese allies in Singapore, given some recent events and experiences.
By and large, I find myself deeply disappointed with them. I see a lot of Chinese allies like and share my work, but who do not actually call out Chinese racists. It does not escape my attention then when I am attacked, it is minorities who come to my aid, i.e. the people who are already disenfranchised.
Chinese people are mostly unwilling to use their privilege and power to make clear to other racists that racism is unacceptable. That task inevitably falls back onto my shoulders, and other minorities.
Still, many Chinese people I know (yes, many of you on reading this now) consider yourself allies.
Firstly, ally is not a term you give yourself. It is not a calling card. It has to be given to you by minority communities, and only when you have proven yourself to be one; meaning when you have earned this by actually doing something, not just by talking a good game and posting anti-racist things on your social media once in a while.
Chinese allies in Singapore really need to step up their game, because to a lot of you, not being racist or not saying racist things is enough. It is not. It will never be.
Meeting the minimum standards of decency is not enough to be seen as not racist, let alone be considered an ally.
Until you are actively giving money, access to power and opportunity to minorities, do not pat yourself on the back. Your Chinese allyship means nothing without the transfer of resources and structural power.
I want to say a little about Chinese allies in Singapore, given some recent events and experiences.
By and large, I find myself deeply disappointed with them. I see a lot of Chinese allies like and share my work, but who do not actually call out Chinese racists. It does not escape my attention then when I am attacked, it is minorities who come to my aid, i.e. the people who are already disenfranchised.
Chinese people are mostly unwilling to use their privilege and power to make clear to other racists that racism is unacceptable. That task inevitably falls back onto my shoulders, and other minorities.
Still, many Chinese people I know (yes, many of you on reading this now) consider yourself allies.
Firstly, ally is not a term you give yourself. It is not a calling card. It has to be given to you by minority communities, and only when you have proven yourself to be one; meaning when you have earned this by actually doing something, not just by talking a good game and posting anti-racist things on your social media once in a while.
Chinese allies in Singapore really need to step up their game, because to a lot of you, not being racist or not saying racist things is enough. It is not. It will never be.
Meeting the minimum standards of decency is not enough to be seen as not racist, let alone be considered an ally.
Until you are actively giving money, access to power and opportunity to minorities, do not pat yourself on the back. Your Chinese allyship means nothing without the transfer of resources and structural power.
