Comment by cko | Hacker News Reader

Comment by cko | Hacker News Reader

As an Asian guy who grew up and attended college in NJ, I've heard anecdotes of Chinese international students wearing designer clothes and driving Maseratis but this article makes it seem more prevalent than I've realized.

I recently thought to myself how lucky I was that, being a 6'3" guy who speaks Mandarin, what a great position I'm in to make lots of money in the coming decades. I always thought the Chinese loved American culture, so me being American would make it easier to sell to China. Look everyone, I'm so westernized! What a disappointment to read that the Chinese government wants none of that cultural influence. I mean, I understand their point of view, but damn, there goes my 'easy' money.

I've always grown up self conscious about my Asian-ness, as if I am a second class citizen. I've always avoided hanging out with other Asian-looking people.

Great, now I have to worry about this new stereotype too.

Well, if you want to sell to Chinese, you'll have to first learn about Chinese, no? Although sounds like you already have a headstart by knowing Mandarin.

Alternatively, you can help represent Chinese firms to Americans, considering you are one of the few Americans who speak Mandarin, and understand the nuances of how Asians are perceived in US, which Chinese firms don't have a clear understanding of.

> Although sounds like you already have a headstart by knowing Mandarin

I'm currently learning Mandarin, mostly for fun, but I do have this fantasy that it will make me more employable in future (currently an anglo-australian monoglot).

Of course it's total fantasy, because if you want someone technical who speaks both languages, you just hire a Chinese expat, who not only speaks both English and $chinese, but also understands China far, far better than I ever could. And if you're wanting someone who can speak the language, a deep understanding of the culture is obviously also desirable.

OTOH, for the same reason, you could be hired by Chinese firms looking to sell in Australia.

Even based on such a short comment, you seem to have some serious problems with internalized racism. You clearly seem to think that being westernized is somehow better, and it's a "disappointment" that others have pride in themselves and their culture.

So the only reason that you feel "lucky" to speak Mandarin is so you can make "easy" money? Your purposefully don't associate with Asian people?

Don't "worry" about some stereotype or your "Asian-ness", but develop some god-damn pride in who you are.

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