A Bizarre Trend: Why People Are 'Turning Chinese'
In recent months, TikTok users have been bombarded with a peculiar trend - "turning Chinese." Creators like Sherry Zhu are jokingly telling their followers that they're on the cusp of adopting traditional Chinese wellness habits, from drinking hot water to cooking Chinese dishes. While some people are embracing this trend as an opportunity to explore and appreciate Chinese culture, others are raising concerns about cultural appropriation and a lack of understanding.
For Angela Shan Hu, the "becoming Chinese" meme is more than just a joke - it's a sign that people are finally taking notice of China's rich history and wisdom. However, for some Chinese Americans like Jennifer Lee, the trend is a double-edged sword. While she appreciates the attention, she worries that the trend will become another fleeting fad without leading to lasting respect and appreciation for Chinese culture.
Zhu acknowledges Lee's concerns but believes that creating more visibility around Chinese culture can help reduce misunderstandings over time. "I don't think the people who hated Chinese people in 2020 suddenly love us now, those people are still racist," Hu points out. "But I do think many others are unlearning racism."
The trend seems to be part of a broader shift in attitudes toward China, with more Americans expressing support for U.S.-China engagement and cooperation. As the internet plays a significant role in shaping public perception, it's clear that the "becoming Chinese" trend is not just about adopting certain habits but also about challenging outdated stereotypes and fostering greater understanding.
Ultimately, as Hu so eloquently puts it, she hopes this trend helps move us toward a less racist world where culture can be appreciated without needing to be gatekept. Whether or not the trend achieves its goals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: by embracing Chinese culture with humor and humility, we may just be taking the first steps towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In recent months, TikTok users have been bombarded with a peculiar trend - "turning Chinese." Creators like Sherry Zhu are jokingly telling their followers that they're on the cusp of adopting traditional Chinese wellness habits, from drinking hot water to cooking Chinese dishes. While some people are embracing this trend as an opportunity to explore and appreciate Chinese culture, others are raising concerns about cultural appropriation and a lack of understanding.
For Angela Shan Hu, the "becoming Chinese" meme is more than just a joke - it's a sign that people are finally taking notice of China's rich history and wisdom. However, for some Chinese Americans like Jennifer Lee, the trend is a double-edged sword. While she appreciates the attention, she worries that the trend will become another fleeting fad without leading to lasting respect and appreciation for Chinese culture.
Zhu acknowledges Lee's concerns but believes that creating more visibility around Chinese culture can help reduce misunderstandings over time. "I don't think the people who hated Chinese people in 2020 suddenly love us now, those people are still racist," Hu points out. "But I do think many others are unlearning racism."
The trend seems to be part of a broader shift in attitudes toward China, with more Americans expressing support for U.S.-China engagement and cooperation. As the internet plays a significant role in shaping public perception, it's clear that the "becoming Chinese" trend is not just about adopting certain habits but also about challenging outdated stereotypes and fostering greater understanding.
Ultimately, as Hu so eloquently puts it, she hopes this trend helps move us toward a less racist world where culture can be appreciated without needing to be gatekept. Whether or not the trend achieves its goals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: by embracing Chinese culture with humor and humility, we may just be taking the first steps towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
For me, it's all about being mindful of where our fascination with another culture comes from - are we genuinely interested in learning or are we just trying to fit in? I've seen people jokingly "turning Chinese" without even bothering to learn the basics, which is kinda worrying. Can't we do better than that? 
The thing is, cultural exchange can be amazing for breaking down barriers, but it's not a free pass to adopt someone else's traditions willy-nilly. We need to respect boundaries and do our research before jumping in headfirst. Maybe instead of joking about "becoming Chinese", people could start by learning one Chinese proverb or dish and really exploring the culture behind it? That way, we can genuinely appreciate and learn from each other without appropriation. 
like dont ppl have better things 2 do wit their lives?? & btw can we pls get over the fact that tiktok creators rnt even tryin 
? its all just a big marketing gimmick for brands 
but seriously, sherry zhu's vids are kinda entertaining 
maybe its time ppl started takin chinese classes 2 learn some actual culture instead of just tryna be "chinese" 
I mean, if ppl are gonna "turn Chinese," they should at least try some real Chinese food 
. Just saying 
. We need more meaningful conversations, not just a bunch of lip service to "becoming Chinese". And honestly, can we please stop using buzzwords like "cultural appropriation" without actually doing the research? It's time for us to put our money where our mouth is and become more than just armchair enthusiasts 
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. I mean, adopting certain habits or cooking Chinese dishes isn't going to magically change someone's perspective on our culture. It's all about understanding and respect, not just copying what we do 
. Let's focus on having real conversations and learning from each other instead of just throwing around hashtags