Why I STILL Eat at Chinese Restaurants

 

Because Coronavirus Chinese virus.

Chinese immigrants, and particularly Chinese business owners, are bearing the brunt of our global panic, fear, and sinophobia. So in light of this, I want to tell you about this awesome book I read.

Chop Suey Nation is written by Ann Hui, a reporter for the Globe & Mail. She and her partner travel across Canada interviewing the owners of chop suey restaurants in small towns to understand their stories and what brought them there.

Chop Suey Nation Book


We take for granted that every town has a Chinese restaurant. I love how this book humanizes them and reminds you that these are very real people with real dreams. It’s a heartwarming book about family, sacrifice, love, and what parents will do for their kids.

Before Coronavirus, many of these business owners already struggled with racism, poverty, and loneliness. Many of them came from Mainland China to escape extreme poverty, so they were in a vulnerable position to begin with. And as expected, it only got worse once news of COVID19 broke.

There’s nothing like a global pandemic to expose the racism & inequality living beneath the surface. “Don’t they eat rats? Gross” or “It’s cause the Chinese just eat anything” <- real things people have said - all without any basis or relevance to corona. Attacks on asian people around the world have increased, asian businesses are empty, and everyone is treating this like a ‘Chinese disease.’

So let’s get some things straight:

  • It’s not a ‘Chinese disease’. And being asian doesn’t mean you have it.

  • Not all asians are Chinese - k, thanks.

  • Just because you’re asian doesn’t mean you can’t be racist. Talking shit about people from Mainland China makes you part of the problem.

  • Right now, travelling to the US exposes you more than shopping at an asian grocery store.

J and I are heading to Quebec City next month, and, without realizing, I’ve already begun to prepare myself mentally for the micro-aggressions and overt racism I’ll be confronted with.

It’s not a great feeling, but reality is, I can handle it.

I speak English and French. I’m married to a white guy. I’m young, educated, and healthy. For asians who are more vulnerable and living in remote areas, I can only imagine the stress, anxiety, and very real fear they’re experiencing.

So please be kind. Be compassionate. Be an ally and speak up. We need your voice.

And if you can, use your money to support small businesses that are struggling right now.

As for me, I’ll be preparing for our trip to Quebec City. And you can bet I’ll be hitting up some Chinese restaurants.

 

Gelaine Santiago