Living in Peru as a Chinese-Canadian
The Chinese have been living in Peru since they arrived on ships that traveled across the Pacific in the 1850s. They were the first Asians to make it to South America and came as coolies who worked in guano mines and sugar plantations.
Chinese food has also permeated Peru: Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese food; the term is also used to refer to restaurants that serve Peruvian-Chinese food) is a staple here with its Anglicized names of Chinese dishes and chaufa (an adaptation of the Mandarin word for fried rice) is cooked and served in most homes and restaurants.
Though I can often pass for being Peruvian if I don’t talk too much (and therefore don’t give others the opportunity to realize that I don’t actually speak Spanish perfectly), I still get stereotyped a lot. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest because everyone is still so warm and many of the stereotypes are flattering, but it’s interesting to reminisce about how my Chineseness has made my experience unique:
- People call me china (“Chinese girl”) whether they know me or not. It’s actually easy to remind others who I am. I just tell them, “I’m the china you met.”
- People have said that I look like Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of former Peruvian president and Japanese native, Alberto Fujimori, even though I don’t look anything like her.
- People have yelled “Yoon Soo” at me in the streets. Yoon Soo is the main character of the most popular Korean drama aired in Peru: Stairway to Heaven.
- People have asked me to join their Korean-pop dance group or Japanese cosplay event.
- People have turned on the Japanese channel on cable and asked me what they’re saying.
- People — especially children — will ask me to talk, so they can make fun of the Chinese accent they think I have. They’re waiting to hear me speak with all my R’s sounding like L’s. Joke’s on them because my Chinese accent is nonexistent!
- People have asked me to say a few words in Mandarin or Cantonese. I speak neither, but any dialect will do. They get a kick out of hearing phrases and love trying to repeat after me.
- People have asked me how to cook chifa dishes.
- People think I’m related to the other Asian guy who lives nearby.
- People have asked me what it’s like to live in China.
- People say “Konnichiwa” (Japanese for “Hello”) to me in the streets.
- People have sung “Ojos Chinos” (Chinese Eyes), a Puerto Rican salsa song, as they pass me by. Particularly these lyrics: “Mira que bonito tiene, la chinita los ojitos” (Look how beautiful that Chinese girl’s little eyes are). The song is all about how much the singer loves his Chinese girl:
How have people acted toward you after automatically stereotyping you whether at home or during your travels?
Tags: chinese canadian travel, chinese in peru, living in peru, peru chifas, peruvian chinese
Claire Bowen
Really interesting post, Sam! Kind of sad that even in the world today (which has become such a ‘small’ place), such stereotyping exists (and can no doubt cause distress on occasion) – but I guess the enculturated societies we’ve all been brought up in mean that we’re probably unaware of many of our stereotypes and prejudices until we’re subject to some ourselves. Bringing subjects to awareness is always a good thing! :=)
Samantha Bangayan
You bring up a really good point, Claire! Being on the other side of discrimination makes me more conscious about how I may discriminate or how others discriminate. I guess that’s why I find these types of discussions so important! =)
Adrienne
Do you find it very uncomfortable still Samantha? I’m not quite sure how I would react if I lived in another country. I can understand some of the people probably tired of so many different cultures taking over their space. We have a lot of that here in the US as you can imagine.
I’ve never personally had any negative remarks any place I’ve ever visited. I’ve also never lived in another country so I can’t understand the ridicule you must deal with. I’m sorry you have to go through that.
I see you keeping your chin up though and just moving past all of that. I mean that’s their thoughts, opinions and how they chose to treat people, not yours. Hang in there girl!
Samantha Bangayan
Actually, I don’t think I find it uncomfortable at all, Adrienne! Reading through the comments has me realizing that I wasn’t very clear on my opinion about it all. It doesn’t really bother me because I don’t feel like I’m being mocked or treated poorly. It’s just interesting to me. =)
It’s also super interesting to me to imagine what it would be like if I were Caucasian or Peruvian, and how differently I may be treated! =) I’ll save that for a future post! =) Thanks so much for your encouragement, friend! And hope you have an amazing new year!
Vinny T.
The Chinese have a fascinating history in Peru. You can read all about it in an excellent book by Stewart Watt titled Chinese Bondage in Peru. Today, the Chinese in Peru are especially noted for their great Chinese restaurants which possibly serve the best Chinese food outside of China. Just think, Samantha, if Keiko was elected President, people in the streets of Peru might be calling you La Presidenta. That would have been be pretty neat. .Fortunately, I don’t think that I’ve ever been adversely affected by any stereotypes that people may have had about me. I could be wrong, but that’s just my opinion I hope to be in touch sometime after I arrive in Lima on the 15th.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! Thanks so much for that book recommendation, Vinny! I got a Kindle for Christmas, so I’m super excited to catch up on all my reading. Now, I just need to catch up with all the social media-related things I left behind these past few weeks. =P
I really appreciate your input on this too! I didn’t emphasize those chifas enough here! =) Haha! And that would be crazy if people would say, “She looks like the president.” Maybe for the next appointment. =P
Hope that you’re enjoying your time in Peru and wishing you and your family a very happy new year! =)
Marcus Baker
Hi Sam,
Isn’t it interesting how human beings so easily use the “all” brush?
I have lived in a few different countries and experienced similar generalizations, sometimes based on appearance, accent and even perceptions associated with certain groups.
Something else I find amusing is when someone will throw out a name of a fellow countryman and ask whether I know them or worse still expect that I would like and associate with everybody who comes from the same place.
I guess an important question is how we feel when we are on the end of stereotyping. Can we just exercise compassion and simply let it pass or do we feel aggrieved, even defensive?
As usual you have stimulated me to think about this topic some more. Thanks Sam!
~Marcus
Samantha Bangayan
That’s such a perfect way to describe it, Marcus — the “all” brush. =)
I can so relate to your examples and had forgotten about that one — others expecting that I’d want to associate with everyone from the same place. I get this from both sides — people introduce me to Latin Americans in North America and Chinese people in South America. =)
You’ve got me thinking too! Personally, I don’t mind it too much when others stereotype me because they haven’t been negative stereotypes. I can imagine how this might be more difficult if I were an American traveling around the world though. I have some American friends who tell people they’re Canadian when they travel, just to avoid negative treatment!
Thank you too for having me reflect more on this! =)
Saul Fleischman @applications development Japan
Loved that! “Konnichiwa.” Over here, one Japanese will just gawk at me. Three or more kids, and one will get dared to say either “hurroh” (hello) at me or “konnichiwa” in an obviously Americanized accent. Comes with the territory. But then, I know you enough by now to know you let the crap that “comes with the territory” just roll off your back.
Are you related to THE OTHER Asian guy – I liked that, too.
As for Konnichiwa, I guess you don’t even try explaining to the local yokels that there are reasons why a hell of a lot of really good Chinese and Philippinos are not all that crazy about the Japanese… or might not take it well if they were assumed to be one…?
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I’ve gotten the “hurroh” while I was in Osaka too, but only when people knew that I was from Canada. I haven’t experienced the “konnichiwa” with an American accent though. =P That’s a new for me!
Ooh! I definitely don’t bring up the reference to the history between the Chinese and Japanese. It has never come up during my time here because the Japanese and Chinese seem to be mostly dissociated from the country of their ancestors’ birth!
Craig McBreen
Hi Samantha,
First of all, I didn’t realize the deep history of the Chinese in Peru, so thanks for the education on that issue. And Chinese food permeating anywhere is a good thing, and I’m lucky because I live in the Pacific Northwest, where amazing food like this is unlimited, especially in Seattle and Vancouver.
I honestly can’t imagine how I would feel if I lived in another completely different culture and was stereotyped. When I think of this, I usually imagine someone snickering because I botch their language or perform a ritual or custom completely wrong … you know, like a clumsy American 🙂 Maybe I can just tell them I’m Canadian 😉
I have not experienced any remarks close to what you’ve described here. It is amazing how people will stereotype and generalize. I’m just trying to picture you’re reaction when someone asks you to translate what people are saying on a Japanese channel. I guess you learn to brush off such comments, eh?
Thanks, Samantha.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I agree about Chiense food everywhere being a good thing, although I sure do love the Chinese food here in Vancouver. It’s certainly not the same in Peru where it has become more of a blend with Peruvian based on the ingredients that were available to the first generation of Chinese that landed.
Haha! =) And hey, the snickering you describe is usually just “laughing with you.” I get that a lot too and enjoy it right alongside them. In fact, I can even say that I think I laugh more in Peru just because of all the silly mistakes I make in speaking and living the culture. =)
As for my reaction to the stereotypes, I pretty much just brush them off or explain to people who are interested. =)
Craig McBreen
Regarding Chinese food. Luckily one of my wife’s friends grew up in Hong Kong, so she’s points us to all the best places 😉 Plenty to choose from in Seattle.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! Lucky! =)
Abe
I know what you mean. I lived in England for two years. The British men HATE Americans but the British woman Love American men. And as a whole the Britsh really dislike Mormans. It was interstesting to say the least. Once they got to know me they realised I wasn’t going to steel they’re wife and I didn’t grow horns.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I had no idea about those relationships between the British and Americans, Abe. =) Sounds like you had to be careful about what you said when you were there! And I so imagined that you could eventually disprove their stereotypes. =) That’s what I try to do too, just by the way I live!
sangeng wong
Hi, Samantha,I am not surprised that you said that you got stereotyped a lot. Because of this, you may want to work on it that it can be prejudicial at times to stereotype people. Instead of stereotyping people, we can recognize that any act of other people can be just an independent or an one off act or just sort of opening up conversations and arising from curiosity, so as to gain insight into others’ cultures. Fundamentally, we need to recognize that we are humans first and our identification of race comes second. Some Japanese wants to become international, non-identification of race or nationality, to a certain extent..Actually, I think Bruce Lee ( a Kong Fu actor) did it quite well as he broke the convention of not teaching Chinese Kong Fu to the Americans. I too, wish to become international—humans first, race second.
Many will consider that the male tourist or that a single male occupant of a hotel room will be looking for sex, especially he has been staying there for weeks. That is a serious misconception yet a typical stereotyping, as I have experienced, in China, Japan and in the big city.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for your concern, Sang Eng! Thankfully, most of the stereotypes here just come from curious minds. The actions eventually lead to questions most of the time, which allows me to dispel those stereotypes. =) Hopefully, bit by bit, we’re all learning how similar we are as humans and how this similarity is more important than differences!
Bruce Lee is a great example of someone who didn’t live the stereotype! =) I’ll be bringing him up in conversations for sure!
And I had no idea about that stereotype of males at hotels. I hope you’re dispelling that one too! =)
Li @Flash Fiction
This is a sad post in some ways, funny in others. I’m really glad that you don’t sound angry, defensive or annoyed! I’ve been stereotyped as a rich American when out of the country (they were interested primarily in what I owned and how many movie stars I’d met; the answers “not much” and “none” disappointed them). Also, I live in an area known for the Amish community – since my name “sounds” Amish, I’ve been asked if I was shunned and whether I drive a horse and buggy. (No and no.) Still, I find a lot of people, although ignorant or misinformed, are friendly and curious, so I try to take any opportunity to share knowledge, set a few things straight and leave them with a good feeling.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I’m actually surprised about some of the comments in which people thought I’d be annoyed. It just goes to show that I need to be clearer about my opinion in posts because the stereotypes don’t really bother me at all. =) Like you, I find that people are mostly just curious and are interested in learning more!
Haha! I can just imagine someone asking you if you know Brad Pitt. =) Even here in Peru, when people hear that I’m Canadian, they often expect that I have access to a lot of money if not through my own bank account then through connections. Unfortunately, I don’t. =P
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer
Love the information you share Samantha!
I love Chinese food and nice to know that people in Peru are a good mix of Peruvian and Chinese, that is indeed wonderful 😉
Actually my dad was in the army, so as kids we were used to travelling to various places and mingling with the crowds, learning a little of their behavior, lifestyle, language and just being present there. It taught us a great deal to connect with people from all walks of life.
I remember that I was taken in to be as one of the local girls long back, when he was posted in the North Eastern states this end due to my semi-chinky eyes, chubby cheeks, and fair skin! People would indeed start off by thinking I am from their side and used to converse in their language, till I had to stop and tell them I don’t follow them 🙂 It was delightful, especially as we were kids and enjoyed their intermingling with us.
I guess we learn a lo from different cultures, people, and tradition. It all depends upon us, how we take things, whether in the positive sense or negative. Some people may find it tough to adjust in a new country or new place, while others may take it in their stride.
However, I feel there is only positive in learning something new, after-all you are there for some time, and while you are there, why not make the most of it and enjoy yourself.
Thanks for the awesome information 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I always wonder what it would have been like if I could have experienced more cultures growing up as a child! =) What beautiful opportunities you had during your childhood! =) And people are always more open to interact with children! I’m glad you had such positive experiences!
And I wholeheartedly agree that everything has to do with how we react and that learning can always be positive! I also often find that our natural reactions come out in challenging environments such as during travels or the expat lifestyle. And I’m glad that I’m more positive than I even imagined myself to be. =P
Stuart Nager
I kind of live with that in my own country; I’ve been derided because of my religion and a few other things. It’s ignorance…and I’m glad you seem to let it roll off you.
I wouldn’t have know about the Chinese presence in Peru, so thanks Sam.
Samantha Bangayan
You bring up such a good point, Stu! People often think that stereotypes only happen when we travel and immerse ourselves in another community, but stereotypes can be so subtle!
Sam
I’ve always found it so frustrating when people ask you to say things or talk about your accent. You’re more than just an accent. Stereotyping is frustrating as it is. Even more frustrating when they are incorrectly stereotyping you!
Samantha Bangayan
Sam, it’s really great to meet you! Happy New Year! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. =)
Truthfully, I’m not that frustrated by the stereotyping here. I only remember it being frustrating in Japan when people would think I was Japanese and get frustrated with *me* when I couldn’t speak the language! Haha! =) I found it more funny than anything though.
And I always find stereotypes to be good opportunities to tell people about my cultures and countries. =)
Elise
Hi Sam!
Very cool about the Chinese history in Peru, thanks for enlightening us 🙂
The biggest reaction I get is when Spanish speakers automatically begin speaking to me in Spanish and I then I tell them…”sorry, no hablo”. Their response is usually, shock, disgust, pity…but mostly I think they think I am lying which upsets them then for other reasons.
Well…….you may have just pushed me over the edge to write about my own “encounters” and awkward situations. I have been mulling it over for awhile now….we’ll see.
Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh! The very same thing happened to me in Japan! There would be old ladies who were frustrated with me that I wasn’t able to speak their language, which I seem like I’m supposed to be able to speak based on my facial features. =P
Can’t wait to read your post about this! =)
John Garrett
Wow, I learned a lot from reading this post. I’m also impressed that you’re not coming off as angry here, but merely imparting the knowledge you’ve gained from your experiences.
I guess you’ve got to find a way to make peace with it and see the lighter side or else go crazy over it.
When I was overseas studying abroad in London in my college days I was usually stereotyped as an arrogant American. It was kind of assumed that *you* assumed that you were better than everyone else so people kind of started out trying to take you down a peg lol.
Made for some funny stories though 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
It’s so great to meet you, John! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! =)
I realized as I read through the comments that I probably should have been more clear on my opinions about the stereotypes. You’re so right that they don’t really bother me much at all, but others assumed that this most be frustrating, annoying, or bothersome. =)
I imagine these stereotypes as others’ natural curiosity! And it always makes for great conversation…and funny stories, as you mention! =) I’m glad you weren’t traumatized by the stereotypes during your time in London! =P
Ollin Morales
That’s sad that people aren’t as sensitive to culture and race in other parts of the world. Makes me realize how far Americans have come due to more serious dialogue about race issues in the country. We still have a long way to go, too, but I like to think that most Americans are more sensitive to people of different races, ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, religions etc. than in other countries. But then again I could be wrong. Thanks for sharing!
Samantha Bangayan
I think it kind of makes sense because other countries can be much more homogeneous than North America. In all of Huancayo, there are very few Asians. Of those that I’ve seen, I think I can count them all on my hands. =P
I share your optimism about Americans. I think we’re a lot more conscious about other races and we’ve come a long way. =)
Keri
Sam,
Always fun to hear of your cultural explorations. It is great to see a cultural neighborhood develop and thrive. A “Chinatown” where you are seems to provide entertainment….and insight.
I grew up not far from the Detroit area, and on weekends we would venture from our small town to the cultural neighborhoods – Chinatown, Greektown, Pole town, etc. In that situation, we would get the country mouse/city mouse thing. But we were mainly there for the food and fun, so we didn’t care.
When I went to lead cultural orientations to parents and students in villages of Central Mexico, it was interesting for me to hear questions about US culture. Very similar to what you describe above.
Your cultural exchange is so important to bridge gaps of inaccurate perception. I applaud your courage to adventure!!
~Keri
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! Your description of Detroit reminds me of life in Vancouver. Although the Chinatown is more pronounced, we have our Little Italy and Greek festival too. =) Haha! And you bring up a good point that even beyond ethnicity, there are the stereotypes of rural v. urban living too! =)
I had no idea that you worked in Mexico before! =) It sounds like you can definitely relate! Thanks oh so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Keri! =)
Janine
When I was living in the UK a few years back I would get hassled about my Aussie accent all of the time (you could say bullying) and told that I said words wrong, that my accent was horrible – that I didn’t speak ‘English’ and that I, to put it bluntly, needed to. I was one of those ‘uncouth’ Aussies, and even experienced it on a visit back there in 2010. Funny thing is, I am part English AND even the English have funny accents (many different ones to be precise – like that of the scouser, my personal favourite).
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea that the Aussie accent could be so pronounced to people in the UK too. I always heard them to be very similar. =P I wonder if Canadians and Americans get the same treatment in the UK as well.
Hopefully, you were able to let that slide! =)
BrowsingRome
Hi Sam, thanks for sharing a bit about the history of the Chinese people in Peru. As an Asian living in Italy, people also do ask me how I am treated and if there is any discrimination. Fortunately, I have been treated well although in some cafes, I am occasionally ignored. I have found that I get better treatment when I speak English rather than attempt at speaking Italian. However, if they don’t understand English, then I switch to Italian. That’s been my strategy and it’s no wonder I am still not fluent in Italian hahaha.
In Italian as well as in Spanish, there is formal language and when addressing me, most people in shops and even in government offices use the formal form. So all in all, my experience has been very positive here in Italy.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I have never been ignored as an Asian before! How interesting that English is helpful to you there! =) At least you have a way to help you connect better with people and I’m sure you continue becoming more fluent in Italian bit by bit. =)
I also didn’t know that Italian used separate formal language as well! I find that the same happens to me in Peru even though people think that I’m younger than them. =)
Very cool to share experience with you, Diana! =)
Adeline
I’m half-Chinese as well. Whenever I travel in Asia, I often find many people here talking to me in their native language (whether it’s Cantonese in Hong Kong or Korean in South Korea). I guess they are under the impression that I can understand them. Other times, I would be given a menu written in either Japanese or Chinese during my trips in Australia. What surprises me is how they would often react when they learn that I’m a Filipina, often commenting that I don’t look like one. Whether that was meant to be a compliment or an insult, I really can’t say. But over the years, I’ve just learned to take it in stride, and not let it affect me enjoying my trips. 😀
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I can imagine that, Adele! When I was in Japan, I had a lot of old ladies speaking to me in Japanese. =P But that one about getting Japanese/Chinese menus in Australia is totally new to me! How hilarious! =)
I’m also super proud to let others know that I’m from the Philippines! My sister pulls it off better than I am though because she’s darker and has larger eyes. =)
And like you, I just find all these experiences interesting. They hardly ruin my travels! =)
Stuart Nager
Sam..I only thought of this after reading people’s responses: when I was 17, I worked after school at a Chinese restaurant, a big one that had a buffet table almost every night. My job was to keep the line full, so running back and forth from the kitchen three/four nights a week was what I did. When I was caught up, I’d have to help fill water glasses.
I was constantly being asked if I was Chinese or some tried to speak to me in Chinese (I assumed at the time…I knew some curse words from the waiters). So…assumptions all around.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! That’s amazing! So it’s not just about looks really. It’s also about the environment you insert yourself in. =) Hehe! So funny to imagine people talking to you in Chinese, Stu. =P
Stacy
Sam, I’ve been quietly “stalking” your blog and thoroughly enjoy it! I absolutely love your adventures and live vicariously through them as I raise my kids back here in Utah. Being that I think your blog is awesome, I have given you the Versatile Blogger Award (you can read details in my latest post). Feel free to do with it as you want, although by now I’m sure someone else has already beaten me to the punch and given this award to you already. Regardless, I am happy to share you with my blog readers and as I think they’ll love you as much as I do. Cheers!
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thanks so much, Stacy! Sorry I’ve been so out of touch with this trip back to Vancouver and all!
Your words mean a lot to me and I hope that one day, I’ll be able to express myself as vividly as you do. =) Thank you SO much for the Versatile Blogger Award and for sharing me with your community! Hugs!
Hajra
Living in another country does come with its share of challenges. We have lived in the Middle East since we were kids so we have kind of blended in…somehow. Thoughwe still converse in English with the natives here, they have been very kind enough as to not make fun of you in way or make you feel offended. One great advantage of living in the UAE is that the locals here make you feel very comfortable. In no way will you feel you have been left out or that you are different!
This has been a fun and very interesting read. Its always interesting to learn more about new cultures! China sounds like a whole new word now! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea that you speak English in the Middle East! =) It just goes to show how little I know about the rest of the world and it’s also why I’m super glad we’re friends. I always learn tons from you too! =) The UAE sounds like a super welcoming environment! Hope I get to visit soon!
Bryce Christiansen
Thanks Samantha for sharing this.
It was fascinating to read through the different stereotypes people have. Guess it exists all across the world.
It must be incredibly annoying to be type cast as all those things. I’d be annoyed at least. “Don’t you want to at least give me a chance to give you some kind of impression I’m an actual person?”
Knowing you though, I’m sure you take it well.
Hope you are doing well,
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
You know, I don’t really find the stereotypes annoying at all. I think that living in a multicultural society or at least bicultural society as allowed to be conscious about stereotypes and discrimination, but this isn’t really the case in relatively unicultural societies.
I can see what you mean though! And in the end, I hope I do show others how I am as an individual and not as a “representative” of all Chinese. =P
Hey you – wanna know a secret? « Life in Peru
[…] is a distinct area, the North of Peru has its Moche heritage, there is an Afro-Peruvian culture, Asian influence, and regions like Arequipa and Puno have a very distinct feel to them unlike the rest of […]
Deeone
This was a really great post, Sam!
I can truly relate to this post. Being African-American I have more often than I’d like to admit had to deal with being stereotyped myself. To be honest with you, I used to get pretty upset about it, but as I’ve gotten older it doesn’t bother me anymore.
I find it amazing that some of us can so easily place a group of individuals in the same category simply because a person shares the same nationality. Yet, it’s done every day. I’ve been know to do it myself actually. (Probably another reason why it doesn’t bother me much anymore.)
There really isn’t any excuse suitable for anyone to it, and I think that if we as the human race would consider more how it affects the feelings of those that it’s done too; we’d soon see the action decrease tremendously. But honestly I don’t think we’re there just yet in this generation era. I do however, think we’re headed in that direction.
I feel this way, because if you think about it, in another 10 to 15 years there’s going to be so many people on this planet; no one will even care how different another individual is.
Think about it. The world’s reaction to differences of nationalities has changed exponentially since “back in the day”. While I’d love to think it’s because we’re just evolving as the human race; I’m leaning more to the fact that this has happened due to the fact that the population is growing so rapidly that people are slowly but surely losing interest in the differences of others.
At least, that’s what I’d like to believe. 🙂
This was a very insightful post though, Sam. Thank you for approaching it, and presenting it to us. Thank you also for shining your kindness in how you presented it as well. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
I definitely agree with you there, Deeone! Multicultural societies are already teaching about racism and discrimination. This article was interesting for me to compile because I noticed how distinctly different my experience is and how much more pronounced the stereotypes are in relatively unicultural societies. But even then, I’ve seen discussions of racism and stereotypes in national news in Peru as well! There’s a growing consciousness.
And like you describe, I also imagine that we’re mixing cultures more and more that eventually, it would be impossible to tell what cultures a person is from or how the persons’ cultures mix to form his/her personality!
Thanks for having me think more about this too, friend! =)
The Pepperrific Life
I guess discrimination will always be a part of our lives as Asians. I work in an international school, and I experience that almost every single day. I could say that I’ve gotten used to it, but there are times that I still do get affected. Makes me want to punch them in the nose!
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea, but I can see what you mean! The American teachers who teach English at international schools here deal with their fair share too as I’ve heard.
Haha! =) No punching allowed, Pepper. =P
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, Fascinating post about the history of Chinese in Peru. But I, like others, am wondering about your reaction to these acts of prejudice. What are your feelings living in this culture?
As an American living in England, I was subject to all kinds of prejudice because of my nationality. What was funny was when I went to the gym. People wouldn’t know I was American and would talk honestly about what they thought of Americans. Ouch.
But in other places they would say it to my face. It was harsh, but gave me a deep appreciation for what it feels like to be discriminated against.
Some Brits were truly warm and welcoming to me and other Americans. I don’t want to over-generalize. But I felt prejudice that I had never known before.
I’m sorry you have had to endure these offenses, Samantha. They are the ones missing out in knowing a truly amazing person!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for asking, Carolyn! For me, since the stereotypes are not offensive, I don’t mind them at all. People are genuinely curious and I’m happy to answer questions or dispel stereotypes.
Yikes! I’ve heard about how other countries hold prejudices against Americans. In fact, many American friends of mine tell others that they’re Canadians when they travel. That would be harder for me to manage, so I really admire your patience!
Betsy Cross
Hi Samantha,
I know that there’s probably a mixture of ignorance, curiosity, prejudice, and maybe even anger that motivates people to communicate this way. But as I was reading I saw the humor in it. There are so many people walking this planet and so many ideas floating around. These comments seem to be people’s feeble (and humorous) attempts to sort it all out and start the process of getting to know somebody else, a stranger. I enjoyed watching my reactions. I could really be exasperated on an off day if I was particularly into being defensive. But on a good day I’d have a blast bantering back and forth and joking around with the prejudices. Humor diffuses a lot of defensiveness and can allow people to see who you really are vs. showing anger which shuts people down. Every time I smile in awkward situations really interesting conversations develop. Well, almost always!
Thanks Samantha!
Samantha Bangayan
I’m so glad you saw the humor, Betsy! That’s what I was going for, but I don’t think I got it across properly after seeing all the comments from people who thought I was annoyed. =P I’m not! =)
What I love is that people are curious about me and that I can open their eyes a bit and dispel stereotypes. =) I love your lighthearted approach to it all! =) “Smile in awkward situations” — I’ll remember this. =P
J. P. Cabit
My word!!! This sounds a bit frustrating after a while. How do you take it? Is it an amusement, or one of those things where you facepalm and keep walking?
Samantha Bangayan
Definitely amusement! =) Haha! Hardly facepalm, but that totally made me laugh. =)
Kathy
Ollin Morales, you ARE wrong.
Samantha Bangayan
You know, I actually like to think that there’s at least a consciousness in America about ethnicity! But then again, I’m an optimistic person! =)
Gustavo| Frugal Science
Hi Sam! Great to write to you after a long recess. Are you spending Christmas in Huancayo? Felices fiestas y que tengas un gran, gran 2012 from the bottom of my heart.
Being stereotyped has been always fun for me, specially because I have very hard background to identify even in my own country (once I got held by an immigrant policeman who did not believe I was Ecuadorian because I had gringo face). My ancestors are Italians, native Americans, British, mulatos, Spanish.
Samantha Bangayan
Hi Gustavo! Sorry for taking forever to get back to you! I spent Christmas and New Year’s here in Canada. I’ve been here for almost a month and will be heading back to Peru on Sunday! YAY! =) Feliz 2012!
Haha! That is hilarious! I imagine similar scenarios happen to the gringo-faced Peruvians too, even though they’ve been living in Lima or around the country for generations!
Anna
This is good article not only for Chinese-Canadian living in Peru but also for all people living abroad. It is important to have faith that everything will get better at some point, the beginning is always hard!
Samantha Bangayan
Great point, Anna! Once you get used to it, it becomes a non-bothersome, normal part of life. =)
Penelope J.
Extremely interesting post, both the historical and sociological information. That habit of calling all Asians “Chinos” extends throughout Latin America. Just the other evening, a couple in Tijuana were complaining about the “Chinos” taking over the farm work in the state of Sinaloa. I asked if maybe they were Koreans or even Filipinos, and the answer was that they are “all” Chinos. They referred to recent immigrants but there is also a large Chinese-Mexican population in this part of Mexico, who emigrated in the 1800’s, the same as in California, and from what you write, similar to Peru.
As for personal experience with stereotyping, mine is nothing like yours. However, in the U.S. I am automatically typecast as British. Even when I insist that I have not lived in England for 44 years and have spent most of my life in Mexico, and that I’m half-Mexican, people are unwilling to accept this as if, in some way, I’m denigrating myself. It’s so much more socially acceptable to be British than Mexican. (But you don’t look Mexican. How can you be Mexican when you sound so English?)
Samantha Bangayan
That’s so true, Pennie! I’ve gotten “China” all over Spanish-speaking America. =) And I always try and clarify when people tell me about other “Chinos” they know, at which point they often recognize that the person may be Japanese or Korean for example. =P How interesting that the Chinese arrived in the 1800s further north too! I had no idea!
Wow! You know, I’d probably assume that you were British if I met you by talking to you. It would also be hard for me to grasp that you haven’t been in English for the longest while! And before I even arrived in Peru, I had no idea that there were generations of gringo-looking people in South America! =) Super interesting!
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre
Relative to others, I have experienced such little stereotyping that I really can’t speak to it. Mostly it is funny things people say when they discover I’m Canadian, a few assumptions people have made based on my independent nature and short hair but nothing like some of what I have witnessed others go through. As humans, we learn language by labeling but at some point, we must also learn that labels are limiting and be open to experiencing people as individuals, not based on assumptions or generalizations. If each soul is unique and we focus on being interested in learning who they are, labels become meaningless and irrelevant…at least, to me they do.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I’m really glad you shared your examples, Tambre! Mostly, we think about stereotypes based on race/ethnicity, but there are also stereotypes based on attitude, personality, country of birth, and the list goes on.
Language is so freakily powerful that way and it’s so important to be conscious about how our language can often define how we think. I imagine the reason humans like to generalize is because it’s so much easier to categorize all the information we’re bombarded with. Despite the total innocence in it, we need to recognize the consequences of categorizing like that! Thanks for bringing this up, friend! =)
Now a Real Peruvian: A Milestone - What Little Things
[…] “It’s obvious you’re Chinese, but I don’t think you’re from Canada.” He didn’t believe me! Rather than be offended, I was ecstatic! He truly thought I was one of the many Chinese-Peruvians who have been living in the country for generations. […]
Donald C.
Hi Samantha,
I a little confused as to why Asians are singled out. If the Chinese /peruvians
population is so prevalent in the general population especially in Lima, why is the Asian face such a novelty. Is it out of malice that some people revert to name calling, Chino, small eyes etc?
Speaking of race, why does Peruvian TV only show white people in their
programming. Rarely do I see native Peruvians in any of the roles.
Samantha Bangayan
Donald, it’s great to meet you! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. =) I don’t think Asians are singled out at all or that we’re such a novelty. On the other side of the spectrum, I’ll sometimes have people immediately assume that I’m Peruvian and talk to me as such! =)
And I definitely do not believe that someone would call me “China” out of malice. It’s a term of affection here. You’ll even hear people affectionately calling their family member or significant other, “Gordo” or “Gorda” (meaning “Fattie”).
There are actually various shows on Peruvian TV that do make a point of not presenting only white people. “Al Fondo Hay Sitio” is a good example of a popular sitcom that features non-white Peruvians. Nevertheless, I hear you on how various telenovelas only show fair-skinned people. I think it’s a subtle representation of the racial divide you find within society.
Walid
Hi,
I am peruvian and read your blog and comments here only by chance (looking to understand the reasons why so many chinese people comes to Peru).
First of all, cultures are different around the world, you can not try to understand a culture and judge it from your point of view.
I would like to explain so many things here but I don’t know how to begin with, the reality is very complex.
But in general, when we say: hola chino! or, llama al negro, or, pregúntale al colorado (gringo and blanquiñoso would b synonyms) WE ARE NOT BEING RACIST NOR DISCRIMINATING. This is the way we are, we are not so political correct (and sometimes I think hypocrites also).
Having said this I recognize there is discrimination in Peru but specially against native peruvians in big cities like Lima, from mestizos and other groups. As societies evolve and with globalization impact , I think this is changing and we are starting to value our roots.
People has been mixing here for so many time, specially in the big cities in the coast that almost everybody has something of any race, but the main component is native american. From my mother side I have spaniard, sepherdite (jew), and a bit of black and native american (and maybe chinese, who knows, people called to my grandpa chino but I think it was because how his eyes looked), my father is from the arab north africa world. I consider myself 100% peruvian even though I complain all the day about negative aspects of our culture, but there is no a perfect place in the world.
We are simple and friendly people and welcome everybody no matter their race.
Also it is different if you are in a cosmopolitan and educated district like Miraflores or Surco in Lima or if you are in a poorer area (like most of Peru). Don’t expect people in poorer or uneducated places to fully understand the differences from similar countries. Appreciate their friendliness and simplicity.
I think many people in this blog is not aware of our culture or misunderstood what you wanted to express.
Now, I am wondering what are you doing in Huancayo, I know the city and really like the nearby la convención or Ingenio and other places. Huancayo is not a place where you can find many tourists like Cusco. Every time I can I try to visit a different place of my country.
Glad you enjoy our country, just be careful of the bandidos! ; )
Samantha Bangayan
Great to meet you, Walid! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m sorry if my post came off as judgmental, but it was never intended to be a judgment. I simply meant to share my observations of what happens to me here in Peru and if you skim through the comments, you’ll note that I don’t take offense to any of this. It’s more interesting to me than offensive and if you take a look through my blog, you’ll find that I thoroughly appreciate Peruvians and the lifestyle here in Peru, at least in Huancayo.
And I wholeheartedly agree that “Chino” or “Negro” are rarely racist comments. In fact, when people call me “China,” I kind of like it. =)
It’s so interesting to hear about your varied background because it mirrors my own and that of many Canadians since Canada is a country full of immigrants. =)
As for what I’m doing in Huancayo, you can read more about my thoughts on why I moved here in the “About the Blog” page above. I first came on an internship and fell in love with the way of living. =)
Sherry Zander
Although I took many of these colloquialisms as negative, I also believe there is a positive spin on all this. Not to make this all ethereal or anything, but drawing this kind of attention is a great segue for a platform to make a stand on certain issues or make a difference in a society. In addition, most people like order in life and branding something or someone is a way of making sense out of the disparity. I think it’s just a human thing people do.
Samantha Bangayan
I feel the same way, Sherry! Anyone who ever approaches me or is curious about me is lighthearted about it, so I always have the opportunity to share more about myself and make a conversation out of it. Good point about branding/categorizing being so naturally human. That’s the way our minds make sense out of the world. That’s why eye-opening conversations and discussions are so important! =)
Denisse
Hi Sam, that whole list u wrote that was funny, i was hoping for something worse like muggings or beatings so That really does happened cool. When they asked u to talk mandarin or cantonese did u made up some words? cuz i would make up some dirty words for them to say lol. What caught my eye was the “Yun Soo” Really Korean novela is popular in peru wow thats interesting, Lima better have that show when i moved there or any kpop shows for realz. In the states i do get stereotyped as an asian or mixed but i tell everyone that i’m peruvian!! then they say is that near china? uhh. so many years i got used to it, i just go with the flow saying a lil white lie that i’m mixed but who knows i could be? I doubt it if the stereotype would follow me to peru, that will all depends when i start living there.
Samantha Bangayan
Denisse, I’m so glad I could ease your mind a bit. =) In fact, when you see all the death, murders, and political drama in the news, I have never once seen a Chinese person involved. You’re more likely to see a tragic event happen to someone who looks typically “gringo” or “white.” This may have to do with statistics and sensationalism, but I do believe that being Chinese helps us “fit in” more. =)
Sometimes, if people ask me to speak Chinese, I speak in my native dialect, Hokkien. =) Since I never learned Hokkien formally and only speak with my family members, I don’t know any dirty words. =P Haha!
I’m *positive* you’ll see tons of Korean dramas and hear Korean music all over the place when you get here! =)
Haha! That anecdote about how people approach you in the US is hilarious! =) I guess it’s hard for us to get past what we see. =P
If you have any other questions, feel free to email me! =) Hugs! Great to meet you!
Woof Woof
Hi there! I came across this post when looking up info about Peruvians of Chinese descent. (According to family lore, we’re of partial Chinese descent).
Your experiences in Peru are very interesting. As a Peruvian by birth, I am aware of the stereotyping you relate in your blog. However, as you and Walis point out, that type of stereotyping is often not racist in intent; rather, it’s a trait of Peruvian culture — and Latin American in general, and even Spanish cultures. Invariably, many Peruvians will refer to someone in their family as “chino” for whatever reason (usually as a nickname. Peruvians are big on nicknaming everyone, as you may already have noticed). Other common terms of endearment in Peruvian parlance: gordo/a, flaco/a, viejo/a (for parents), cholo/a, gringo/a.
Having said that, though, my American sensitivities (I moved to the US in my early teens) make me cringe when I hear non-Peruvians describe that type of stereotyping by my fellow Peruvians. Yikes! How embarrassing! And if some Peruvians are really unaware of the differences between Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc., even more embarrassing! (Though honestly, at least to my knowledge, that tends not to be the case. Peruvians are in general well aware of the differences in *nationality* and *language*, even as they continue to call many Asians “chinos” or assume cultural commonalities between them).
Aside from those observations, I thought I’d share some of my own experiences with stereotyping in the U.S. (below). As with you, I don’t take offense (anymore), though I should admit that on occasion I still get annoyed, depending on the context.
1) I have lost track of the many times non-Hispanic Americans have asked me where I am from upon meeting me, even though I speak English without an accent. For all they know, I could be second generation *American* of Latin American ancestry. In such cases, I assume people make assumptions about me based on my “Hispanic” looks.
2) I have been asked (by other Hispanics and by non-Hispanic Americans) if I know this or that other Peruvian they happen to know. My answer is almost always “no”. LOL. This has mostly happened in small cities.
3) During the time I spent in NYC, I have been asked if I lived in Paterson, NJ (an area of the NYC metro that is heavily populated by Peruvian immigrants and Peruvian-Americans). Upon knowing that I never lived there, I have been asked “why not”? (Weird follow-up question, huh?)
4) I know this comment is getting a bit long now, so I’ll add just one more. I have been asked if I am Mexican, or am assumed to be Mexican. (This is understandable, I guess, since Mexicans and Mexican-Americans represent the largest group within the Hispanic category in the U.S., and therefore most familiar to non-Hispanic Americans).
I guess all of this goes to show that stereotyping happens all over the globe. Sigh…
Samantha Bangayan
Great to meet you! =) Thanks so much for stopping by! Based on the comments on this post, I should probably write a new one to clarify the bit about stereotypes. I completely agree that it has more to do with culture than being offensive. I’ve met various expats here who continue to be offended by the use of “gordo,” for example, especially because weight can be a sensitive topic in North America. =P It doesn’t bother me at all!
As you mentioned, the stereotyping you describe isn’t only a Peruvian thing. Any other country that’s less multicultural will be less knowledgeable about different ethnicities. I think it’s something normal. =)
Haha! It was so interesting to read your experiences as a Peruvian abroad! =) It’s comforting to know that you can completely relate. =)
Thanks again for being in touch, friend! =)
China Latina
As a Chinese Peruvian, with a family history that goes back more than 5 generations in Peru, I am concerned about many of the comments here. I do find the name calling somewhat abusive. Always did, and always will. As a Peruvian woman of Asian descent, I always found it offensive that people on the street would mutter “china” as I walked by. It wasn’t “Chinita”. It was always “china”. Why I never heard anyone called “blanco” or “negro” as they walked by made me wonder if I was being picked on because, chances are, I would not talk back. Try experiencing this constant name calling at age 5, 8, 12, 15, (not as an adult from another country) and you begin to get the picture. Sure, one tries to ignore it. It’s a survival mechanism. But I remember wishing, vehemently, not be to be called out, out loud, because of my racial features. It kind of does a number on you, especially if you are a young kid. My dad grew up in Lima’s Chinatown in the 1930’s. He recalls that he mostly stayed within the confines of the Barrio Chino. Stepping outside, he sometimes feared for his life. This was, of course, a few decades after the official abolishment of Chinese indentured servancy–a dark period in Latin American history that served as the sad genesis to some of the attitudes still prevalent in Peruvian popular culture towards people of Chinese descent. Sure, we have come a long way, but I for one, would love to get rid of the labels. It’s 2012, and we Peruvians can do better than that.
PS, hope you are enjoying some great Papas a la Huancainas!
Samantha Bangayan
Hi there! It’s so great to meet a Chinese-Peruvian who knows so much about her history. Thanks so much for sharing your story! =) I’m really sorry to hear that your ethnicity became a source of bullying for you. I wonder how different experiences can be. There’s a Japanese family I know and their three kids seem to be popular at their school as far as I know.
I’m surprised that your dad would stay within Barrio Chino as the area seems rather small to me, although his scenario reminds me of how the Chinese sometimes live in the Philippines where I’m from.
You know, even though the Chinese may have been looked down upon, I found that it may have been to my advantage when I worked with the NGO. Maybe it was easier for rural mothers to consider me one of them. At the same time, I think the Chinese have gained a lot of respect as business owners all over the country. TImes are changing! =)
In Peru too!
I have been here for two years, in Lima, and have given this some thought from time to time, and, well … how well integrated are the Chinese (and Japanese) immigrant communities into Peruvian society, really, when your “otherness” is constantly commented upon and made fun of (no matter how good-natured)? I am of Asian descent, too, Korean-American here in Peru. And despite how ubiquitous my husband insists Asians are here … even before hearing me speak Spanish with my gringa accent, people often look at my children and I in astonishment, as though they just saw a group of unicorns walk by. So much for being commonplace. And in day-to-day life, I have to say, I just don’t see that many Asians here. In my child’s promocion at school, he’s the only one, and he’s just half at that. My in-laws have no friends of Asian descent, at any of the social gatherings, social clubs, etc. and venues and events that extend beyond just family, I (and my kids) am/are it for Asian representation. I can’t say I’m mad about it, after all, I am but a guest here and no one has done harm to me or insisted that I leave an establishment because of it (which unfortunately happens to the actual ethnic majority – crazy to imagine as an American!). But at this point … it just gets old. It’s gotten old. I wonder what is the experience of Peruvian-born “chinos”, or do they just keep to themselves and filter out all the attention. I’m sure there is that perpetual foreigner phenomenon at play here as well (i.e., no matter how many generations your family has been in a country, you are not accepted as a mainstream citizen, community member, etc. – continually seen as a form of foreigner).
I have some in-laws of very Caucasian descent, and at times they get looks, too, from the general populace, but with Asians somehow people feel the need to address the Asian person verbally about being Asian, but not the Caucasian about their Caucasian-ness. And generally the Caucasian’s being Peruvian is typically not questioned, either, and they are never made fun of for being Caucasian (although I realize this is partly due to social barriers and probably some fear). And then don’t get me started on people’s disbelief that I could be American and speak English! Because I don’t look how an English speaker ought to look, to them. The ignorance of young children I will pardon, because yes, I get it, many have never stepped foot out of the country and don’t really have an understanding of things like “diaspora” or “globalization”. But an older child and certainly an adult should have at least a theoretical concept of immigration even if they’ve never met someone who came from another country. And I’m not saying that I never got asked ridiculous questions back in the U.S. (mostly in grocery stores for some reason, by aging veterans that spent time in Korea), but I’ve never had people feel compelled to point out my ethnic appearance as much as I have here. Just kinda makes me a wee bit self-conscious, ya know?
In fact, at times they absolutely insist upon me being more Asian than I actually am – I had a gardener one day tell me that his teen daughter wanted to meet me simply because I was Korean, because she loves k-pop and all things and anyone having to do with Korea (??) It was really just bizarre to me to be objectified in that manner. I told him, sorry to disappoint you, but I was born and grew up in the US … and as a 30-something woman with kids, I don’t have a whole lot to say about k-pop. 😀
Good luck to you in Peru and enjoy married life!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I just had to laugh when you described others staring at your children “as though they just saw a group of unicorns walk by.” It’s true that even though there’s a fairly large Asian population in Lima, as far as I know, the Chinese mostly keep to themselves for example. It’s the same in the Philippines where I was born and where half of my extended family still is — there are tons of Chinese, but they stay within their own communities. Another example: Most of the Japanese children here study at the sole Nikkei school.
Like you, I was curious about the experience of Asians who have grown up here, especially after the comment before yours of a Peruvian-Chinese lady who reported negative experiences. So I talked to the Japanese families who own a Japanese restaurant below where I live. There are 3 of them — two siblings and the wife of one — and they all were born and raised in Peru. And all 3 of them say that they do get singled out but that it’s never been negative. They also say that they fully identify with being Peruvian, especially after living some time in Japan. They don’t feel like foreigners at all because all kinds of groups are singled out at times and in different ways, sometimes more negative than other times — Peruvians who look like Europeans, natives, etc.
In any case, thanks so much for sharing your experiences! =) I can fully relate as an Asian-Canadian. =)
Luck to you too! =)
Andy
I love this post! Everything is so true, I think especially in Lima, where a decent portion of the Chinese population lives. I think the cherry-on-top was when one of the front desk managers of my English institute joked that a small-eyed chino cannot be with a big-eyed person, referring to my ex and myself. Classic!
Samantha Bangayan
Great to hear the opinion of someone who has spent time in Lima, Andy! =) Haha! Love that joke from your manager. =P