Let’s talk about race (Oluwatoyosi of Nigeria)

 

As many of you already know, this girl used to live in China, and let me tell you, this is where I set out to explore and experience the whirlwind called adulthood for the very first time. Far from family and the friends I grew up with, I plunged into the unknown, forging new connections and friendships in a foreign land. My recent visit to Nigeria, the first since I left for China over four years ago, has been a tumultuous blend of emotions. One question that consistently arises from the lips of those I meet is, "How is racism in China?"

When I embarked on my academic journey to China, I carried with me dreams of excelling in my studies and immersing myself in an ancient and vast culture. While I anticipated challenges like language barriers and cultural adjustments, I hadn’t foreseen that my African heritage would constantly become a focal point of my experience in ways that often revealed deep-seated misconceptions.

One of the most persistent misunderstandings I faced revolved around Africa itself. I frequently found myself in situations where I had to explain that Africa, vast and diverse, is a continent and not a singular country. The notion that South Africa was the "capital" of Africa, or the idea that there exists a unified "African" language spoken by all, stood as testaments to the lack of awareness and knowledge about the continent's rich diversity.

Adding to these geographical misconceptions was a deeply unsettling stereotype about hygiene. Early into my stay, I was confronted with the baseless assumption that black people don’t shower often (reason for our dark skin). Such beliefs, especially in a place of education and global interaction, emphasized the pervasive nature of racial biases.

Personal choices, like my decision to sport a low haircut, became unexpectedly significant. What I saw as a simple expression of personal style led to invasive incidents, including a stranger feeling entitled to verify my gender. These encounters highlighted that sometimes, personal boundaries are overlooked when faced with unfamiliarity.

During my daily commutes, I felt the weight of unspoken biases. Public transport, generally a mundane experience, often underscored racial undertones. Even on crowded buses and trains, the seat beside me would often remain vacant, silently echoing societal hesitations associated with race.

Navigating through bustling streets, I became all too familiar with stealthy smartphone cameras capturing unsolicited photos of me. Rather than feeling like a student exploring a new city, these experiences made me feel as if I were an exotic specimen on display.

Reflecting on my time in China, it's been an intricate tapestry of academic milestones, invaluable friendships, and stark lessons in racial dynamics. While I cherish the knowledge and connections I've forged, the undertones of prejudice have been a constant reminder of the work that lies ahead in fostering global understanding. Through sharing my story, I aim to emphasize the significance of dismantling racial stereotypes and building bridges of understanding in our interconnected world.

Oluwatoyosi.