Being Black in China

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Finally a comprehensive, open-minded account of being Black in China. I've seen some very simple, ignorant videos on this subject from people who clearly expect Western culture to be mirrored everywhere they travel. You managed to speak about annoyances and even insulting experiences in an understanding way. "To be offended that someone would think I'm from Africa, I had to really look at myself". You're an inspiration. Thank you.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

This comment brightened my day! I'm so glad you enjoyed this!!!!!

[@MaxineShaw_84]

@@Iamtierrahogan This video helped me not be afraid to travel where we aren't exactly the favorite. Still being safe and mindful of surroundings, but not letting racism, prejudice, or ignorance stop me from seeing the world. 💜

[@user-co3qe2jg2i]

wise girl. and beautiful. wish u all the best in china！

[@blairl9323]

I Love Your Video! You are such a kind and beautiful person! You win me over by your kind soul, your polished use of language. You are truly inspirational. You are a great representative of your culture! Subscribed!

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Blair Li thank you so mUch I appreciate your comment and support

[@seanbryan1739]

Where in China, you from?

[@unconformingtruther5496]

Blair Li you pretty

[@suyogsunnyable]

My dear sister u r my loveliest sister i really like u and ur cutest comments but i really and completely hate all chinese people

[@sunnyzhang5505]

I am an Asian/American and my son is half Caribbean. Recently I moved back to Tianjin to care for my parents. I absolutely love this video, and how you carry yourself, and willing to educate our people with positivities and kindnesses. You are blessed with a beautiful soul.

[@seanbryan1739]

Half Caribbean? Never heard that term before. We usually specify the country.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Sunny zhang thank you!

[@estreno.shop.official]

Half Caribbean... please make a video of your son please .. :) I like to think Asian and black mixed are the cutest

[@Renaldo868]

she must be shame to say where d fadda from lmao must be a trini

[@youremessingupthefengsuave]

Renaldo868💀 oh rshl

[@valentijn9]

Great video. A lot of your experiences matched mine while being in India. Taking pictures, touching your skin etc. You have a fabulous natural look, really cool. Greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Valentijn Vos thank you so much! I appreciate your comment. I hope to visit Amsterdam very soon.

[@militaryrankings4325]

I'm Chinese and I think you're beautiful.

[@SARUJAN5]

Military Rankings it's nice to see non-narrowed minded people

[@Iamtierrahogan]

thank you!

[@wallinp9297]

yeah....she's so cute...I wanna marry her. but I m only 5'10 so I guess it won be a perfect match

[@JLDReactions]

@Hello Hogan Are you a Gemini by chance?

[@YPO6]

I'm beautiful and I think you're Chinese.

[@OboeWhizzy]

Hey thanks for posting your video! As a Chinese-American, I often wonder what it feels like to experience racism in non-white contexts. I'm sorry to hear that people gave you disgusted looks, and I apologize on behalf of everyone in China for that. No one should have to experience disgust at the way they look, and I'm truly sorry for how you were treated. Also, I'm happy that you gave China such a fair treatment when analyzing why people would behave in certain ways! So many people just conclude that the whole country is racist but don't consider the historical background or the level of media exposure. I think it's especially problematic that the "basic" American is still white, simply because the media and film industry don't show people of color.

[@MuzMovMix]

A good attitude is important for black people to live in China. If you always think people see you differently, you will never get peace of mind. But most people are out of curiosity with no bad intention. I am glad you are learning to enjoy it there.

[@mgelchina5046]

Yes. I agree with Yco615.

[@bernardchola8890]

Chinese are so many here in Tanzania , and we treat them as our fellow guys

[@bavery6957]

@@wenkaiyang1487 You mean by the police? True!

[@bavery6957]

@@mgelchina5046 Your ignorance is forgiven - we understand that's probably all you've been exposed to. It's also terrible how white people are shooting each other for no reason (more than all others combined, BTW). It's also terrible how Latinos are shooting each other for no reason. Also the Chinese, the Hmong, the Vietnamese, The Cambodian, The Fijian, Korean and Taiwanese people shooting each other for no reason. We have a serious problem with shooting each other for no reason. One of America's greatest exports, after weapons of war, is misinformation and disinformation about it's black population. Did you know that African Americans are the 15th largest economy in the world? I'll bet not. Love and peace to you, my brother.

[@bavery6957]

@@romanfox5368 kzbin.info/www/bejne/maiVqIiGd62baMU You sir, are a sorry idiot as well as true racist - 100% of the time, if what you post is true for you. You're obviously too blinded by you own personal bias to find any other videos, in that case. Quit projecting your small-minded thoughts on these people and get a life. If you look at a plate full of 1000 glass marbles and 949 of them are green, 33 of them are blue, 15 of them are orange, and 3 of them are black, which ones are going to stand out and beg explanation the most ? Go eff yourself, okay?

[@cooperteah8151]

I am so proud of you, not so many young women or black females are bless with the level of understanding that you have. again I am super proud of you, remember you are special.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Cooper Teah thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment!

[@cooperteah8151]

You are welcome, please keep doing what you are doing and help educate all sisters to look beyond the little towns and cities and dream big. Please do a video on how young black sisters can do the same. So many ppl are hurting because there are not enough people like you to look up to. Again, you are special and your voice is powerful.

[@TravelerVolkriin]

I'm moving to Shenzhen to teach in March and I'm excited. This is a once in a lifetime experience and I can't let the melanin in my skin limit my life experiences. I've experienced racism and discrimination in my native U.S. It's hard to be black. Period.

[@ashagroves535]

watching this video made me feel so relieved! I am British and planning to work in China for three months and the only thing putting me off was going was the colour of my skin due to some of the negative things I have heard, so thank you for your help!

[@PeaceTheGypsy]

Great video! I just moved to China a month ago so I can totally relate to this. My experience has been mostly positive so far. I have only gotten one look of disgust out of thousands so that says a lot. I enjoy the aspect of broadening people's horizons as well and just being here as broadened my own!

[@mohamedalsalimi8615]

Peace The Gypsy same way Americans give look of disgust all the time to foreigners.

[@PeaceTheGypsy]

America is a melting pot of so many races whereas China is 1 foreigner to thousands of Chinese people. You probably encountered some racist people and that is disappointing but it is nowhere near the same as I am mixed and therefore considered a foreigner in America as well

[@mohamedalsalimi8615]

Peace The Gypsy We can agree to disagree racism is everywhere, and the whole world have something negative about Black skin is like a poison.All I can say is good luck with whatever the reason you are in China and plenty of success:)

[@PeaceTheGypsy]

moe el tshadi thanks hun!

[@belnachina]

I loved this video! It's so honest, so true, and i'm glad you experienced all of this and you're sharing it with the world what it really is like to be black in china.... I feel sad that people think chinese people are racist... i think they're just ignorant about race and insensitive about the subject... of course there are racist people in china... but saying that chinese ppl are racist, that's just being racist as well (kind of, if u know what i mean).... anyways... thumbs up on this video!

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Isabel München thank you so much. I love your comment and support

[@willmack100]

Congrats for your analisys about the Chinese behaviour towards black people. This is the beauty of travel: learn and teach too. I'm a Black Brazilian living in Australia. I have been to China twice and totally loved the experience. Now I'm learning Mandarim :) All the best to you.

[@yahnikh.3775]

I would legit go crazy. I gotta commend you for being able to live there and put up with all the ignorance and feeling so foreign. It's sad that their country is so secluded that they treat black people like they're from another planet 🌎.

[@m.taylor]

I am glad you are understanding of their behaviors. Usually when people stare, it's because a person is rare and beautiful...just like when we stare at celebrities. So long as they don't make mean remarks or stalk you. I don't understand why the western world has taught people that staring is such a negative act. Also, sometimes "glancing" can be confused for staring. I agree...a lot has to do with how we feel about ourselves. If we don't like ourselves, we won't like people staring at us...and we'll think they don't like us too.

[@jlynncravanas]

wow I needed this. Definitely going to accept my teaching offer in Ningbo. Thank you for this!

[@kwilliams8733]

How is the benefits package?

[@jlynncravanas]

travelempresskp it’s about 12000 rmb, travel reimbursement, tefl and culture training, 11 sick days, 10 vacation, they help my find accommodations and set up banking, 40 hours a week including lesson planning

[@kwilliams8733]

hey thanks for responding. What recruiter did you use if any? and is this before or after tax? Do you know anyone else there?

[@jlynncravanas]

EF, and I think before

[@chowder125]

Hey, any updates on teaching in China?

[@HE360]

Hello, I first want to say that you're very beautiful (I just had to get this out the way LOL). Second, I'm black and lived in China for a year and my experience was very very positive. I was treated like a King over there and planned to go back after saving up enough money. I lived in a town called "Nantong" which was two hours away from Shanghai. And while I was in China, I met some of the most LOYAL people that I could ever meet. I made tons of friends over there that will be my friend for a lifetime. And I like how they made me the center of attention LOL. Strangers would just come up to me and bought me stuff. I was on television about 4 times when I was there. I remember if I was at a concert or a place where people were performing on stage, out of the huge crowd the performer would see me and invite me on stage LOL. I’m also a musician so I played drums in both a traditional Chinese band (LOL and I guess I jazzed up some of their music with some American styled beats LOL). I also played in a parade and I played the Tuba in an American styled band/orchestrate that they formed over there. I traveled around the country, drove a boat and I truly had a blast there. It is why I’m going back!! It was a beautiful experience contrary to what us black people hear and it was contrary to what I thought at first. Now yes, there was some discrimination over there and black people WILL encounter at least SOME biases. For instance, I taught English, music and piano lessons over there and found that SOME jobs didn’t want me teaching in their schools. So, I had to move. But, when I taught in a public school, I had success. I made my classes fun, and suddenly mothers wanted me to tutor their children. And so did men in shops when they found out that I was an American who spoke English. So yes, my advice to black people who want to go to China and even live there is DON’T let the actions of a FEW people make you think that ALL Chinese are the same because it’s quite the contrary and keep an opened mind and remember that they're learning from you too!! I can’t stress this enough! Thus, overall, my experience in China was very beautiful. And if I had any problems at all in China, it mostly came from other foreigners who tripped off me being black more than the Chinese did. And many of the other foreigners were just rude. Not all, but some. But, I just got away from those kinds of people. On the other hand, meeting other foreigners was also a great experience and adventure too (with its own story). For example, it was cool to meet people from Australia, England, Poland, India, Africa, the Middle East, the Bahamas, South Africa, other Asian countries, etc. I enjoy meeting people from around the world. Thus, these are GREAT stories too. And I’d say to people don’t forget to try to visit the other Asian countries if you can too. For example, I went to Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan and those were some BEAUTIFUL places too. I'd like to go to Taiwan one day too. So yes, I had beautiful experience and when I save up enough money, I’m definitely going back and in fact, I might stay in that part of the world for a LONG this time. I’ve had enough of the states, been here for a long time and its time for a change since there’s nothing really here for me anymore. Lately, I finished my Masters in Education, I got a TEFL certificate, I learned some programming/computer skills ALL to ensure that I never have to come back here again. Thus, these are my plans.

[@messiahking1710]

+HE360 How to treat you like a King?What's your mean?

[@HE360]

It just means that I was treated nicely and it means that the people were very nice to me. That's all.

[@lisangelblack9070]

HE360 Do it...Take a chance....you can always come back to the US if you choose.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Thank you for you comment, I'm glad you enjoyed your time there.I lived on an island there so I was primarily around people even less exposed to foreigners than mainland China. Like I aid in the video I either got people who weren't the nicest or people who were very excited to meet me.

[@tuforu4]

so do you ever visit africa?>

[@TheAllen501]

It's an unexpected unbiased video. I agree with every single sentence you said in this video. Your interpretation in this video is very objective and not twisted at all.

[@Yok_Knnn]

I'm Chinese and I find you really beautiful! I really love your personality and your wisdom. Subscribed!

[@jemts5586]

I couldn't agree with you more! We need to get out there in greater numbers and give other countries positive experiences with our community. That's one way to change things.

[@farangpussyhead2057]

When an Asian taxi driver asks "Where are you from? ", He just wants to know how MUCH he can rip you off. Westerner = More Money !!

[@truezyf]

u r too smart to live here, now get off my car.

[@DB-115]

Exactly. I'm American & my brother's advice was to tell them you're from Jamaica. If you're in a larger city & you tell them you're American they're going to swindle you. I do recall being in a village & my bro told the driver we were American & he was so excited when my brother gave him a $1 bill.

[@springday5679]

China or no China, everywhere you go the tax drivers love to rip tourists off, even if you visit New York City, they will rip you off if they know you are a tourist. So stop being a racist.

[@Mutlap]

I always get the responses I need written in the native language. I have avoided problems this way.

[@whatreallymatters571]

love bags There as nothing racist about his statement. You idiot it's a known fact and we are talking about China.

[@Merelien]

I love how you explain about China and the advices you gave to others. I totally agree with you that China doesn't have enough black people there to learn about them. I will use myself as an example. Growing up in Hainan, I don't remember seeing black people. So when I first moved to Suriname ( a country in South America where the majority of the population was black) when I was 8 years old, that's when I first saw black people. Like what you said, China restricted a lot of news and information from other counties; therefore, what I knew about black people was what the elders told me, which was very negative. However, after going to school and made friends with black propel, I later learned that what I was being told was completely contradicting from my personal experience. Some would blame on media, but I think it's also because the media would only present hard news, which is usually very bad. I hope you had a great time in Haikou.

[@surearrow]

>>----------------------> Thank you for being a great American ambassador!

[@Iamtierrahogan]

surearrow thank you so much!

[@esayasaraya874]

beautifully articulated.......beautiful + articulate.......

[@essenceoflove1069]

You took the right approach not to be offended. If you truly love yourself and vibrate that love to others wherever you are, people are going to love you because YOU love you. You are a beautiful woman inside and outside. You represent black people quite well.

[@sonnyfinch1625]

@4:57 "I made a personal decision not to be offended." I love that. You are a great reminder that being offended is often a learned response! Everyone has the power to reframe their view of the world and most people do not insult others on purpose. That's very cool

[@Ophelia11]

Beautiful video! I'm contemplating giving up my current career to teach in China, and these sort of videos help with the decision making process. :) Also, I've learned that a bit of Mandarin goes a long way. Thank you! PS: You resemble Kerry Washington more than Beyonce or Kelly Roland - just as pretty!

[@wizzyli1119]

OMG!!! u are speaking the truth. chinese are not racism but just luck of kinda common sense sometimes. but good people!

[@i2harry]

weslin Li You mean lack of "American" common sense

[@wizzyli1119]

Half-Blind right. But we r improving in a amazing speed.

[@outlilei]

china opened it's gate to the world just decades ago .so most people sitll dont have the experience of living with foreigners. not like countries that opens to migrants.

[@fluffy.bishka]

Chinese are racist only towards other Asians lol

[@user-wx4ou9dh2d]

Bishka Bishka they racist to every race

[@Owleyes2019]

You girl have a beautiful soul. Hope you enjoy your time in China.

[@ryanyan3159]

You look sooo cute!!!! I wish I will meet girls like you when I go back to China. Many Chinese ppl like me who have undergone western culture understand racial difference. You just have to go talk to educated Chinese. China is not an immigrant country like the states, so it is not common to see people with different color skins. As you said, just because Chinese would make you feel awkward when they meet you, Chinese are not racists.

[@TheWinterShadow]

You have the qualities of a diplomat. Seriously. Someone gave me the same compliment and I took it to heart. I was a volunteer teacher in Honduras and several other countries and what I have discovered is that it comes down to attitude, intellect and courage. You have to be a representative(teacher and student). If you are going to a different country with the hopes that everybody is going to love you(or should love you) stay home. Its not realistic. Your heart and mind isn't prepared for it. Truth is. everyone do not have the mentality to work and live in another country. You can learn the language and culture but you more so have to learn to fully respect that culture, both its good and bad. That's what makes a good "diplomat", because you have to have the mindset of a diplomat, the ability to BALANCE...taking a negative and making it a positive. The most successful ones have that ability.

[@shinrips]

Beautiful-looks, brains and not afraid to speak(post). The complete package. You go girl.

[@terrencecheung2450]

I wish there are more people like you in this world!!

[@patrickpaganini]

me too

[@heavenholloway8319]

Hey! I just recently came back from China a few days ago as a school trip and I can relate to majority of what you said. I had an amazing experience me being a teenager going to China but I had difficulty understanding the culture at first. Everywhere my school went there were people (mainly adults) staring and taking pictures but I couldn't understand why that was okay. Also, in the grade schools the little kids would ask for our autographs which I found very strange but very flattering. There was a more pleasant reaction of our presence from children rather than from adults, and I slowly got used to it. I 100% agree with this whole video. It just takes learning the culture and accepting that the cultures of different countries can be different from your home. And taking offense to it isn't the best idea if you want to have a positive experience. I didn't really get to experience how it was for me personally ( me being African American) but I did get to feel how it felt that be a foreigner in China. Thank you so much for the positive video :)!

[@poolgoldworldwild2163]

Heaven Holloway that's some dope school trip

[@thexman159]

I went to visit 3 years ago. Nothing negative. A baby stared and pointed at me on the subway and a few younger people asked to take pictures with me but all in all a great cultural experience.

[@sekereterra]

Not in China, but I have many, many Chinese neighbors in my building. I'm currently teaching them to speak English, and to study for citizenship interviews. Most of the other Black people in this building, are verbally abusive, and don't get along well with them. That is mostly due to the difference in the cultures. You are absolutely correct about the way Chinese people examine Black people. When my students first got to know me, they began to touch and play with my dred locks. They seem fascinated with my hair more than my skin. They are very eager to expose me to as much of their culture as their understanding of America will allow. I'm frequently invited to dinner (they love to feed me), and I've learned to use chopstix. I feel kind of bad, though, that they truly want to be friends with me, but I have to admit that. because they are SO new to American culture, it's difficult to get close in the way they want. I've only been teaching them for four months...not long enough to understand how I should behave. Since they are new to this country, I try to be patient and civilized, but I'm almost sure I'm doing something offensive at times. Thank you for talking about your experiences. I might go the China someday.

[@stephysun]

Yay

[@jazzyjones6375]

I like that you decided to look at things positively and realistically vs getting very offensive and defense at every turn. Thank you for leaving a positive impression of Black Americans.

[@andersonandy5092]

I’m a black and I grew up in China, my childhood in China is so terrible and sad. I would never turn back to China again.

[@Texas80]

Great explanation of your experience. I'm black(African American/Nigerian) and my experience in China back in 2010 was positive. Made friends easily but got the stares and attention everywhere I went. Finally got used to it. people wanted to take pictures and come up to chat with me. I didn't see this behavior in Hong Kong or Macau but mainland China.

[@stacismith7960]

I really loved this video. I'm trying traveling to Shanghai and Hong Kong in August. It makes me feel good to hear this perspective. I'm going to go into it with the perspective that my experience will also be a learning experience for everyone I meet and vice versa! I'm going to Shanghai Disney too, I hope I don't get a bunch of kids saying Wow all day lol Thanks for this video!

[@gregoryeddy6100]

Some people don't know, never touch a blackwomans hair. LMAO

[@thiccdaddy9535]

Damn straight. People always have to learn the hard way...

[@DigitalAcid420]

Gregory Eddy right!! My mamma told me that one. Off top.

[@jlovesj3335]

Don't fuck up my retwist

@Gregory Eddy Even less people have touched a blacks "women private-hair"

[@babynyxe4784]

lol its a lot of work to do so if someone gets it messed up...😑😑😑

[@hammadtaalibdin7.gallery]

Your eyebrows are dope Sister!

[@ndiayej100]

I am SO impressed at your clear & concise communication of your maturation over time there. Keep enlightening yourself!! WE NEED A LOT MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!

[@belnachina]

Oh yeah... by the way... I'm 50% chinese but I was treated similar as you were, photos, stares, and stuff like that, so I know what you're talking about... like if I who look asian get this, i bet other more foreign looking people would get much more attention...

[@alexofori7312]

Isabel München

[@belnachina]

Àlex Ofori yes?

[@gangli49]

Appreciate ur good notes :D and I do think u even have a better insight than I do as Chinese myself

[@semco72057]

I have been to countries in Asia while in the military and some many times and found the culture in each one to be different than here in the United States. I spent two years in Thailand during the Vietnam War, and also spent time in Japan, The Philippines, and South Korea, but not China. First off I would not want to go to China because of my military service and would not want to be held hostage so that China could get someone freed here in this country. The other reason is that the remarks I heard from those living there is more negative than positive about the government, and many people there.

[@scouseandrew1]

Thank you for your video very interesting analysis of your experiences living in China. I am currently living in China and previously lived in Mexico and Jordan. I have experienced culture shock on different levels during my travels. Mexico was probably the most extreme for me until I learned the language and could converse with the people. It really was an education learning their ways and how they see things and it is helped me to be more reflective and less reactive when I went to Jordan and China teaching. I normally find the key is to stay calm, and also to read about social concepts that exist and colleagues to explain them. It can help develop conversation and understanding. I also during interactions relax and not to take offence when something out the ordinary happens. I tend to be self depreciating at my own lack of knowledge and laugh at myself which often helps others to calm down. I get on well with my Chinese and foreign colleagues, love the food and though I do find it a challenge making friends in China. I keep faith that I am not the only one in this situation and that normally you are placed in difficult circumstances to learn and grow.

[@ibrahimultimate404]

am also a black African currently in china so like some of the Chinese also have the ideology that there are also black americans when they ask me where i'm from I tell them ma country....... the moment the moment I tell em it's located in Africa they're just like don't wana talk to you anymore!!! ((there are also some black African folks here that claim to b americans becuz of their American accent and I really don't like the fact dat 1 you lied 2 it's like you're not proud of Africa ))some people always think that Africans are poor well even if you live in the poorest country in the world it doesn't really means that you're poor and it dosen't means your English is bad all these stuffs depends on the persons background !! there are also some who don't really care about your skin tone or nationality they just treat you like all other people

[@Happey67]

Africans are strange people.

[@liamkenzo3818]

ibrahim usman even if you are poor what is wrong with that... it is who you are and be proud of it.. I am African and I don't mind any ideology people have of where I come from.. I'm proud of it and I don't want to be anything else other than African.

[@kaspetto]

I think you said your from Hekou. I'm from dongying very close to you. I think the black and white experience here is both very similar. i like your attitude, keep up the great work

[@merncat3384]

you're very mature, intelligent and open-minded ♡

[@jeep1077]

Like everyone else has said on this comment thread, you are a smart and beautiful woman. I think your assessment is spot on and the way you handled yourself is the best way forward. As a white guy from America I also get lots of stares. Once you get away from the first tier cities people are not as used to foreigners so they are going to be curious. I have had strangers touch my nose because it is quite large. They have rubbed the hair on my arms. It is just curiosity. I get kids coming up to me all the time calling me a foreigner and laughing. It is all in good fun. As for Chinese being racist, my opinion is that most of them are. Ask them about their thoughts on races and intelligence. Ask them if they would allow their children to marry outside their race. That will make it clear to you that most are in fact racist. You can excuse it by saying that they are ignorant which is legit. But I think it is important to call it what it is.

[@JustOchi]

I'm looking forward to traveling to China and having my own experiences. Thank you for sharing yours and I love your growth. How wonderful is that. To be able to embrace your heritage, your African roots and then put it into perspective as an African American that shows the beauty of your education and journey.

[@allsmiles3281]

Loved this! Similar to my experience in Thailand.

[@kevintiostand]

Chinese people just don't get to see foreigners that much. They are not rude or offensive, basically foreigners are very new for them. They are just curious and try talking to you. You know, they are a little shy, just try talk to them a little bit when they look at you, they will be very polite.

[@georgiakyriacous6946]

If i am offended or if I think it is rude, then it is. Dont touch me without my permission. Dont take my picture without my permission. I am not an animal in a zoo. I would love for Chinese people to talk to me but they dont.

[@henryl6420]

You have an advantage over others because you are beautiful. In China just like everywhere, beautiful women have more opportunities to succeed.

[@InflamedBallz]

I like your attitude! You can choose how you want to respond to ignorance and whether you want to take it personally. Try to understand the other side. But instead we're being taught this mentality and culture in the west on university campuses that if someone is offended they're always the one that's correct. It doesn't matter what the intentions what the other person were.

[@xtallllala1275]

Proud of u girlly!!!!!! Have this courage to come to a place where there is little black or white ppl and have the patience to educated our arrogant ppl and being very very wise

[@peregrinenglish]

I've never been to China. But in the Republic of Georgia it was largely the same. I got the stares and silly questions. People would just grab me and want a picture with me. Most of the time the attention was innocent, sometimes it was racist or dangerous. But I ultimately learned what it was like to be objectified. They didn't care about getting to know me a person. They weren't interested in getting to know me and building a memory before asking for a picture. I became a walking landmark. I tried not to let it bother me but it did. By the time I left Georgia I was really paranoid. After a year I was so glad to leave.

[@rogerunderhill4267]

White Caucasian male. Similar experience. I'm from the UK and they ask me if I'm American! In your case you said most of the people in your area are from Africa so locals would know and naturally expect it. They all know America is full of awesome black basketball players and they watch movies I doubt they think Americans are all white. Great video by the way. Wise beyond your years. Being relaxed, understanding and open is essential to enjoying China. Just being tall was always a source of comment in my case and I just got used to smilingly throwing back 'you're short' and they get it and smile back. No malice detected, just awe or curiosity. I was in a village once and an old guy almost fell off his bike when he saw me! I laughed.

[@dentpulla]

saw commercial about laundry and now after seeing your video. i understand why things are the way they are. it's culture not racism. thank you

[@worldsstrongest2118]

Great and informative video. You're obviously a very smart and extremely understanding person

[@queerzie5844]

You've understand how to approach people, a recipe that works (almost) everywhere in the world. Being humble, polite, curious, understanding!

[@jsgehrke]

Hey there! from Tennessee. Proud of you.

[@learnpediatrics1018]

Kind of like being a brown person (East Indian) in rural Louisiana. Some people here never leave their hometowns, never been on a plane an live under a rock. The comments you hear at times really make you pause. I try to see myself as a window for them to the outside world. Through me , they can learn that people are just people and we are more similar than different

[@tlc1614]

I'm black and I've worked with Chinese people here in the state's and I would say.They don't like black people but then again most people don't. You have to love your self and what God has made you and appreciate that you are different.

[@acruzism]

Hey Lady, I really enjoyed this video. Many of your observations and reflections on how to deal with your personal growth while in China shows how strong minded you are. Thanks for the video.

[@easy8325]

African American man going to hong kong island next month and cant wait for the experience!

[@sugardaddi7]

Great video. I worked with Chinese people in the UK and what you said is true. You need to travel, discover and see the world. Too many people stay stuck in their little boxes.

[@cocohuya]

Very wise girl, the longer you stay, the more your may realize that they set their eyes on you just out of curiosity. they are friendly people !

[@diannechiomamoore9018]

wow you've really helped me a lot. I never been to China and it's on my bucket list to go there. Seeing your video help prepared me for this journey that otherwise wouldn't know what to think once I got there.

[@tandzilemngadi3045]

Why would you be offended if they think you’re African !?? Like it’s a bad thing to be African ? Huh ?

[@ddyeo503]

My last girlfriend was a black woman and I am a white man, and I just really loved her in my life. It didn't work out, but being with a black woman is a honor and a privilege, and I'm happy that I found that out with her. Your beautiful and don't ever forget that. I wish you the very best in your travels,,,,,,,,,,

[@Riddimsofcreation]

People around the world need to understand each others culture when this happens ignorance will slowly disapear

[@malku65]

I love your thoughts on this issue, you are a very sweet, beautiful and insightful.

[@eidolon737]

I applaud your maturity and insight Tierra. I think calmness and empathy will always yield better results in the face of ignorance. These are difficult things to follow more often than not however, I admire your strength. Subscribed!

[@pashazafar3490]

you are pretty.

[@businesssupport4185]

Travelling to Thailand soon, thank you so much for making this video

[@confidenceomozuwa1006]

You are so nice.. I wanna live in Japan and it'll be so fun to meet people totally different

[@davee2056]

Big props. I'm a white guy from Africa so I have to explain the colour of my skin daily.

[@SEdwards1000]

I see your video is two years old but I wanted to say your very well spoken. I live in Thailand and the situations are exactly the same for the same reasons. Even though, Thailand doesn't practice censorship most people have had little exposure to other races than their own. Thanks for explaining things so clearly.

[@strongforu]

I just found this video. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm going to Guangzhou to visit and this information will be very helpful.

[@Bertie22222]

My dad was in the Royal navy in the 1930's. He did some time in the far east. He had very blond hair and the Asians used to stare at him all the time.

[@kuroneko7022]

Honestly, the staring wouldn't bother me that much. All you have to do if you you see someone staring hard at you is turn your head and look away. You can't stop people from staring - they have eyes and they will stare. On the other hand, that touching shit is a big NO! If someone comes toward you and reaches out to touch you, you can always say NO very firmly and turn away - why let them touch your hair or body? I'd never think to touch a stranger's hair - don't know if it's dirty or not but I guess Chinese don't have a problem with that. I'm still not getting that taking a picture thing - what are they going to do with it??? smh

[@rudimental8917]

I don't know about media (online) because I always use Chinese streaming sites. When Key and Peele was airing, it was all over. I even watched "Black" films on youku etc. It's all accessible if you want to see it. In regards to the videos shared about Black people, other Chinese people purposefully choose "worldstarhiphop"-esque videos to upload.

[@asiam5762]

I think it depends on where in China you go. I get that many are ignorant of the fact that black people have been in America since before its inception. (Though they seem to love Kobe Bryant and know the Obama family). I understand the stares, and the sneaky pictures. But in the part of china I am in there is also a lot of hateful speech and behavior that goes beyond ignorance. It says something about how they feel about themselves. It one of the ugliest things I've ever experienced.

[@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw]

You're a great ambassador! You do look African.

[@MrPurgetank]

Thank you for your insight and understanding where you were. Your a very pleasant person.

[@hedwigmokake9501]

China isn't like America where there's all types of races in the area. So Chinese people aren't used to seeing people out of their race. it's not common

[@bigmantyrone1607]

When ever i meet Canadian or American on vacations (im European), they always say they are Irish/Swedish/Polish/German etc which i find funny because they don't even speak the language and never been in that county. I wonder why black people are ashamed of their origins? You found it offensive when they asked you if you are from Africa. I find it strange. You are beautiful and thank you for the video

[@Buddyboy776]

You made a good point. When I visited a remote area of the Philippines, the people asked me which European country I was from. People wanted to feel my arms and my boney nose. So what? It's funny and shows they want to know more about you.

[@IshtarNike]

The only difference I would say is that as a male you're more likely to get reactions based on fear. I really like how you handled yourself and came to a more positive outlook, to be honest I had a hard time doing that in the short time I was there but I'm looking to improve it the next time I go. I will say thought that understanding only goes so far for me. When people are cringing away from me I don't care what excuse you have, that's the height of ignorance and disrespect. Other than that I like China, LOVE the food!

[@PoptartKid]

A very nice review! I plan to go back to China soon once I graduate.

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Hi! Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed

[@DahlemDorf]

you are an angel queen super beauty id like to ask u out i get wet dreams just thinkin of u

[@theooriginal]

Wow! This is great! A very positive, but REAL perspective of how things are in China. Props!

[@Wickedhandpay]

Your video is beautiful. Thank you for educating all of us.

[@jasonlin2131]

My Wife is black. Am Chinese. Chinese are not as open as we thought in culture. Even we are opening gradually to outside in economics. I think how they think about blacks depends on educational leval. China is not a immigrant country. There is still long way to go to more diversity. Your views are very obejective.

[@TheGolfdaily]

Girl, you got it spot on. You should be very proud of your self!

[@padredemishijos12]

You are beautiful, polished and remarkably attractive. Would you date a Chinese person? Are you learning Chinese? Buddhism?

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Thank you so much. And I don't discriminate, when it comes to ethnicity, I would date a Chinese person if our lifestyles were compatible. However I am Christian so no Buddhism for me. I'm currently not learning Chinese but I wish I would have put more effort into trying while I was there. I know a little . Thank you for your comment '

[@Iamtierrahogan]

Thank you so much. And I don't discriminate, when it comes to ethnicity, I would date a Chinese person if our lifestyles were compatible. However I am Christian so no Buddhism for me. I'm currently not learning Chinese but I wish I would have put more effort into trying while I was there. I know a little . Thank you for your comment '

[@h7qi982]

I'm Chinese and you're pretty. I honestly could never get my eyebrows as clean as yours

[@ishecrishe]

What a great way of viewing it. I'm going there soon to meet my boyfriend's family and I'm so nervous about the reaction.