A Dutch children’s book has created an uproar within the Chinese community of the Netherlands, which criticizes discriminatory and negative stereotypes due to a section.
The book, “My Birthday City,” a memorial publication marking the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, which was distributed to about 30,000 primary school students.
Its purpose was to celebrate the openness and diversity of the Dutch capital. However, it has a “Duvenboard” game, inspired by Classic Snakes and Laders Board Games.
Players landing at Square 42 of Dutch Game are instructed: “Ni Hao! Chinese tourists are blocking bike lanes. To avoid them, go back to Square 39.”
Members of the Chinese-Dutch community say it strengthens negative racial stereotypes and Chinese depicts people as a public disturbance. Critics stated that Chinese people are the only group single with a negative meaning in the book.
-Hui PAN, on the anti-discrimination activist, described it as “racism in children’s language … distributed by the city”.
“What do you think for most people a joke is a slap for me – and for many other Asian Amsterdamers. This is not an innocent phrase.”
United against anti-Asian racism
The dispute inspired around 100 members and supporters of the Chinese community to gather in front of the City Hall in Amsterdam on 5 June, to oppose the Esty-Asian racism.
The 35 -year -old IT engineer, Wei Kaiu, who helped organize the performance, stated that it was started protesting for the first time by the first generation Chinese immigrants, such as.
“We want to use this method to unite each one and make their voice loud,” Wei told DW.
He said that the official cooperation of the book with Amsterdam, its classification as literature, and the ability to influence many young minds ignited the strong sentiments in the Dutch community of China.
“If you use this format to produce children who discriminate against Chinese, Asian or others, they can just be a joke, what kind of people grow up?”
The use of “Ni Hao” (“Hello” in Chinese) has made some people feel uncomfortable. Although originally a friendly greeting, Chinese phrases, together with its Japanese and Korean counterparts, are often used in Europe with East Asian backdrops.
“Ni Hao” is a punchline of catcolling, “Activist Pan told DW. “This is an aggressive way to contact someone and show it that ‘I am allowed to do you so.”
The phrase “Go back to Square 39” so touched a nerve.
In 2013, Gordon Heconoth, a judge of the popular Dutch television show “Holland Got Talent” made fun of a Chinese contestant before his audition, asked: “Which number are you singing – number 39 with rice?”
There were other derogatory comments after the Chinese student’s performance, which targets their racial background and from other judges Snigars, who instigated resentment and hecaroth were fired.
Social media fuel awareness innings
In the case of children’s literature, social media – special Chinese platforms, Vichats and Radnotes – have played an important role in raising the Chinese community and raising their voices.
Huang Qian, an assistant professor in media studies at the University of Groningan in the Netherlands, said that the algorithm of Rednote helps in the content spread beyond the individual network.
He said that this incident also shows the change of how the Chinese community addresses racism.
“Nowadays, members of the Chinese community in the Netherlands are more conceptual for especially young students. They have knowledge and anti-racism terminology to discuss it and dare to speak in Dutch,” Huang told DW.
There are about 100,000 people from the Chinese dynasty living in the Netherlands, including thousands of students from China.
Last year, a study commissioned by the Dutch government found one of every two Dutch people with a Chinese background. Experienced discrimination,
Amsterdam Mayor responded to backlash
As a debate around “My Birthday City”, Amsterdam’s Mayor Fame Hasma, Amsterdam Association of School Boards, and the book publisher met with representatives of the Asian community of Dutch City.
Halsema called the lesson “unfortunate and uncomfortable”.
“This is a moment when many Chinese and other Asians are drawing a line in Amsterdam,” said Halsema. “Many have a long -term discrimination and want to make it clear that it is unacceptable. And I agree with the subject.”
Responding to the request of DW for comment through email, a spokesman of the publisher expressed “deep regret” for the loss and said that the mention of number 39 was a coincidence.
The publisher said it would distribute stickers to children who obtained the book to fix the offing material, and expected the incident “Chinese Dutch leads more and more of discrimination against people.”
Edited by: Keith Walker
