Image copyright Youtube/CCTV Image caption By some estimates, the show is the most watched entertainment programme on earth
A skit on China's biggest Lunar New Year TV show has sparked widespread criticism and accusations of racism.
In a comedy routine celebrating Chinese-African ties an Asian actress appears in blackface and with exaggerated buttocks.
Using make-up to lampoon black people - a practice known as blackface - is seen by many as deeply offensive.
The annual state media variety show is hugely popular, and has up to 800 million viewers.
Some observers have pointed out that this sketch would not have been intended as offensive to Africans.
However, this is not the first time Chinese entertainment shows have caused controversy with their portrayals of other ethnicities.
Skip Twitter post by @iamHuizit CCTV’s racist show during Spring Gala shook me and made me so ashamed of China and my people. They literally had blackface on stage, had an African actor to play a monkey and a African actress yelling “I love China!” Racism is global y’all... — Huizit (@iamHuizit) February 16, 2018 Report
Skip Twitter post by @KTParthepan ugh the sketch on Africa during the @CCTV Spring Festival Gala (possibly the most watched show in the world) was cringeworthy at best, completely racist at worst. It's Africa, so bring out tribal dancers & animals? And was that a Chinese woman in blackface with a fake posterior? — Parthepan (@KTParthepan) February 15, 2018 Report
The controversial sketch was part of the four-hour CCTV New Year Gala - also known as the Spring Festival Gala - which aired on Thursday night. By some estimates, the show is the most watched entertainment programme on earth.
The skit begins with a routine by a group of African dancers in "tribal" attire and people dressed up as zebras, giraffes, lions and antelopes. This is followed by a comedy skit where a young black woman asks a Chinese man to pose as her husband when meeting her mother.
While the young woman is played by a black actor, her mother appears to be an Asian actor in blackface make-up, donning a traditional outfit complete with huge fake buttocks.
Image copyright Youtube/CCTV Image caption The African mother is played by a Chinese lady with extra buttocks added on
She walks on stage carrying a fruit plate on her head and is accompanied by what is thought to be have been a black actor in a monkey suit, carrying a basket on his back.
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The skit praises Chinese-African cooperation, showing how much Africans benefit from Chinese investment and how grateful they are to Beijing. At one stage, the character of the African mother exclaims how much she loves China.
China has over the past years stepped up investment into many African countries. The sketch was set around people working on the Nairobi-Mombasa railway project.
China's soft-power a work in progress
by John Sudworth, BBC News, Beijing
China's TV gala has become as much a part of the spring festival tradition as dumplings and lanterns. The gaudy sets, highly choreographed dance troupes and sentimental ballads serve as the background noise to hundreds of millions of private family reunions and provide the mass media glue that binds them all into a genuine national moment.
In recent years though there have been grumblings that the gala is taking on a more political tone and this year was no exception - with the whole event a kind of pageant to China's rising power and national rejuvenation.
The Africa skit was clearly meant to be part of this same vision and is, if nothing else, proof that art is rarely improved by a large dollop of propaganda. But what's particularly striking about the whole toe-curling spectacle is that it is also strangely at odds with China's own message.
Chinese investment in Africa is one of the defining economic stories of our time and it has been accompanied by a massive publicity drive.
Bristling at any suggestion that it is involved in neo-colonialism, China insists that it comes not to exploit, but in partnership with and for the mutual benefit of its African partners.
The sight then, of a Chinese actress in blackface, leading an African man dressed as a monkey around a stage as a way of celebrating a vital trading relationship on prime-time national TV, seems particularly ill-judged.
Simply naive and clumsy? Or a sign of something deeper? Either way it suggests China's soft-power project is still a work in progress.
Europe's racist history
The notion of blackface being racist is linked to the history of minstrel shows in the US and Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries where white actors would paint their skin black for condescending portrayals of black people.
In China, the vast majority of people have no experience of interacting with black people and are less aware of Europe's and the US' history of slavery and racism.
Image copyright Youtube/CCTV Image caption Celebrating Chinese-African ties?
Nonetheless, Chinese users on the country's biggest social media website Weibo have condemned the programme.
Comments included "it's full of racism," that "it makes me feel like I'm living in the last century," and that "we are going to lose face internationally".
Putting it into a larger context beyond the specific history of blackface, one user asks "if an American white person painted yellow, says I love the USA and recites some Trump quotes while pulling his eyes, how would you feel?"
Some Chinese articles criticising the annual gala on the eve of Lunar New Year, China's biggest holiday, have been blocked overnight, as have some critical comments on Chinese social media sites.
In 2016, a TV advertisement for a laundry detergent had caused widespread outrage for being racist.
The ad featured a black man with paint stains on his face who gets put into a washing machine by a young Chinese woman to later re-emerge as a fair-skinned Chinese man.
HAPPY Chinese New Year! One of the world's most colourful and exuberant events is here and is triggering celebrations across the globe.
Unlike our festivities, which always take place at midnight between December 31 and January 1, Chinese New Year varies each year – here's all the information you need...
EPA In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16
When is Chinese New Year 2018?
The 2018 Chinese New Year begins TODAY (Friday, February 16).
The celebrations will last for over two weeks – and if you fancy making a trip before the festivities end, read this guide for a first-timer's trip to China.
Chinese New Year takes place on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar.
New Year's Day normally falls between January 21 and February 20.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
The global celebrations are an explosion of light and sound, involving bell ringing, lighting firecrackers and watching traditional lion dances.
Chinese families gather together for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and clean their houses to sweep away bad fortune on New Year's Day.
Traditionally, kids would be given red envelopes stuffed with 'lucky money' and positive wishes on New Year's Day.
Some teens now have red envelope apps, so their relatives can transfer cash digitally.
Getty Images Chinese women celebrating the New Year in Glasgow in 2016
Which animal represents 2018?
2018 is the Year of the Dog.
The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, and those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as Dogs.
According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits.
Although each of the twelve animals gets an outing every dozen years, there are different varieties - and 2018 will be the first Year of the Earth Dog since 1958.
Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.
Getty Images A street celebration in Ankang, Shaanxi Province of China
Which Chinese zodiac animal am I?
The Chinese animal zodiac or shengxiao, which means 'born resembling', are arranged in a repeating cycle of 12 years.
The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and traditionally these animals were used to date the years.
However, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration, dictated by the lunar cycle, which can fall anytime between January 21 and February 20.
This year, for example, it will be celebrated on Friday, 16th February.
If you're feeling confused, calculate your zodiac sign here.
Which Chinese zodiac animal am I? Rat : 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960 Ox : 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961 Tiger : 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 Rabbit : 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 Dragon : 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 Snake : 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 Horse : 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966 Goat : 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 Monkey : 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968 Rooster : 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 Dog : 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958 Pig: 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959
How are the Chinese New Year animals decided?
The choice of animals is significant - the ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people.
While the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and monkey are all loved by the Chinese.
The animals were separated into two categories - yin and yang - depending on whether they have an odd or even number of claws, toes or hooves.
They were then arranged into an alternating yin and yang sequence.
It's a little-known fact that the zodiac animals can also be used to tell the time. Here's how the Chinese clock works:
The Chinese clock Rat : 11pm-1am
: 11pm-1am Ox : 1am-3am
: 1am-3am Tiger : 3am-5am
: 3am-5am Rabbit : 5am-7am
: 5am-7am Dragon : 7am-9am
: 7am-9am Snake : 9am-11am
: 9am-11am Horse : 11am-1pm
: 11am-1pm Goat : 1pm-3pm
: 1pm-3pm Monkey : 3pm-5pm
: 3pm-5pm Rooster : 5pm-7pm
: 5pm-7pm Dog : 7pm-9pm
: 7pm-9pm Pig: 9pm-11pm
What is the Chinese Zodiac story?
Legend has it that, back in the ancient days, the Jade Emperor ordered that animals would become part of the calendar and that the 12 who arrived first would be selected.
At the time, the cat and the rat were good friends. When they heard the news, the cat said to the rat: "We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late."
The rat promised to wake his pal up so they could go together but, because he was so excited, forgot and went alone.
On the way, the rat bumped into the tiger, ox, horse and other animals - who were all much faster than him.
He hatched a plan and convinced the ox to carry him on his back - on the condition that the rat sang throughout the journey.
The ox arrived first, but the rat sneaked in front of him and became the first lucky animal.
By the time the cat arrived, the selection was over - which is why the cat hates the rat and will always try to chase and kill him.
Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, China’s biggest holiday.
During this time, the world’s largest human migration will take place as hundreds of millions of Chinese people make their way home to celebrate with family. The holiday is also celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in Vietnam, South Korea and by people of Chinese decent all over the world including in the U.S.
Here’s what you need to know about the Chinese New Year.
When is the Chinese New Year?
This year, Chinese New Year begins on Friday, Feb. 16 and lasts until Sunday, Feb. 18. Officially, the holiday runs for three days, but unofficially it is celebrated over the course of two weeks. Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the exact dates change every year, but it usually occurs in late January or February, around the new moon closest to the beginning of spring.
What is the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is a centuries old festival that celebrates the new year according to the Chinese calendar. The holiday was born out the myth of Nian (also the Chinese word for “year”), a beast that would appear every New Year’s Eve and attack villagers. Legend has it that to scare away the beast, the villagers would put up red banners and explode firecrackers and bang drums.
Chinese New Year traditions vary across Chinese communities, but most celebrations involve fireworks, family reunions and feasts, and paying respects to one’s ancestors. The New Year is also a chance to prepare for good fortune and luck in the coming year.
Each year on the Chinese calendar is assigned an animal of the zodiac, which is repeated every 12 years. Last year was the Year of the Rooster and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 were also assigned Year of the Dog. Those born in these years are said to be loyal, honest, selfless, cautious, and prudent. But they are also meant to have poor communication skills, and can leave an impression of stubbornness. The numbers 3, 4, and 9 are considered lucky, as well as the colors red, green, and purple.
Some famous dogs include: Winston Churchill, Mother Theresa, Elvis Presley, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Steven Spielberg, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber.
What countries celebrate Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year celebrations are not limited to China. The Lunar New Year is celebrated all over the world. In East and Southeast Asia, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam put on festivities. During South Korea’s Lunar New Year, which is called “Seollal,” Koreans will don traditional garb call Hanbok and play a traditional board game called Yunnori. During Vietnam’s “Tet Nguyen Dan,” Vietnamese clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and eat banh chung, a sweet sticky rice. Traditions and customs vary by country, but across the board, the holiday centers on reuniting with family and honoring ancestors.
How can I wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year?
“Gong hei fat choy” is the most common Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese, which is spoken in parts of southern China and Hong Kong. It directly translates to “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.” In Mandarin, the same greeting is “gong xi fa cai” (pronounced gong she fa tsai).
There are a few other ways to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year.
In Mandarin, “Happy Chinese New Year” is “xin nian kuai le” (pronounced shin nee-an kwai le), which is a formal greeting typically used for strangers and means “New Year happiness.” A shortened version is “xin nian hao” (pronounced shin nee-an how) is more often used for friends and family. “Guo nian hao” (pronounced gor nee-an how) is also used as a New Year greeting and means “pass the New Year well.”
Chinese new year begins today and this weekend London, like cities across the west, will be hosting a series of colourful events in and around Chinatown, a veritable carnival of “lively parades, martial arts displays and immersive family experiences” to welcome the year of the dog.
But while Londoners enjoy immersing themselves in lion dances or playing dress-up in traditional Han costumes, Chinese tourists hitting the capital are indulging in a different kind of new year tradition: shopping on Oxford Street.
The West End of London is expecting a flurry of visitors over the next fortnight as China’s national holiday starts. Some forecasts based on flight bookings suggest visitor numbers may even double.
For well-to-do urbanites, travelling beyond Asia has become a key aspiration. So it pays – literally – to be hospitable to the Chinese, if only as a thank you for spending on average three times as much as tourists from other countries.
Burberry UK sales slump as Chinese shopping spree ends Read more
But the celebrations featuring dancing lions that many Brits grew up seeing, and the cries of “kung hei fat choy”, will fail to resonate with many Chinese onlookers. As someone who spent her childhood in Beijing and the last four spring festivals in China, I don’t recall ever seeing a lion dance outside the UK. Nor do I understand “kung hei fat choy”, a Cantonese phrase that I’m told means happy new year.
Partly, it’s just that in a competition between their own traditions and a Burberry trench coat, the latter increasingly wins out. And partly it’s that the traditions tourists see when they get here don’t have an awful lot to do with them.
The dancing lions at the parade this weekend are a southern Chinese tradition, made iconic by the Cantonese diaspora that, until a decade ago, was the dominant Chinese presence in the UK. But the students and tourists of today are primarily from non-Cantonese speaking regions – “mainlanders” whose first language is Mandarin. In the central and northern provinces of China, you are more likely to see a child in plaits and a red outfit dancing than a dragon or lion propped up by grown men.
As travel becomes the norm for China’s middle class, Britain will need to shift its perception of Chinese culture
In any case, visitors hitting the shops this weekend might not be the strictest adherents to tradition, given that it’s considered somewhat sacrilegious to spend the start of the new year away from elders. But for the younger generation of urban Chinese who can’t wait to get away quick enough, such formalities may be worth dispensing with to avoid the outbound rush.
“I’m at the airport transferring to Madrid,” a 24-year-old family friend replied when I asked what she was up to a few days ago on WeChat (the superior alternative to WhatsApp). She and her mother are travelling, as they have done for the last two new years. It’s already become a bit of a tradition, she tells me.
Thankfully, not every Chinese traveller is neglecting their filial duties – the peak travel period remains the days after New Year’s Day, once family commitments are out of the way. And domestic and international travel is soaring. One article from the People’s Daily called the need for people to travel during the spring festival “a rigid demand”.
Which is why Bicester Village, a luxury goods outlet in Oxfordshire, is likely to see a surge in shoppers in the coming week. A haven of discounted brands, Bicester’s popularity with the Chinese is partly what makes it the second-most visited attraction in the UK, with 6.2 million visitors, topped only by the British Museum, with 6.24 million.
Bicester Village: top UK tourist attraction and shopping Shangri-la Read more
While the trend for travel is mostly down to increasing wealth, it’s also been attributed to a sense of loss. On social media, users bemoan the lack of “festive atmosphere” in celebrations at home, which makes going away more appealing. Foods that were once considered seasonal delicacies are available all year round; combined with widespread bans on fireworks, it seems the new year has lost some of its sheen.
As the trend towards international travel becomes the norm for China’s middle class, Britain will need to shift its perception of Chinese culture just as quickly, especially since other countries are already doing it better. The People’s Daily praised Paris for brewing a rich new year “flavour” with its planned art and heritage performances. London needs to offer more than antiquated traditions and Burberry overcoats, while also learning to wish its visitors “Xīn nián kuài lè”.
• Yuan Ren is a former editor at Time Out Beijing
