Ching chong is a term that has historically been used as a derogatory slur aimed at individuals of Asian communities, especially against people of Chinese descent. This phrase is often employed to mock the phonetics of Chinese languages and embodies a legacy of racial stereotyping and discrimination that persists in contemporary society.
What is Ching Chong?
Ching chong is an ethnic slur that derogatorily mimics the phonetics of the Chinese language and primarily targets individuals of Chinese descent and East Asia in general. Its usage is rooted in a long history of racial stereotyping and discrimination against East Asians, particularly in the Western context.
The term “ching chong” emerged in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, coinciding with increased immigration from China to Western countries, especially the United States. It was often employed mockingly to imitate Chinese speech and demean individuals of Chinese heritage.
Mary Paik Lee, a Korean immigrant, recounted in her autobiography, Quiet Odyssey, how she was subjected to chants of “Ching Chong, Chinaman” during her first day of school in San Francisco in 1906. Such derogatory expressions were not merely linguistic; they often accompanied physical intimidation and violence against East Asians.
The phrase “ching chong” is an onomatopoeic mimicry that attempts to replicate the sounds of Mandarin and Cantonese. It is used to evoke a sense of ‘otherness’ associated with Asian languages, which are often perceived as exotic or unintelligible by non-speakers. This mimicry is not only linguistically inaccurate but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about Asian people being foreign or unassimilable.
The term has sparked various responses from advocacy groups and individuals. Many have called for greater awareness and sensitivity regarding the use of racially charged language. Efforts to combat the use of “ching chong” include educational campaigns aimed at highlighting the harm of such slurs and promoting more respectful representations of Asian cultures in media and public discourse.
Additionally, some scholars have examined the linguistic implications of the term, exploring how it reflects broader ideologies of race and language. Strategies for addressing the term’s usage include contextualization, euphemism and satire, which aim to raise awareness about the impacts of racist language while also fostering dialogue about race and identity.
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Various incidents over the years
1. Shaquille O’Neal (2002)
In December 2002, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal made headlines for his comments directed at fellow player, Yao Ming, during an interview on Fox Sports Net. O’Neal quipped, “Tell Yao Ming, ‘Ching chong yang, wah, ah soh,'” while mimicking a mock Chinese accent.
This remark drew significant criticism, with many accusing him of perpetuating racial stereotypes. O’Neal later claimed it was intended as locker-room humour and expressed no intent to offend. Yao Ming, who had idolised O’Neal, responded diplomatically, acknowledging cultural differences and suggesting that many might not find the joke amusing. O’Neal’s father also admonished him, insisting he shows more respect to Yao, which led to O’Neal publicly apologising and even learning to say “I’m sorry” in Mandarin to convey his remorse properly.
2. Dave Dameshek (2006)
In January 2006, comedian Dave Dameshek created a parody segment on The Adam Carolla Show that used the phrase “ching chong” to mock the Asian Excellence Awards. This portrayal was met with outrage from several Asian American organisations, which threatened to withdraw advertising support unless an apology was issued. The backlash prompted Carolla to read a brief apology on air. The incident highlighted the fine line between humour and racism, with Guy Aoki from the Media Action Network for Asian Americans equating the term to the racial slur “nigger”.
3. Rosie O’Donnell on The View (2006)
In December 2006, Rosie O’Donnell, a co-host of The View, used the phrase while imitating Chinese newscasters discussing Danny DeVito’s drunken appearance on the show. Her comments included a series of “ching chongs”, which sparked an immediate backlash from the Asian American community.
The Asian American Journalists Association condemned her remarks as perpetuating harmful stereotypes. O’Donnell later issued an apology, claiming she was unaware of the term’s offensiveness, although many commentators viewed her apology as insufficient.
4. Rush Limbaugh (2011)
In 2011, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh faced criticism for mocking the Chinese President, Hu Jintao, by imitating his speech with “ching chong” sounds. This incident drew a sharp rebuke from political figures and civil rights advocates, who argued that such remarks echoed a long history of racial discrimination against Asian Americans. Limbaugh’s comments were labelled as classless and calls for an apology ensued.
5. UCLA Student Incident (2011)
In March 2011, Alexandra Wallace, a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) student, posted a YouTube video ranting about Asian students in the library, using “ching chong” to mimic their speech. The video was met with widespread outrage, especially as it coincided with the aftermath of the Japan tsunami. Wallace faced significant backlash, leading to her public apology and withdrawal from the university.
6. Lil Pump (2018)
In December 2018, an American rapper, Lil Pump, faced criticism for using the term in a teaser for his single “Butterfly Doors”. The lyrics included the phrase “They call me Yao Ming ’cause my eyes real low,” accompanied by him slanting his eyes. Several Asian and Asian-American artists, including China Mac and Awkwafina, condemned his actions. Following the backlash, Lil Pump apologised and edited the offensive lyrics from the official music video.
7. Political Remarks by Bettie Cook Scott (2018)
In a controversial statement, Michigan state representative, Bettie Cook Scott, referred to her opponent using the term “ching-chong”. This remark led to public outrage and calls for accountability, ultimately affecting her electoral prospects.
8. Carlo “Kuku” Palad (2019)
Filipino Dota 2 player, Carlo “Kuku” Palad, was banned from attending the Chongqing Major after using “ching chong” during a live match against Chinese players. This incident followed a similar event involving another Filipino player, Andrei “Skemberlu” Ong, who had used the term in a previous match. Despite Kuku’s apology, the ban remained in place.
9. Jimmy Hartwig (2022)
In November 2022, former German footballer, Jimmy Hartwig, faced backlash after using the term during commentary about the Japan national football team for WELT-TV during the FIFA World Cup. The management company removed the video from YouTube and Hartwig issued an apology on Instagram.
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Why people say Ching Chong
1. Ignorance and Lack of Awareness
Many people may not understand the historical context and the offensive nature of the term. They might use it without realizing it perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
2. Cultural Stereotyping
Some individuals resort to using “ching chong” as a way to stereotype Asians, reducing a diverse group of people to a simplistic and mocking caricature.
3. Peer Influence
In social settings, individuals may use the term to fit in with a group or to gain approval from peers, often without considering the impact of their words.
4. Desire for Humour
Some might use the term in an attempt to be humorous, believing that mimicking an accent or language is funny.
5. Racial Prejudice
Some people use the term as a manifestation of their own racial biases or prejudices, intending to demean or belittle individuals of Asian descent.
6. Media Influence
The portrayal of Asian characters in movies, television shows, and other media can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes, leading individuals to mimic these portrayals without understanding their harmful implications.
7. Historical Context
The term has roots in historical discrimination against Asian immigrants, and some individuals may invoke it as a way to express outdated or prejudiced views.
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