Chinese

but most of its ‘‘Mandarin Superstars’’ are not Chinese. They highlight things like bamboo crafts and ‘‘the food omg’’ when asked what they value about Chinese culture. What they apparently don’t see is the resilience of people who have suffered the intergenerational effects of imperial humiliation and violence, let alone the erasure of Chinese ethnic diversity. How much do these ‘‘superstars’’ understand about China’s enforcement of Mandarin at the expense of other dialects?

I’m tired of people seeing Chinese – language and people – as an economic commodity, used for turning a profit. If you want to be an ally, ask your Chinese friends about their family’s history, their struggles to build a new life in New Zealand, and where they see themselves fitting in a multicultural society. Posting a photo of your dumplings on Instagram probably won’t cut it. And for the love of je4 sou1 (Cantonese for Jesus) please stop saying ‘‘ni hao’’ when you want something.

This reporting role is public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air.