Peace.Love.Asian Round Two

Often times when an individual makes a public accomplishment, it is a statement for all of his people. Joe Louis's wrestling victory was a defining moment for African Americans across the country, but this concept of racial pride does not end with the black community.

For as long as I could remember, the Olympic games called for automatic "Go China" mode in the Chen household. Every time the Games came around, my parents would never fail to turn on the TV for China's strongest sports, primarily gymnastics, diving, and lifting. Just as Angelou's "race groaned" (para. 16) in reaction to Louis's mishaps, it has become customary to scream "AIYA" at every fault of the Chinese, and to openly (and often quite racist-ly) denounce the skills of all opposing countries' contenders (including Americans.) According to my parents, the Chinese gymnasts were always prettier, the Chinese divers were always slimmer, and the Chinese lifters were always the most muscular (yes, they actually say that.) Somehow, it doesn't seem to matter that my dad can scarcely run 100 feet or that my mom can't even do one push-up. If Chinese athletes can harvest scores of Olympic gold medals, then by some mysterious twisted logic, my family becomes world renowned athletes as well. The sight of this screen prompts lengthy "aren't Chinese people just so exceptional" lectures -

and the sight of this one calls for "Americans think they're so good but they actually suck" rants for days. I mean, what kind of Chinese person can live with being second best?

Sometimes it just seems outright ridiculous, but when I see that smiling Chinese athlete standing on the top podium, Chinese national anthem blasting and noble red flag rising on the screen, I understand.