Racist “Air China” Magazine Warns of London’s Ethnic Minorities

by Kurt

echinawire.com

The most racist inflight magazine ever?

A magazine called the “Wings of China” provided to passengers on Air China flights to London has come under fire after a passage warned Chinese travelers about going to certain areas of London.  

Haze Fan Twitter

"Wings of China" is a typical inflight magazine, outlining the tourist destinations in London as well as going over the various types of hats that Londoners like to wear.  But one passage caught the eye of Chinese journalist Haze Fan. 

Under the heading “Tips from Air China” the magazine warned of the dangers when traveling in areas of London with large populations of ethnic minorities.  

"London is generally a safe place to travel, however precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people. We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when traveling.”

Haze Fan Twitter

After reading the magazine Haze Fan tweeted the picture, asking what Sadiq Kahn, the newly elected mayor of London, thought of the “advice”.   Kahn was the first ethnic minority and first muslim ever to be elected mayor of London.  

Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn

While the mayor did not respond, Rosena Allin-Khan, a MP from the Tooting district in London, had some choice words about the magazine.  

She said that “I think it is offensive to all Londoners, not just the ethnic minorities mentioned. We pride ourselves on having a wonderfully diverse community, and this may mean people come here with a different idea, it is worrying that some may arrive concerned. I am going to be writing to the Chinese Ambassador to invite him to visit Tooting in London, where all races live side by side. Then they can see how we live and our wonderfully diverse community.”

MP Rosena Allin-Khan

This controversy comes after the international firestorm that was “the most racist commercial ever” laundry detergent ad earlier this year. 

"The most racist commercial ever"

While these scandals could probably be chalked up to ignorance rather than actual racism, if China wishes to gain further prominence on the world stage it should probably work on updating its views on race and gender.  

Haze Fan's article: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/07/air-chinas-safety-tips-for-london-visitors-may-raise-eyebrows.html

ShopWire and Shop在线 :

A convenient way for foreigners and Chinese people to buy real foreign imported products while living in China.  Sign up by scanning the qr code below to get started, and stay with ShopWire as we expand our product line.  You can use either WeChat wallet or Paypal to purchase our products!  Sign up for ShopWire for English service and Shop在线 for Chinese service.

Scan the QR code, search for Shop在线 or visit www.shopwire.cn to use our Chinese service. 

"Shop在线"是ChinaWire的中文微信商城提供中文服务,网址www.shopwire.cn