Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable surge in the global popularity of various aspects of East Asian culture, particularly within Western media. These cultural exports have captivated international audiences, from Korean skincare and K-dramas to K-pop sensations and the widespread appreciation of Japanese treats, influencing trends in fashion, entertainment, and cuisine. However, amidst this growing trend, certain Chinese cultural trends, despite their historical and cultural significance, are often misrepresented by the media.
Misattribution of Tanghulu: A Threat to Cultural Heritage
Among these trends is tanghulu, a beloved Chinese snack renowned for its tangy and indulgent sugar coating. Dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), tanghulu is traditionally made with Hawthorne berries, which have medicinal properties and are known for their distinct gourd-like shape. The berries are left to air-dry to form a delicate layer of crackly sugar. Since its inception, tanghulu has become an integral part of Chinese culture and continues to be enjoyed by many today.
Recently however, due to the increasing normalization of anti-Chinese sentiment, today, tanghulu is often misattributed and mislabelled as Korean or Japanese. This phenomenon, as stated by Rebecca Peng from The Daily Free Press, is a consequence of the negative stereotypes tied to Chinese culture and the greater appeal Korean and Japanese products possess to Western consumers. The misattribution of tanghulu underscores the normalization of anti-Chinese sentiment within Western ideologies. Efforts to highlight and celebrate tanghulu’s cultural significance can help preserve its heritage.
These circumstances are more apparent on social media in cases such as TikTok creators using #koreansnacks or #japanesesnack under their videos. In addition to news outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle labeling tanghulu as a Korean hard-candied fruit snack. This misidentification undermines tanghulu’s historial significance and disregards Chinese contributions.
Douyin Makeup: Prevalent Biases in the Beauty Industry
Similarly, in the beauty industry, Chinese contributions face challenges in recognition and attribution. Douyin makeup, a style originating from the thriving Chinese video-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, has seen a surge in popularity. Recognized as China’s leading video-sharing platform, it shares similarities with TikTok in its format and features.
Li Qin Tung, a web writer for douyin makeup, notes that the style has seen a rise in appeal due to its bold aesthetic, which can be achieved with minimal effort. She describes the makeup as featuring bright colors, exaggerated eyeliner wings, dramatic eyeshadow looks, and heavy contouring.
Despite the clear impact of douyin makeup artists, their contributions are frequently disregarded due to widespread biases and misconceptions about Chinese culture. Generally, Chinese trends receive significantly less exposure in Western media.
For instance, Flower Knows, a globally renowned Chinese beauty brand, is often mistakenly attributed to Korean or Japanese origin when discussed online. This brand has garnered acclaim for its exquisite packaging and meticulous design, captivating beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Flower Knows faces the challenge of being misidentified due to the broader visibility and influence of Korean and Japanese beauty brands in Western markets.
Furthermore, this obscures the brand’s heritage and perpetuates the misconception that high-quality cosmetics are solely produced by Korean or Japanese companies. As a result, Chinese brands encounter difficulties gaining recognition for their contributions to the beauty industry.
The misattribution of snacks such as tanghulu and makeup trends like douyin makeup trends underscore the ongoing issue of biases and the reappropriation of Chinese products in various industries today. While not all instances are deliberate, conducting enough research on cultural influences is imperative to avoid inadvertently perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Influencers, and media outlets have a significant role in promoting accurate representation. However, by acknowledging and celebrating the profound history behind Chinese contributions, consumers can foster an inclusive perception of our ever-evolving world.
