recently watched two films of Michelle Yeoh , " " and " Crazy Rich Asians ". Both films focus on the same group - overseas Chinese, and without exception, they discuss the inheritance of Chinese culture and the integration with other cultures in a high-profile manner.
On the occasion of the National Day, when the hymn of the main theme resounds throughout the land of China, we will talk about the overseas Chinese community and our common culture - the pan-Chinese culture. Political concept. Anyone who has Chinese blood in their blood and identifies with Chinese culture psychologically, no matter if you are Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean, American or Italian. It doesn't matter if you are Han , Manchu , Hui or Gaoshan , Lisu . Or they are already mixed Chinese and foreign, they can no longer speak Chinese, etc., but as long as they have Chinese genes in their bodies and identify with Chinese culture in their hearts, they can be Chinese. The old traditions they retained, or the new cultures that collided and merged with other cultures, is the pan-Chinese culture.
Michelle Yeoh is a particularly typical example. Born into a wealthy Chinese family in Malaysia, she became famous in Hong Kong and later broke into a world in the United States. She has always been very identified with her Chinese identity, especially in Hollywood , she has made many films such as " Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ", "All Universe" and "Crazy Rich Asians" to promote Chinese culture.
The first time I felt the tenacity and respectability of this culture was on a plane to Italy. Before boarding the plane, I thought that most of the Chinese people on the plane should be about my age, young people traveling or studying abroad. However, to my surprise, most of the planes were workers in their 40s and 50s. Only later did I know that there are a large number of Chinese living in Italy who make a living by making clothes, luxury goods and handicrafts, and even the Made in Italy, which is world-renowned in the luxury industry, has basically come from the hands of the Chinese. The stories of
are different, some came in their teens, some came together as a couple, and some went to their relatives, but their stories all have a main theme, that is "tough" .
Most of them came with nothing. No capital, no education, language barriers, cultural differences, and some even have no legal identity... They have to face all the difficulties, and the only thing they can rely on is their excellent character as a Chinese - tenacity. I have endured being unaccustomed to eating, I have endured being uncomfortable, I have endured loneliness and helplessness, I have endured hard work, and have endured unequal pay for equal work. Their forbearance is only to be able to stay and earn money and send them back to their relatives in their hometown. They have taken root in a foreign country from generation to generation, and let the faint fragrance of jasmine float around the world.
Every time I recall their stories, I will be excited. I think this is the most precious wealth flowing in the blood of the Chinese nation. The people I met later in Southeast Asia made me feel the inner complexity of this group even more.
It was also a few years ago. When the author was traveling in Malacca, Malaysia, he was very anxious because he couldn't find the way to the museum and was in a hurry. At this time, a young boy who looked like a Chinese took the initiative to ask us what was wrong, and took us to the entrance of the museum. Finally, when we parted, we thanked him and he asked, are you Chinese? We say yes. He patted his chest again and said proudly: I am a Malaysian Chinese, so glad to meet you!
At that moment, a strong sense of national identity touched me deeply. It is a feeling of intimacy that is not bound by nationality, spans tens of millions of kilometers, and travels tens or even hundreds of years. Make me deeply proud of the Huaxia genes flowing in my blood!
I have also encountered many similar stories, which happened in front of a small hotel in Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown, on a cruise ship in Singapore... It can be said that there are thousands of Chinese all over the world.After leaving their hometown, some have regarded a foreign country as their hometown. But many of them still haven't forgotten where their roots are. and their children will still point to a plate of dumplings and proudly introduce to their classmates: This is our traditional food.
Of course, the reality is not so perfect. Regrettably, some overseas Chinese have lost their sense of identity as Chinese in their hearts due to various reasons. Overseas Chinese have also experienced many acts of racial discrimination, exclusion, and even targeted massacres. What is even more sad is the exclusionary attitude and offensive remarks of a small number of Chinese people online towards overseas Chinese.
But these highlight the value of those who stick to it.
They make Chinese culture lively and interesting.
in China, we should cherish this sense of identity even more. No matter which side encounters difficulties, we should encourage each other and overcome difficulties together, because we are a family connected by blood!
