"What's the Difference from White People Mocking Asians?"... Chinese Chunje TV Show Sparks Another 'Black Discrimination' Controversy

On the 11th, participants dressed as African black people were dancing on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala broadcast.
[Photo by YouTube screenshot][Image source = Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Chinese state-run broadcaster is facing criticism for 'racial discrimination' after featuring dancers in blackface on a special program for the Lunar New Year (Chunje, 春節, Chinese New Year). The broadcaster had previously been criticized for a comedy that demeaned Black people using monkeys.

On the night of the 11th, CCTV's broadcast 'Chunwan' (春晩) featured performers dressed in African-style costumes with their skin painted black, dancing on stage.

As this aired, many across China criticized, saying "'Chunwan' has once again performed Blackface comedy." The Black Lives China group expressed their disappointment through social networking services (SNS), stating it was "very disappointing."

Another organization, China Caucus, also criticized, saying "As every year, blackface appeared again on Chunwan. Unfortunately, this annual tradition shows no signs of ending anytime soon." They added, "We hope the organizers will end this practice next year and directly hire the many Black people living in China."

According to Reuters, a Weibo user pointed out, "What is the difference between Chinese people dressing up as Black people and white people mocking Asians by slanting their eyes?"

A skit scene from the Chinese state-owned CCTV's Spring Festival TV show Chunwan (春晩) [AP=Yonhap News Agency][Image source = Yonhap News Agency]

The racial discrimination controversy surrounding 'Chunwan' is not the first, which has intensified the criticism. In 2018, CCTV also sparked major controversy when cast members appeared in African Blackface alongside monkeys in a comedy segment.

Meanwhile, the special show 'Chunwan,' which airs for about five hours on the eve of the Lunar New Year every year in China, is watched by over one billion people. Regional satellite broadcasters also relay CCTV's Chunwan. Notably, China is making significant efforts to expand its influence through massive investments in Africa, highlighting its relationship with Africa even in Lunar New Year programs.