5 replies to this topic

[General_Zhaoyun]

We probably know the derogatory term banana-man (Yellow on the outside, White on the inside). But after surfing the net recently, I come across this term "Mangoman" (芒果人). Needless to say, it means "yellow on the outside, yellow on the inside". It generally refers to Overseas Chinese who either have maintained their Chinese language/culture or those Overseas Chinese who have re-sinicized themselves while accepting western influence.

There is a Chinese article about it at
http://baike.baidu.com/view/292956.htm

It seems to originate from Chinese American communities, when Chinese schools are established there. A combination of western and Chinese culture. And it seems that there are already some Chinese Americans who are changing from "bananaman" to "mangoman".

What do you think?

[mrclub]

This is a new term. Probably in the future it might take over the position of "Banana-Man"

[William O'Chee]

I think all such terms are to be avoided.

They are frequently used in a patronising way toward overseas Chinese in places where the Chinese community is a minority, by those in places like the Mainland, HK, Taiwan and so on.

The inference is often that overseas Chinese are somehow less "Chinese" because they live their lives differently. Of course, not only does this ignore the fact that overseas Chinese communities have proved better preservers of traditional Chinese culture throughout the 20th century than those on the Mainland, but this also ignores the difficulties of preserving a minority culture in a predominantly alien society.

[General_Zhaoyun]

I think all such terms are to be avoided.

They are frequently used in a patronising way toward overseas Chinese in places where the Chinese community is a minority, by those in places like the Mainland, HK, Taiwan and so on.

The inference is often that overseas Chinese are somehow less "Chinese" because they live their lives differently. Of course, not only does this ignore the fact that overseas Chinese communities have proved better preservers of traditional Chinese culture throughout the 20th century than those on the Mainland, but this also ignores the difficulties of preserving a minority culture in a predominantly alien society.

I agree that both terms should be avoided. Apparently, there existed some form of bigotry or discrimination even within various subgroups of Chinese American communities.

This article from Baidu is quite sino-centric in its outlook towards Overseas Chinese, and tends to assume that "ALL" Overseas Chinese should be like the Chinese communities in mainland China, Taiwan, HK, whereas in fact, they are all different in terms of culture, language assimilation and outlooks.

Even within Greater China, there exist differences between mainland Chinese, Hongkongers and Taiwanese.

IMO, the overseas Chinese studies in mainland China is particularly lacking. A better center for researching overseas Chinese is Singapore's Chinese heritage center.

[bloodmerchant]

I've never heard of the term until recently, but I do have to say that 'Mangomen' are becoming increasingly common in the US, particularly in the West Coast. Those in the East Coast are still for the most part, 'Bananas'. I guess that my adherence and protectionism towards my heritage and ancestral language does make me a 'mangoman' in a way. I find it distasteful to use both of those terms.

[Jeff_R]

when did those terms become popular?