Recently, I watched videos of an American couple traveling in China to practice listening to English. Their language and perspectives are always very interesting. However, in one of their latest videos, they claimed that we wear sun-protection masks because we want fair skin to look like superior white-collar workers. I have to say, this stereotype is too shallow and misses the real cultural and scientific reasons.
First, Chinese people have unique sun-protection methods, such as umbrellas, face masks, and arm sleeves. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), strong sunlight is considered a “heat toxin.” TCM teaches us to balance our body’s energy. We need some sun to stay healthy, but we must avoid the scorching heat to protect our skin and maintain our body’s balance.
Second, it’s about science, not social class. Many parts of China experience extremely strong sunlight. For example, the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, where the couple was traveling, has a very high UV index. Also, our skin is prone to developing dark spots. Wearing hats and UV masks is simply a smart, practical way to protect our skin from long-term damage.
Third, let’s talk about culture. The vloggers misunderstood Chinese history. In traditional Chinese opera, white faces actually represent cunning and treacherous villains – not superior people. The ancient Chinese did appreciate smooth, fair skin, but that was more a sign of a healthy, indoor lifestyle than a means of showing off social class.
In short, Chinese sun protection is about TCM, health, environmental conditions, and traditional wisdom – not about trying to look superior. This video reminded me that we should never judge other cultures based on old stereotypes or one-sided statements.
PS:
I drank too much coffee today and couldn’t fall asleep, so I came here to write something. And I even captured a video of my betta fish, Little Orange, in case old friends miss it. The video has not yet been fully uploaded. I’ll show you guys tomorrow.