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China Elevator Stories

“I Think You’re Biracial”

I’m at a gym in Shenzhen, when a Chinese guy starts talking with me.

17/12/2013

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Ruth Silbermayr

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One day in August 2013, I’m at the gym. It’s a hot and sweltry evening. After only 15 minutes of working out, my head is red like a tomato. A guy in his 40s stops in front of me.

He says: “Your head is red like a tomato”, and laughs.
I answer: “It’s hot today, that’s why.”

He looks at my trainer and asks: “Is she Chinese?”
My trainer answers: “I’m not sure.”

I ask the guy: “Well what do you think? Am I Chinese?”
He answers: “I think you’re biracial (混血, literally mixed blood).”

Have you ever had a similar experience?

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