Apparently I don’t look adventurous

Racism

/ˈreɪsɪz(ə)m/

the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities

-Oxford Languages

“Wow. I didn’t expect you to be so bada**! You don’t look like it at all!”

“I thought you’d be one of those Chinese tourists!”

Those comments usually come from a person who is earnest and honest in their admiration of my travel experience. I’m always struggling to choose between being appreciative or totally offended. They are backhanded compliments at best. Mostly it’s a put-down because no matter what, people still expect little from me.

Those comments, although maybe from good intentions – can actually be racist by some people’s definitions. They are perhaps cruel reminders of the stereotypes society has on Asian people (especially women).

A quick recap of my story

I’m a 23-year-old who was born and raised in Hong Kong. I left Hong Kong at 18 and have been working and traveling around the world since. I have gone on some pretty crazy adventures, such as hitchhiking alone from Iran to France, renting a donkey, and walking for 19 days in Afghanistan. (more here)

Everything I say here is just my opinion. I’m not an expert on racial issues or anything related.

The Asian Tourist

Life as an Asian traveler is sometimes a constant struggle with racial stereotyping and discrimination.

One of the most invisible forms of racial stereotyping is when people assume Asian travelers are not adventurous.

This assumption gives Asian people social and economic disadvantages. To say the least.

Economic disadvantages:

When society associates Asian travelers with being undesirable, brands often don’t choose Asian representatives. Asian travel bloggers/ content creators, receive fewer opportunities. Hence, less recognition from society.

Did you know that Asian Americans are the least likely group in the U.S. to be promoted to management and executive levels? (According to Harvard Business Review)

Why did I bring this up?

Because the assumption that Asians are not adventurous is a more serious problem than it sounds.

What’s the opposite of adventurous?

unadventurous: adj. not offering, involving, or eager for new or stimulating things. - Oxford Languages

Does the definition describe someone you’d see in an executive position?

Therefore, when people unconsciously believe Asians are usually unadventurous, it may also mean they believe Asians are not worthy of a leadership position.

What’s socializing like for me (and other Asian travelers I know)

Call me biased or whatever, but with years of solo traveling experience, I’m confident to say that I see the pattern that Asian travelers tend to receive fewer social opportunities.

In social events for travelers, people often assume I’m the boring tourist with the least exciting stories to tell. I have observed hundreds of times, how people usually only ask Caucasians to share their stories. Meanwhile, I’m often asked about where I’m from, not where I have been. My race is the most interesting thing about me.

Is it still racism if it’s unintentional?

Well, in my honest opinion, the harsh answer is - Yes, the same reason why casual racism is racism. As the NZ Human Rights Commission says, “Racism starts small. Sometimes it lives in everyday actions and comments that we laugh off, nod in agreement to, excuse, and therefore accept.”

It is not okay to assume that Asian travelers are inferior travelers, even if it’s just in your subconscious. It’s up to you to become aware of it and unlearn it. I personally believe a person’s subconscious behavior could be racist.

Don’t worry. I have had my fair share of unlearning to do, and still a lot more to do. I can’t judge you or call you racist if you do something as innocent as giving one of those back-handed compliments I mentioned before. I have no business in doing that. You are here and listening to my views. Thank you for that. Let’s all listen to each other and see how we could make the world a tiny bit better - one little step at a time.

Hitchhiking in Turkey one afternoon with some Asian travelers I just met. Second left, he’s cycling alone around the world.

“it’s because there really aren’t many Asian adventurous travelers!”

There are tones. Besides, I wonder where this assumption is coming from?

There are also many adventurous Asians who blog in English. They just never reach your feed.

I don’t blame you though! It’s just how our media and algorithm works.

I once stumbled across an Asian travel blogger’s Instagram page with a massive following, and guess what? She has blonde hair, and often poses with her back towards the camera. (She figured out the system.)

There are so many badass Asian travelers.

Here’s a few I have met on the road:

Shirley barely speaks any English and traveled alone across the Middle East for 8 months – by only hitchhiking and staying with locals.

Shirley knows this girl who managed to travel all across Africa alone, hitchhiking from time to time.

I met Leo in Pakistan, she hitchhiked alone all over Pakistan and China.

During my own cycling trip, I came across at least eight people from Asia who’ve cycled across the world alone.

Those I haven’t met:

Two women from Hong Kong just recently completed their round the world cycling trip.

Jin, @universewithme, has been cycling around the world alone for 7 years!

@krystenkaladkarin from the Philippines is hitchhiking around the world!

and MANY MORE!

Many Asians don’t have passport privileges

This happened to me in Berlin: After explaining how I could stay in Europe because of my British citizenship, a person who has cycled all over the world, told me:

“wow, I have to say, I really really gotta say, not many Asian people have traveled so much! You really are brave.”

I appreciate your good intentions. I get it. You are telling the truth about what you have seen around the world. Here are two reasons why I don’t take it as a compliment though:

One, it makes me feel like you expected little from me because of my race. Just acknowledge me as a “person” or even “woman”. Dear, there’s no need to mention my race.

Two, many Asians simply can’t travel long term because of visa restrictions. I’m sure many are also “brave enough” to do it. Maybe you didn’t realize yet. That’s okay, privilege should be taught at schools. So, were you impressed by my passport privilege?

What you can do

You are already halfway there by reading this article! The first step is to be aware of the racial prejudices we may have in our/ other’s subconscious, and make an effort to change our way of thinking whenever the opportunity arises.

Before we say/ agree to something, let’s take a moment to think about whether we are supporting a racial stereotype or not.

Call out all casual racism. Otherwise, we are silently approving it.

Follow more Asian travel bloggers like

@hownottotravellikeabasicbitch, @shivya, @candidalouis, @universewithme, @happytowander, @yogawinetravel, @nomadicfare, @trulynomadly , @runawayjuno, @thepoortraveler, @sunriseodyessy, @i_am_aileen (or me @themarshajean )

In fact, follow travel bloggers of many different backgrounds! Diversify your feed! See the world from different perspectives! You’ll love it I promise.

And of course, you can share this article to spread the word!

Thank you for listening. It means a lot.