WTF!?!?! Chinese McDonald’s Bans Black Customers
Chinese citizens aren’t looking inward when it comes to the Coronavirus pandemic they created and their government recklessly attempted to cover-up. Instead, many in the country are scapegoating foreigners with darker skin … i.e. BLACK PEOPLE. As bizarre as this may seem, there have been increasing reports of Chinese hostility towards Africans and people of color in southern parts of the country; none more WTF-inducing than a Guangzhou McDonald’s banning “Black people” from entering out of concern they might be infected with COVID-19.
“We’ve been informed that from now on Black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant. For the sake of your health, consciously notify the local police for medical isolation,” the sign read. There’s even video of the offensive flyer circulating Twitter.
Again, for those who still doubt that Black people and particularly #AfricansinChina are being targeted we feel it is our duty to share this. A sign at a @McDonalds restaurant seems to make this perfectly clear pic.twitter.com/FaveKrdQHi
— Black Livity China (@BlackLivityCN) April 11, 2020
McDonald’s Response
The sign is “not representative of our inclusive values,” McDonald’s said in a flaccid statement. “The sign was removed and the location was temporarily closed down” they added.
More Racism Throughout China
According to CNN, “Africans in the southern Chinese city have been evicted from their homes by landlords and turned away from hotels, despite many claiming to have no recent travel history or known contact with Covid-19 patients.” A Kenyan woman says she had to sleep outside for a night after getting thrown out of her apartment. When she attempted to get assistance from the police, she was informed that she was out of luck.
US State Department Issues Travel Advisory
Tensions have increased so much that on Monday, the United States issued a travel advisory warning Africans and African-Americans to avoid travel to Guangzhou.
In response to an increase in COVID-19 infections, officials in the Guangzhou metropolitan area escalated scrutiny of foreign nationals. As part of this campaign, police ordered bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appear to be of African origin. Moreover, local officials launched a round of mandatory tests for COVID-19, followed by mandatory self-quarantine, for anyone with “African contacts,” regardless of recent travel history or previous quarantine completion. African-Americans have also reported that some businesses and hotels refuse to do business with them. The U.S. Consulate General advises African-Americans or those who believe Chinese officials may suspect them of having contact with nationals of African countries to avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice.
Let’s not forget that the Coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 20,000 Americans, was first discovered in China. According to the CDC, “many of the patients at the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.”
Do you know where we are not traveling and spending our money when this ban is over? CHINA.
Eric has revolved in and out of passport controls for over 20 years. From his first archaeological field school in Belize to rural villages in Ethiopia and Buddhist temples in Laos, Eric has come smile to smile with all walks of life. A writer, photographer and entrepreneur, the LA native believes the power of connectivity and community is enriched through travel.
