I wish the papers would narrow in a bit more to the real heart of it -- it's not that she's merely "mixed race" but that she's mixed with BLACK.
Of course, it mentioned that obvious fact. But the logical thing for me -- and what I'd be most curious about -- is the public's reaction to another "mixed race" star, who I assume probably got a much more positive reaction than Lou Jing.
I had this conversation -- unsuccessfully -- with fellow "mixed race" people here in Korea. Many of those who most dearly embrace their apparent "Koreanness" tend to be of a mix with a similar light complexion, which makes it easier to claim "Koreanness." This is also a function of fate and sheer blind luck, as sometimes one looks more Korean than another person. I know several white/Korean mixes who look Korean, pass for Korean until they open their mouths
This just isn't possible with people of black descent. One's difference is more apparent, and the degree of this difference much more pronounced. Which often makes it more "common sense" ridiculous for someone like me -- who looks Hawaiian or Samoan to be all "I'm Korean." Besides the fact that I actually have zero desire to describe myself as "Korean" for a variety of other reasons, e.g. I actually identify strongly as Black in terms of "identity," or even just "American" in terms of my belief system, how I was raised, etc. -- besides all that, it's simply harder to claim Koreanness ... Read Morebecause of how I look. But if you're Daniel Henney or some other white/Korean star, at least you're not gonna stand out in a lineup.
This isn't to say being white/Korean "mixed" is easy or easier on any general level. But when it comes to what Koreans are willing to accept, the old adage from school comes to mind: "If it's yellow, be mellow. If brown, flush it DOWN."
And in Asia, dark skin=shit, while white skin does get mad respect in some contexts. That's just the way it IS.
