The Office of International Programs at Colorado State University is appalled by and condemns the “Ching Chong House” Instagram account and fake restaurant listing. This incident demonstrates racial prejudice toward the Asian community and is harming real people by the account’s continued existence on Instagram. Many of our Asian students have seen this account and are deeply disturbed by it.
This incident arises at a time when our country is reckoning not only with a global pandemic, but also with systemic racism. This fake account highlights the need for continued work by us all to combat xenophobia and discrimination that hurts so many people. At CSU, we are all made stronger by the diversity of our thoughts, opinions, and identities. Now more than ever, we need to celebrate that difference and safeguard our campus against xenophobia, hate, and discrimination.
The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center (APACC) on campus put out an excellent statement about the harm caused by this incident:
The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center (APACC) at Colorado State University is deeply disgusted and condemns the presence and increased following of this “Ching Chong House” Instagram account for a non-existent restaurant. The implications of such an establishment are to propagate Anti-Asian sentiment and must be seen unequivocally as an act of racism. Even if such an establishment has the intention of situational humor, this deeply offensive creation publicizes racial vilification and continues to deter us from our mission of racial equity and inclusiveness.
Navigating COVID-19 has been made difficult during these challenging times from continued microaggressions from our national leadership referring to the “Chinese Virus” and “Kung Flu.” With the recent rise of racism and hate directed at the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community, this account desecrates the role and importance of food to APIDA culture. This highly offensive account only heightens and denigrates the narrative of the Asian community by perpetuating problematic Asian stereotypes including racial colloquialisms, insulting logo, and the national narrative of the “Chinese Virus.”
The various accounts on social media (Instagram, Yelp and Google) are a continuous reminder of the harmful, appalling, and disgusting nuances that white supremacy has created and allows to be perpetuated with little accountability, by encouraging the mockery and oppression of the APIDA community.
We cannot stay silent any longer. APACC denounces this fake establishment and supports the university efforts to ask that this account be removed.
We are here to support you – please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if you see or experience a bias-related incident yourself, please report it here.