Friday, April 3, 2009

Funny Stuff

In Taiwan, as in much of Asia, lighter skin is usually considered more attractive than darker skin, unlike in America. I'm not saying the Taiwanese are racist against black people... well, maybe just a little. Take this toothpaste for example, the best-selling toothpaste in Taiwan.


Literally 黑人 = black man.

It's always been DARLIE since I got here, but it used to be called DARKIE, before the company was bought by Colgate. According to Wikipedia: because of the contrast with very dark skin, it was a common perception that the teeth of people of African descent were exceptionally white.

Also, a friend of mine was looking for a job teaching English here in Taipei. Someone from the school called him before his interview and asked, among other things, if he was a chocolate face! Those exact words. Wow! I don't think the school cares about race that much, but they are under pressure from the parents who do.

Also, check this out: It's funny when you see foreign brands that don't do their homework when it comes to naming their products. This one isn't too bad. Got any hungry hos?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aaron, that is pretty funny with the product identification, and I guess I have seen that elsewhere in the world where tanned folks do not like very dark-skinned folks. Also, the balloons with kerosin and paper are really cool! (I got a new name because Google messed up 'Dad'.)

Matt C said...

hilarious.

Unknown said...

hahahaha

Jonny 中力 said...

Xiang Rong ni hao,

I just returned from a trip to China. It was truly amazing! I hope everything is well with you in Taiwan.

中力
Zhong Li

http://jonnysquest.tumblr.com/