In the Shadow of Prejudice: Mr. Ma and Son by Lao She
- Daria Nenu
- Mar 13, 2024
- 5 min read
Mr. Ma and Son by Lao She offers a unique lens into the social landscape of London during the 1920s, focusing on the discrimination and stereotypes enforced on Chinese people by the English society.
The narrative is centered around Mr. Ma, and his son, Ma Wei, two Chinese who move to London in order to take over their recently deceased relative’s antique shop. Their experiences are shaped by the stereotypes imposed on them by the British media, and ultimately, the society, which portrays them as opium smokers, arms smugglers, criminals and murderers.
“In every play in which a Chinese person appeared, he was sure to poison someone. It was the same in all films and novels as well. Miss Wedderburn's anxiety was drawn from a long creative history, and had something about it that was akin to religious faith. Muslims don't eat pork, and as everyone knows, the Chinese poison people. Yes, a kind of faith.”
Reverend Ely, who encountered the Ma family while he was in China as a Christian missionary, takes it as his role to find accommodation in London for the two, in order to strengthen the people’s belief in the work of missionaries, framing the situation as having convinced two Chinamen to become Christians and move to England.
He approaches Mrs. Wedderburn, a widow living with her only daughter, who has a few rooms to rent out. Initially, she is opposed to renting her rooms to Chinamen, asking the reverend countless stereotypical questions about the Chinese and their habits, based on what she had learnt from novels and films. However, after calculating how much to overcharge them, she settles the agreement.
By the early 1900s, the depiction of the Chinese master criminal, "with his crafty yellow face twisted by a thin-lipped grin," harbouring dreams of world domination, had become a recurring theme in children's publications. In 1911, an article titled "The Chinese in England: A Growing National Problem" cautioned about "a vast and convulsive Armageddon to determine who is to be the master of the world, the white or yellow man." Following World War One, cinemas, theaters, novels, and tabloids collectively echoed hysterical visions of the "Yellow Peril" plotting to dismantle respectable white society.
The term "Yellow Peril" historically refers to a xenophobic and racist notion that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, depicting East Asian people, particularly the Chinese, as a threatening and perilous force to Western civilization. This concept was deeply rooted in stereotypes, fear, and a sense of cultural superiority prevalent in Western societies during that period.
The Yellow Terror in all His Glory, an 1899 editorial cartoon
The Yellow Peril portrayed East Asians as cunning, sinister, and scheming, often depicting them as master criminals or agents of a vast conspiracy seeking world domination. Such negative stereotypes were perpetuated through various forms of media, including literature, theater, films, and tabloids. The idea gained traction during a time of geopolitical tension, economic competition, and increased immigration from Asia to Western countries.
In the early 1900s, anti-Asian sentiment reached its peak, and the fear of the Yellow Peril manifested in policies and discriminatory practices. The concept was used to justify restrictive immigration laws, discriminatory legislation, and negative portrayals of East Asians in popular culture.
“People of China, open your eyes and take a look around. Yes, it's time you opened your eyes and straightened your backs. Unless, that is, you wish to be dogs forever.”
During the 1920s, China was undergoing significant political, social, and cultural changes. The decade marked the end of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. However, political instability persisted, with various warlords striving for power and internal conflicts.
The quote reflects the sentiments of the time, capturing a call to action and a plea for the people of China to rise above their challenges, take control of their destiny, and resist any forces that might keep them in a state of perpetual subjugation or disadvantage.
China’s political situation was perceived as a vulnerability by the West, allowing them to further impose their notion of a superior civilization on East Asian minorities through xenophobic and racist policies, and ultimately, through treating them as lower than human.
The English’ perceived superiority is prevalent through-out the book, emphasizing the paradox of being a well-educated Chinese in the early 20th century. Colonialism had left a lasting impact on attitudes towards non-Western societies, fostering a sense of entitlement and superiority among the colonizing powers. This sentiment extended to perceptions of education and intellect, with Western education often regarded as the pinnacle of knowledge and sophistication.
For the Ma family, being well-educated in a society that inherently viewed them as culturally and racially inferior would create a paradox. Education, which is traditionally seen as a means of upward social mobility and enlightenment, becomes a double-edged sword. Despite their academic accomplishments, the Ma family finds itself in an unalterable situation, having to adapt to a society which considers them inferior and has an already established perception of the Chinese.
“When you first came here, I thought you were some weird monster or hobgoblin, because everybody speaks so badly about the Chinese. Now I know you're not so bad at all, but other people don't know that, and after we married, we'd still have to carry on living among them. Their ingrained fear and hatred would probably be the end of us before a couple of days were out.”
Mrs. Wedderburn's statement in the quote reflects the pervasive racial prejudices and stereotypes that existed during the time depicted in Mr. Ma and Son. Her words convey the unfortunate reality that Mr. Ma, despite proving himself to be a person of worth and character, faces the deep-seated prejudices of society simply because of his Chinese heritage.
The reference to Mr. Ma as a "weird monster or hobgoblin" captures the dehumanizing effect of racial stereotypes. It emphasizes how these preconceived notions can distort perceptions and create an initial impression based on misinformation and bias. Mrs. Wedderburn's evolving realization that Mr. Ma is not as bad as the stereotypes suggest underlines the irrationality and unfairness of such prejudices.
The reluctance to marry Mr. Ma due to societal attitudes highlights the social isolation and challenges faced by individuals from marginalized backgrounds in seeking acceptance and love. Mrs. Wedderburn's concern about living among people with "ingrained fear and hatred" echoes the systemic racism and discrimination prevalent in society during the time. It reflects a fear that societal prejudices could jeopardize the well-being and happiness of an interracial couple.
This quote adds a poignant layer to the narrative, illustrating the personal toll of systemic racism on individuals seeking connection and acceptance. It serves as a commentary on the power of societal biases to affect personal relationships and highlights the struggle against ingrained prejudices that individuals like Mr. Ma faced in their daily lives.
Mr. Ma and Son offers a compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and the pervasive impact of societal prejudices during the early 20th century. Through the experiences of the Ma family, the novel delves into the complexities of navigating a world fraught with racial biases and cultural misunderstandings.
The book invites readers to confront the enduring legacy of racism and discrimination, prompting reflection on the ways in which societal prejudices shape individual lives and interpersonal relationships. It sheds light on the challenges faced by well-educated individuals like Mr. Ma, who despite their accomplishments, are marginalized and stereotyped due to their Chinese heritage.
Bibliography
“Mr. Ma and Son” – Lao She
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