Ch*nk
- Natalie Ham
- May 4, 2022
- 2 min read
Please read before proceeding: This article is to be used in an educational sense. My opinion is present, but the goal for this article is to present the information as it is so that the reader can formulate their own opinion regarding who can use the slur researched below. I will be using ch*nk throughout the article, not the full word.
The Origins
In the early 20th century, many Chinese immigrants were coming to the US in a search for jobs. However, the white labor force felt threatened by these immigrants and soon enough the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed. As years past, there was a shortage of workers on the West Coast, which is why the discriminatory piece of legislation was amended by Congress. But feelings of distrust, betrayal, and deceit persisted and there was a general distaste for anyone who was Chinese or looked Chinese.
Like for many slurs, the origins of the slur are murky. Historians believe it could have originated from the Chinese practice of saying “清清!” (qing qing/ ching ching) when giving a toast to one’s happiness or wellness. But it could also have originated from the word China, or the Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty in China.
Modern Usage
During the coronavirus outbreak, there has been a spike in asian hate crimes. One such example was what the virus was called in reference to baseless rumors from its origins. Our former president called it the “Kung-flu” and “China-virus”. On Twitter, the phrase “Ch*nk Virus” was trending.
By inaccurately referencing an entire region to a virus that has rampaged across the entire world, it blames those of Chinese descent as the cause of the pandemic of which we are still fighting against. It isn’t accurate, nor is it funny. The main purpose of saying “Ch*nk Virus” was to hurt, shame, and point fingers.
Like all slurs, the purpose was to be derogatory and be offensive on the basis of appearance, and this is not acceptable.
Here are some more resources to better understand the c-slur and the consequences of its usage.
All the Times People Have Called Me 'Ch*nk' to My Face
ESPN wrong to apologize for ch*nk in the armor
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