Wrong to criticize US woman for wearing a qipao

AN 18-YEAR-OLD FEMALE US middle school student posted a photo of herself wearing a traditional Chinese qipao at her graduation party, which inspired hot discussions online. Thepaper.cn comments:

Of all the comments, one by a Chinese student criticizing the woman for wearing the traditional Chinese dress, accusing her of "cultural colonialism", was reposted the most times.

There is no data showing how many of those who reposted the Chinese student's comment agree with it and how many disagree. However, some Chinese said the woman's deed was "cultural appropriation".

But the woman said she chose to wear the qipao because it looked beautiful and she loved the design. And by posting the photo on her social network, she hoped more people would appreciate qipao. Accusing her of cultural appropriation is groundless because she does not mean any disrespect to qipao, let alone Chinese culture as a whole. On the contrary, by wearing the dress she is helping to spread Chinese culture.

We live in a globalized world, and allowing other people to appreciate Chinese culture is a sign of cultural confidence. If a US woman is criticized for wearing qipao, what about the Chinese white-collar workers who wear suits and ties in the office every day?

Fortunately, on both domestic and overseas social networks, there are many comments that support the US woman and applaud her decision to wear the dress. A majority of the Chinese are open to the world, and hope to share our culture.