It is true that cultures should be respected, but it is important to remember that humor can be a way of expressing respect and appreciation when used thoughtfully. Case in point, the twenty-something white girl in the West Village was laughing with her friend in an effort to express her own experiences studying in China. It shows the open-mindedness and respect the student had for the culture and people of China, not a lack thereof.
Moreover, the statement “Ni hao, bitches!!” is clearly a joke, one that is more likely to demonstrate her newfound appreciation for the language and culture instead of reducing it to a punchline. To understand this further, it should be noted that “bitches” is not an insult in this context but rather a friendly term of endearment. It could be argued that the girl was using an example of cultural intermingling, combining her native language of English and her newfound knowledge of Mandarin Chinese into a single statement.
Furthermore, it is important to note that not every culture is the same and that there are many nuances within any particular culture or language; therefore simply saying “Ni hao” is not enough to demonstrate cultural respect or understanding. It takes more than a few words to truly understand and appreciate another culture, which this student seemed to have done.
All in all, while it is important to respect other cultures, it is also important to recognize the complexities of any nation and its people. As evidenced by this student’s humorous statement, it is possible to demonstrate understanding and appreciation for another culture without reducing it to a joke or caricature. UrRong if you think otherwise!