Despite growing discussions on racism and discrimination in Europe, the everyday experiences of Chinese immigrants remain overlooked, particularly in relation to safety in public space and the role of race and ethnicity. This research examines how Chinese immigrants in Milan and Brussels, Chinese international students and second- and third-generation Chinese students, encounter, interpret, and respond to racism and discrimination in public space. The study draws on three key analytical lenses: Philomena Essed’s (1991) Everyday Racism, Kimberlé Crenshaw’s (1989, 1991) Intersectionality, and Henri Lefebvre’s (1991) The Production of Space. Together, these frameworks show how racism and discrimination are (re)produced in everyday life and how migratory background shapes these experiences. A comparative analysis is employed in each city. Findings from Milan highlight contrasts shaped by migratory background. Chinese international students often described racism linked to language barriers and cultural differences, such as mocking imitations of Chinese words they could not fully understand or stigmatizing remarks from professors. Also, for many, studying abroad made abstract concepts of racism and discrimination tangible through encounters like being greeted with “Ni Hao” by strangers. By contrast, second- and third-generation Chinese students, despite fluency in Italian and citizenship, reported persistent questioning of belonging and teasing about physical appearance and pronunciation during childhood. They interpreted such experiences as reminders of racialized boundaries of “Italianness” and tended to normalize them. The Brussels case is anticipated to reveal similar contrasts. Ultimately, the study aims to raise awareness of racism and discrimination against Chinese immigrants in public space in Europe.

Authors:
Masako Nemoto, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy

About the Presenter(s)
Masako Nemoto researches everyday racism against East Asian immigrants in European public space. With an interdisciplinary background and joint PhD in Urban Studies, she works across Europe and Asia to promote more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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