H Mart

I have TikTok but barely use it so I want to start this by saying I haven't watched the whole video nor have I seen what everyone else has been saying about it. For context, an Asian content creator (at least i think they are a content creator idk) made a video about how she side-eyes White people when she sees them at an H Mart, a very popular Korean/Asian chain grocery store here in America. As you've probably already guessed, this wasn't very well received. Again, I haven't actually seen how people responded to it but I've made some guesses based on the videos I've seen on Instagram. Not only are non-Asians (I think mainly White people) complaining about it but some Asian people have also been complaining about how we shouldn't be acting judgey like that. I believe that the original poster has a point except I don't like the way she worded it and the attitude that was behind it. I find it weird when I see a White person in an Asian market and here is my reasoning.

I come from a Southern city that is one of, if not is, the biggest in our state. Compared to other cities in America, it's small. Our Chinese population is TINY. Our Asian markets are family owned because no one else would do it. Until this year, there were only two. One of them technically isn't even located in my city. They are both very out of the way, either because of the distance or simply because the roads and traffic around it are a mess. However, they had lots of business because all the East Asians would flock there because they were the only place we could get the ingredients we needed for our dishes. They weren't the only option, obviously, when it came to items like meats and such, but they were for cooking supplies, snacks, vegetables, and whatever else. The veggies that I ate and am still used to eating can only be found in Asian markets because they aren't used at all in Western cooking. I can't just go to a Publix or Wal-mart and find a winter melon for some soup. Either I grow it myself or go to an Asian market. Also, my family uses a wok. I was raised only knowing how to cook with a wok. You can't get that shit off Amazon, at least not one of good, trustworthy quality. All this is to say, Asian markets are very important to me and for many others because they were the only providers we had. 

With my background provided, I'll get to my point. White people don't have a dependence on these markets the same way we do. They depend on these markets to experience new food and snacks. They depend on them as an option. They can go to a local grocery store and find all the ingredients they need in one place. If they didn't like that one item they got from an Asian store, they have the choice to not go. So, yeah, there is a little bit of the "why are you here?" question floating around my head. I want to point out that I'm not against non-Asian people going to Asian stores. It's really fun seeing what they pick up and having them ask me for advice because I see they care. I feel safe knowing that there's someone out there that is not threatened by my presence.

You could argue, "why can't Asians eat other food then?" and I would agree. Everyone should diversify their diets a little. It's fun! However, why should we? A lot of Asian immigrants in America are here because they were pushed out of their homes by America. And now you want them to conform to "the American way"? Do they not have the right to at least enjoy one thing? Some of us don't have the privilege to explore other food choices. If they have a cheap option that is guaranteed to taste good and give them the nutrients they need, why would they try a new dish that they might end up not liking and waste money? 

With tariffs and other terrible executive decisions, the supplies found in Asian markets are going to get more limited and pricey. My family already has to drive 30 mins between the two stores in our area just to find one thing. Going to a store with limited supplies that you don't need to go to is just taking away options from people who don't have any other option already. Thankfully, it hasn't gotten to that point so we can all still enjoy going to an Asian market to pick up some Chinese special edition oreos. 

Some Asians are strongly criticizing the original poster, claiming she's just widening the divide between communities. While I do agree a little bit with these people, I also wish they considered the other nuances in the op's statement. From the clips I've seen of the original post, op had crazy attitude. I mean I totally feel that way to and completely understand why she's acting the way she is but videos are editable. All the shit we put on the internet is 100% changeable. She could have posted a video that got the point across while not containing the "us vs them" tone.

Once again, I don't think it's criminal that White people are going to Asian markets like H Mart. Our food slaps hard so why gate keep it? I do think it is criminal that they feel entitled to have the right to shop at an H Mart, because I did see a White content creator post about how they don't care what the original poster thought. That's just rude... 

I want you to enjoy our food and culture! I want you to try black bean noodles! I want you to try bitter melon! I want you to try a bird's nest drink! But when you do try all that, I also want you to be aware of the importance these stores hold in their local Asian communities! I want you to be mindful that you have the privilege to enjoy these goods while also having something to fall back onto.

Please let me know what your thoughts and I would love to clarify anything!