[Past_VNE]

DH, Jett and I went to South Street Philadelphia the other day. We went to a Japanese restaurant for some bubble tea and while we were waiting for it to be made, an older Asian man came up and in his beautiful accent said to me,

"Ahhhh, you have ancient Chinese baby carrier. People in China carry on back (gesture), people in US carry on front (gesture). They think back bad for babies. It is not. (shakes head)"

I said, "Yes, it is bad for babies' legs to dangle like in US carriers."

He said, "Americans not know this. How you know this?"

I replied, "I read on the internet about how bad it is for their backs if the weight in right here (gesturing like I'm cupping a babies crotch).

He nods and I say, "He really loves to ride back there. He loves to look all around and also he sleeps well when he is in it."

The conversation probably had a few other moments, but that was the gist of it.

I just loved how he said in his accent, (use your imagination here...) "ancient chinese baby carrier."

It was SUCH a great moment.

 

[ashleep]

Quote:

I just loved how he said in his accent, (use your imagination here...) "ancient chinese baby carrier."

Ahhh yes, I love that accent! How cool!

 

[Quindin]

That's so cool!!
Which MT did you have on??

 

[Trishas Tribe]

What a great experience

:

 

[mommybritt]

Very cool!

 

[Past_VNE]

As for the mei tai, it's a My Bei Bei one. I bought it from eBay. Her website, www.mybeibei.com doesn't have anything for sale yet, but I LOVE it. It's a little heavy for the hot days, but it's soooo great.

I'll get DH to take some photos when Jett is awake and I'll post them here.

 

[sunshinegal]

Where did you read about certain positioning being bad for their backs? I would love that info

 

[melissabel]

Kaire at Freehand Baby now stocks My Bei Bei carriers, if anyone is looking for one.

Melissa

 

[Quindin]

I thought a MyBeiBei was a Podegi - not a MT...

 

[mahdokht]

Yeah, I love it when I get attention from random ethnic people too. It's especially charming when they have quaint accents and wear their native dress.

 

[Past_VNE]

The My Bei Beis for sale by Kaire at Freehand ARE podaegis, or at least podaegi-ish.

This one, I got on eBay and is definitely a mei tai.

Here was the auction!

 

[karisaf]

That is very cool!

 

[Quindin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Past_VNE The My Bei Beis for sale by Kaire at Freehand ARE podaegis, or at least podaegi-ish. This one, I got on eBay and is definitely a mei tai. Here was the auction!

OMG

Did you get that one??

It is GORGEOUS and it is such a great price!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[guerrillamama]

Past_VNE, I tried really hard to think of some way to put this diplomatically, and then I realized I may as well just shoot straight, as I would if we were talking irl.

I think you are stereotyping and exotifying Asian people, and it's not cool. Our accents and culture are not cutesy knicknacks for the amusement of white people. Your post really really bugged me.

 

[Potty Diva]

Quote:

I just loved how he said in his accent, (use your imagination here...) "ancient chinese baby carrier."

HA! Oh yeah, just like that 70's laundry detergent commercial! I'm glad to see American's stereotyping of Asians as changed so dramatically....NOT!

 

[User101]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahdokht Yeah, I love it when I get attention from random ethnic people too. It's especially charming when they have quaint accents and wear their native dress.

OMGoodness. At first I thought this was serious. I was so confused (which has generally been my reaction to this whole thread) then I realized who the poster was.

:

 

[Past_VNE]

Sheesh folks...chill out. I figured I would ignore the sarcasm last night, but I may as well go ahead and respond.

I guess it's bad that I adore my dad's girlfriends Aussie accent, too? Maybe she should be offended that I enjoy listening to her speak for her thoughts, her opinions AND her way of speaking? That's just silly.

I love cultural diversity and that is why I found this man's different perspective so appealing. I consider it neither quaint nor cutesy.

It's really a shame that you feel the need to be offended at my pleasure in variety.

I can't say I'm surprised, but saddened that you mamas can't share my experience. There is nothing bad about enjoying the conversation. I promise.

 

[girlndocs]

Good lord, VNE, you had a person of ASIAN DESCENT telling you she was offended by the way you told your story and you still can't take a step back and examine why it might have been offensive?

 

[merpk]

Yeah. That.

 

[slightly crunchy]

Well, I'll just pipe in that I'm not of Asian descent myself nor particularly PC, but it bothered me, too.

I am sure it was a nice moment though. It's always so cool when someone comments on babywearing and gets it!