THE Chinese Epic story, The Journey West (written in the 16th Century), features Wu Kong, the Monkey King, as its heroic figure. You literally cannot go a day without seeing a yellow monkey on at least one channel on Chinese TV as you channel surf while bored in your hotel room at 3am. Dressing up to look like a person (of any color) on stage is not a hateful act in China, and a monkey suit is not an insult in any way in China.
(Note: Many (most?) Chinese are quite racist against black people, especially black Africans... but blackface and monkey suits are not how they express it.)
Thanks, you two. I haven’t heard the story but Vesparado mentioned I might find a bit on youtube.
And here’s the animated crib notes! (each about 10min)
Legends Summarized: The Monkey King (Journey To The West Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61nuXrvqNgI
Legends Summarized: The Journey To The West (Part II)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ai5umy9yH0
Legends Summarized: The Journey to the West (Part III)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7N-IRcUfB4
part IV:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PTOArO8p9o
part V:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlB_vWGdLlA
I’m currently reading Journey To The West. Enjoying it.