Nigel Farage criticised by artist David Tse for 'Chinky' insult to Chinese community

A UK film-maker has criticised Nigel Farage's support for his ex-parliamentary candidate who used the term "chinky" to describe a Chinese woman as "unacceptable" and "very dangerous" in the 21st century.

Kerry Smith was sacked after he referred to the woman as a "chinky" but Farage insisted the "rough diamond" from a council estate was just talking like a lot of other Britons and defended it further by saying it was the same term that described a Chinese takeaway.

David Tse, an artist and director who was constantly called a "chinky" as a teen while working at his family's Chinese takeaway in Hertfordshire in the 1970s, said it was a "terribly offensive" term.

He told IBTimes UK: "I suffered the exact same discrimination. But you never not got a white kid whose dad owned a fish and chip shop being called a 'chippy'.

"The word 'chinky' was the same as using the 'P' word for p*** or the 'N' word for n*****.

"He [Farage] represents the same kind of British colonial attitude that existed toward the rest of the world in the 19<sup>th century.

"He does not even acknowledge that 1% of the population in Britain is Chinese.

"It makes very angry and disappointed. If you look at people's behaviour, the Chinese are the most law-abiding community. Farage needs to get a grip and needs to speak with the members of the Chinese community to understand just how offensive the term is.

"The kind of Britain he wants to create is one that excludes everyone that doesn't look like him."

Tse went on to say Farage condoning Smith's words was not only "irresponsible" and "dangerous" as a European political leader but showed how he provides a platform for groups like EDL who were against immigrants and blamed them for the economy woes rather than considering other issues such as the ailing banking sector.

He said: "It's really unacceptable in the 21st century.

"I'm British and I am proud to be part of a multicultural society. Britain is a fantastic experiment to show the world how we can co-exist more peacefully. That's why I'm angry somebody like him who is supposed to be educated saying these things.

"He is a leader of a political party - representing us in Europe - and has such authority, which is why it is very dangerous."

Christine Yau, president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, said: "I think Farage is a bit silly being in that position and should not support Smith's comment as Chinese people can feel sensitive.

"But we are not too worried about it, we are not particularly offended by it. Some people say things like that out of the blue as a mistake. So long as it was not a direct insult to us."