Considering the fact that my ethnicity is the one being "offended" and that I don't feel offended in the least (only pity for the ignorant), it doesn't seem as offensive as you're claiming. This type of depiction for people of color dates back long before this author even considered using it, to the early days of animation, including around the time of the first Dragon Ball episodes in the 1986 Red Ribbon arc, where similar illustrations appeared. It was certainly rooted in racism and discrimination at the time, but it has since become a staple and common portrayal in Chinese artworks. Modern usage simply implies ignorance of changing times and the effects of outdated depictions of foreigners (it's not just Black people), or adherence to artistic norms in their country. Using what is seen as the norm in your country isn't "racist" if you don't even understand the nuance behind it. Even if it's intentional, most people don't care. As a Black person (or whatever people want me to call my ethnicity now), I couldn't care less what a Chinese person, or anyone who doesn't directly impact my life, thinks of me or others like me.
There is no need to make excuses when the facts are readily available. They likely didn't "go out of their way" to draw the character like this; what is common sense for some is not for others. It's common sense for you not to click random things on the internet that could use phishing to steal your information (or have other consequences), but someone encountering the internet for the first time won't have that "common sense"...
Also, if your response is "tldr", don't bother with it because you can imagine what I'd think of you whether or not you care what I think.
I have seen theof your ways, and I shall guide you to the right path.
@Insight Excuse me but "Considering the fact that my ethnicity is the one being 'offended' and that I don't feel offended in the least" So what???
Just because you aren't offended doesn't mean I (who is also a person of colour) can't be.
"only pity for the ignorant" but instead of pointing out when is something is wrong you make excuses. How does that help the ignorant?
"it doesn't seem as offensive as you're claiming" To you. I feel offended. And yet you want to minimise the fact.
"it has since become a staple ..." Just because something is common does not make it right.
"This type of depiction for people of color dates back long before this author even considered using it, ..."
Yes. In the past. Like how minstrel shows were used... In the past. This is now. We KNOW that stuff wasn't okay. That is just saying 'Oh but we did that before so it's cool'
"Modern usage simply implies ignorance of changing times ..." Again they have been exposed to that media and the reaction of people to it.
Ignorance is no excuse for complacency.
"Using what is seen as the norm in your country isn't "racist" if you don't even understand the nuance behind it" I'm sorry, but what???
Treating someone differently based on their ethnicity, origin, skin colour or whatever does not need to have background and nuance to be called racist.
"They likely didn't 'go out of their way' to draw the character like this" Yes. They did. When drawing and designing characters references are used. They saw these depictions and chose to design their character like this.
You said you are not offended as a person of colour and you seem content with normalising this portrayal of coloured people then fine.
of your ways, and I shall guide you to the right path.