PhrasesHub

Yellow Peril

    Definitions

      • fear of Asian people
        Used to describe the perceived threat or danger posed by people of East Asian descent

      • fear of immigration
        Refers to the fear or anxiety about the influx of immigrants from East Asian countries

      • economic threat
        Describes the fear of economic competition from East Asian countries, particularly in relation to job opportunities

    Examples of Yellow Peril

    • The local news has been sensationalizing the growing population of Asian immigrants in our town, labeling them as a "Yellow Peril" and spreading fear among the community.

      "Yellow Peril" is a historical and now outdated term used to refer to the perceived threat of Asian peoples, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this example, it is being used as a pejorative term by the media to instill fear and prejudice against the immigrant community.

    • Some politicians have resorted to using the "Yellow Peril" rhetoric in their campaigns, claiming that the rise in crime and economic inequality in urban areas can be attributed to the influx of Asian immigrants.

      Once again, "Yellow Peril" is being used as a scapegoating tactic, falsely linking crime and social problems to a specific ethnic group.

    • The concept of the "Yellow Peril" is a remnant of a time when people’s fears and prejudices were allowed to overshadow their empathy and decency. It is a dangerous and outdated notion, and we must work to eradicate it from our society.

      This final example uses "Yellow Peril" to explain the history and implications of this pejorative term, encouraging people to reject it and combat the prejudice it represents.

    • In a world filled with uncertainty and change, it is easy to fall back on fear and prejudice, but we must remain vigilant and resist the temptation to label and demonize others.

      This example uses "Yellow Peril" to highlight the significance of remaining open-minded and accepting in the face of change and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of avoiding prejudice and responding to others with empathy and compassion.

    • The government's sudden crackdown on Asian immigrants has revived fears of the Yellow Peril, as some people believe that these newcomers will take over the country demographically and economically.

      The idiom "Yellow Peril" refers to the idea that Asian peoples, particularly China and Japan, pose a threat to Western nations due to their higher birth rates, economic power, and perceived cultural superiority. It was popularized during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a justification for colonialism and imperialism, and has since fallen out of favor due to its overtly prejudiced nature. However, it still resurfaces in some anti-immigrant and xenophobic discourse, as seen in this example, in which the year-round bloom of cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. Was once metaphorically likened to an "invasion of Japan."

    • The media's sensationalized coverage of the Ebola outbreak has led to a renewed panic about the Yellow Peril, as some people fear that the disease will spread to other parts of the world and create a global health crisis.

      This example uses the Yellow Peril idiom to describe the irrational and exaggerated fear of an outbreak of a disease, in this case Ebola, that is primarily contained to certain parts of the world. The phrase "Yellow Peril" is being employed here as a metaphorical extension of the original meaning, which can be seen as akin to using "firestorm" to refer to a wildfire that is out of control.

    • The success of Asian tech giants like Huawei, Baidu, and Tencent has given rise to new concerns about the Yellow Peril, as some people worry that these companies will dominate the global tech market and challenge Western economic dominance.

      In this example, the Yellow Peril idiom is being used to express the concern that Chinese and other Asian tech companies will take over the global tech industry and displace Western companies. The phrase is being employed here as a metaphorical extension of its original meaning, which can be seen as akin to using "Tsunami" to refer to a sudden financial crisis.

    • The emergence of Asian pop culture phenomena like K-Pop and anime has led to a resurgence of the Yellow Peril, as some people fear that these cultural developments will spread across the world and replace Western pop culture.

      In this example, the Yellow Peril idiom is being used to describe the irrational and exaggerated fear of the rise of Asian pop culture, in which some people believe that these cultural developments will displace or displace Western pop culture. The phrase is being employed here as a metaphorical extension of its original meaning, which can be seen as akin to using "epidemic" to refer to a sudden trend or craze.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Yellow Peril" is used to express fear or anxiety about Asian people, immigration, or economic competition. It is often used to describe a perceived threat or danger from East Asian countries and their people.

    Origin of "Yellow Peril"

    The term "Yellow Peril" originated in the late 19th century and was used to describe the fear and anxiety about the growing influence and power of East Asian countries, particularly China and Japan. This fear was often fueled by racist and xenophobic attitudes, and it led to discriminatory laws and policies targeting Asian immigrants.

    The term has its roots in the colonial era and was used to justify European and American imperialism in Asia. It perpetuated stereotypes and prejudices against Asian people and contributed to anti-Asian sentiment. While the term is now considered offensive and outdated, its legacy continues to impact perceptions of Asian people and immigration. Examples of its usage can be found in historical literature, political speeches, and media articles from the time.