Reverse Yellow Fever

Summary

The article discusses the concept of "reverse yellow fever," the preference for Asian men by white females, in contrast to the more common "yellow fever" which refers to white males' preference for Asian women, as experienced by an American and an Irishman working in Oman.

Abstract

The piece centers on a conversation between two expatriates, an American and an Irishman, teaching English in Oman. They discuss interracial dating preferences, specifically the less common "reverse yellow fever," where white females prefer Asian men, as opposed to the prevalent "yellow fever" of white males favoring Asian women. The discussion unfolds over a meal at an Indian restaurant, where the American, feeling marginalized, reacts to the Irishman's casual inquiry about the existence of "reverse yellow fever." The article reflects on societal perceptions of interracial relationships and the social progress made by Asian men in the global dating scene, influenced by cultural phenomena like K-pop and the movie "Shang-Chi."

Opinions

The author believes that the standard form of "yellow fever" is more common and typically refers to white males' preference for Asian women.
The author suggests that the term "reverse yellow fever" might be unnecessary and overly specific, given the less frequent occurrence of white females preferring Asian men.
The author admits to feeling marginalized by the commonality of white male-Asian female relationships, especially growing up in Southern California where such pairings were prevalent.
The author acknowledges that Asian men have gained more social acceptance and visibility in global culture, partly due to the influence of K-pop and media representation like "Shang-Chi."
The author recalls a strong emotional response to the Irishman's question about the existence of "reverse yellow fever," indicating a sense of frustration or offense at the underlying ignorance.
The author values restraint and maintaining composure, as demonstrated by not reacting violently to the Irishman's question, especially considering they later found themselves in a situation where they depended on each other for survival.

“Does it exist?”

That’s what he said to me. “Does it exist?” The topic of discussion was reverse yellow fever.

(According to Urban Dictionary, “yellow fever” is a “term usually applied to white males who have a clear sexual preference for women of asian descent, although it can also be used in reference to white females who prefer asian men.” Since the former is overwhelmingly more common, I refer to the latter as “reverse yellow fever” although I would probably remove the specificity of “white males” and “white females.”)

We were sitting at an Indian restaurant enjoying a lunch of thali. It was nice having a break from meat. It was less nice being reminded, however obliquely or perhaps even innocuously, of my place on the global dating totem pole.

He, an Irishman, and I, an American, were expats working at a school in the south of Oman teaching English. This country on the Arabian Peninsula was not our first rodeo. He had worked in South Korea, and I had worked in China and Turkey.

Boys being boys, we got to talking about the ladies. He regaled me with the trials and tribulations of being a big white man looking for dates in Seoul. I was not quite able to empathize.

“Maybe I just have yellow fever,” he remarked offhandedly.

Looking back, perhaps it was unnecessary for me to add “reverse” to this slang term. But could I be faulted for believing that the standard flavor of yellow fever went in one direction? I grew up in Southern California, where the most common interracial couple is probably a white guy with an Asian girl (again, anecdotal, not statistical — because you also have access to Google).

My answer to his subtitular question was a restrained and meek “sometimes.” I might’ve clarified with “but far less often than what you experienced in Seoul.”

I no longer remember. This was a decade ago. Asian guys have made social strides globally thanks to Shang-Chi and the overwhelming phenomenon of K-pop. How much? Who knows? And… who cares?

But I do remember wanting to punch him in the face when he asked, “Does it exist?” I recall no derision. Just… an ignorance that might have been worse.

Fortunately, I kept my temper in check — he and I got stuck in a desert together later in the year.

Dash Ip is in an interracial marriage.