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Belgian School Accused of Allowing Offensive and Racist Photo to be Published

By John Smith • Published: 12 Mar 2020 • 16:09

AN end of term photo of Flemish students in Belgium dressed up as Chinese people and pandas holding a sign saying Corona Time has been condemned on social media as offensive and racist, although their school say that no offence was intended.

Those shown are aged between 17 and 18 and were taking part in an annual school event which celebrates the end of their secondary schooling in what is known as the 100 Days Celebration.

According to the school which posted the photo on its Instagram and Facebook pages (before removing it following the backlash) the decision to dress as Chinese was made before the Coronavirus became widespread but accepted that the addition of facemasks, surgical gloves and the placard may have caused offence.

The fact that one of those in the picture was seen pulling at the corners of her eyes, was also considered a gesture that was derogatory to people of Asian descent.

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John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

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