Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

There is currently a petition that seeks to spread awareness and pressure countries into rejecting so-called "pick-up artist" David Bond from entering. It currently has over 1,474 supporters since it was launched about a week ago.



In order not to misrepresent the petition, its own description will be used to explain what it is doing and why: "EMBASSIES AND CONSULATE OFFICES: We urge you to ban Steven Mapel, infamously known online as 'David Bond,' from obtaining a visa/visa waiver/entrance into the country where you are stationed."



Mapel is a US national from California, a self-proclaimed "pick-up artist," and a copycat of Julien Blanc, who has traveled throughout Asia to harass and sexually exploit women.



Mapel uses emotional manipulation and physical aggression to harass and coerce Asian women into having sexual relations with him. Mapel markets himself by filming and uploading his sexual exploits in Asia onto the Internet to teach other men around the world how to do the same. His actions originate from a misogynistic, anti-Asian ideology.



It should be noted his most notorious video happened in Hong Kong, posted with the title Guy Steals Girl From Chinese Guy.



Most people who first learn about Bond can clearly understand why other people are upset. However, a vocal minority tries to make excuses for what are exploitive, misogynistic and racist actions. Asians should ignore the deflections and dishonest dialogue from the very people who take advantage of this situation.



Let's be clear, Bond isn't any different from another "pick-up artist" Blanc. Blanc has been banned from several countries including Singapore, whose statement said that Blanc advised men to use abusive techniques when dating women and considered it a violation of Singaporean law.



The root of the problem is not about Bond, there are many foreigners in China and throughout Asia that behave just as he does. There is a strong sense of entitlement by white foreign men in particular. This sense of entitlement is what drives their belief that it is their right to disrespect and take advantage of the country they are in and the local men and women there.



There is an unfortunate prevalence of white worship in Asian society. Asians who are upset with people like Blanc and Bond must address this honestly. You can't put white foreigners on a pedestal and then act surprised when they behave like somebody who is above Asians.



However, this is not to lay all the blame on Asian societies. People like Bond are fueling the problem by telling and "teaching" others that they can exploit women too. They are encouraging other men to go to Asia and sexually harass local women openly.



On a broader level, these sorts of beliefs about Asia are easy for foreigners to accept because they are reinforced in their entertainment. Hollywood has done more than its part in portraying white men as heroes, Asian women as exotic, expendable sex objects and Asian men as disposable kung fu acts or asexual support characters. It's little wonder how and why a Western man might buy into this self-entitlement while visiting Asia when the entertainment he consumes supports it.



So what can we do about this problem? Any real change has to start from the grass roots. Asians must reflect on how they view and interact with foreigners. Think carefully whether you are encouraging a foreigner's self-entitlement. There must be a clear understanding that they are welcomed only if they are respectful.



The portrayal of Asian men and women in entertainment is something that China must address in its dealings with Hollywood.



If Hollywood wants Chinese money, it must rectify its problems regarding the roles Asians are given and the roles that they are not. Chinese actors and actresses that want to work in Hollywood must be wary of how they are being portrayed and reject any roles that reinforce racist plots and stereotypes.



The problem of people like Bond must be addressed at all levels that contribute to it, otherwise nothing will truly change.



The author is a writer from KultureMedia, media watchdog on behalf of Asian Americans. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn