It's sometimes frightening how insensitive people are. Often, it's exactly because they have a hidden sense of superiority that they would blithely talk about such matters. In Buddhism, there is a skillful wisdom: Don't talk to people about difficult matters if they are not ready to hear it.
Thank you both for your candid discussion. It is unusual that a “Learn Chinese” channel to have content that is so interesting and enlightening. Most channels would have very mundane content focusing on teaching Chinese. So keep going! It is a very healthy human emotion to feel shame, humiliation, and at the same time, pride and self-respect. The fact that at the end of the weak Qing Dynasty, China suffered under European domination should not be a lasting burden for Chinese today to carry. This domination is no cause for the oppressors to celebrate and brag, on the contrary it is to their shame. It may be somewhat embarrassing now to be shown a photo of you as a child, sniffling and with snot running down your face, but soon that will become a source of pride to know how far you have come since then. And it may take the proud place on your mantlepiece one day! In my opinion once China and the Chinese people get over this awkward growing up period now, like a strong impulsive youngster, it will soon find its rightful place in the world, with self-confidence and poise.
