Sheng-mei Ma’s article, “Mei’s Original Sin (美之原罪): Settler Colonialism, “Beautiful Country,” White Beauty,” explores the complex relationship between self-alienation and the pursuit of Eurocentric beauty ideals within China. The piece argues that linguistic biases and the widespread adoption of cosmetic surgery, particularly amongst public figures, demonstrate a form of internalized “whitewashing.” This phenomenon, according to Ma, is not merely a superficial trend, but a subconscious process mirroring the dynamics of historical settler colonialism. The author posits that these beauty standards perpetuate racial hierarchies and reflect a deeper societal issue. The article connects these contemporary practices to a historical context of colonial influence and its lingering effects on cultural perceptions. Ultimately, Ma’s work invites a critical examination of beauty standards and their link to broader issues of identity and historical power structures within China.