Mr Laowai: No Macho Gobbledygook or Masculinity Gibberish

Last month we blogged about the Mr Laowai 2011 competition, an off-shoot of this past summer’s first Miss Laowai competition. We talked with the man behind both Laowai contests, David Sinkala, and got some insight on the reasoning behind Mr Laowai, what to expect, and what information we’ll just have to wait on. Guys, submit those applications, and everyone else, keep an eye out for more Mr Laowai updates soon.

Why did you decide to hold Mr. Laowai?
Prudence [David's wife] said she needs to see the whole package, she means the abs and the muscles. Besides, beauty is not complete without handsomeness. The decision was reached due to a tremendous amount of requests and pressure from the public to hold a Mr. Laowai contests next year 2011. The contest is not about winning or losing or emasculating - it is about goodwill, using this platform to contribute to cross-cultural relationships, charity work and friendship.

When will this competition take place? Will it be replacing Miss Laowai for 2011?
Mr. Laowai will take place next year in July 2011. Its not replacing Miss Laowai - instead the two will work jointly together in charity work projects prior to the contest. Miss Laowai will be held in August 2011. We plan to hold Mr. and Miss Laowai annually in Beijing.

Miss Laowai strongly promoted community service, will the men of Mr. Laowai be doing the same?
The idea is more like: "This is how we do it," an involvement in the exchange of ideas and services in China by laowai. Community service is one of the most interesting parts where both Mr. and Miss Laowai will work jointly together in charity work projects prior to the contest. This year we would like to diversify. With the men and women working hand in hand, we would like to support Chinese government and UN campaigns for environmental protection, health campaign, etc. These will be more about community service and we would like to get ordinary laowai men and women to champion the role China has in the world today by providing the greatest cultural and educational exchange.

What were some reactions when you decided to do a Mr. Laowai?
When we decide to hold a Miss Laowai we had different reactions form people but after we did it people are more open, willing and looking forward to a Mr. Laowai 2011 and Miss Laowai 2011. It’s been a life changing experience to most of the contestants and it has given them great opportunities. What we do touches real people and changes their lives. Most people talk about social change. We do it. If we change a life for one person in the process, our job would be done. We implore all to be part of this life changing experience. Don't be skeptics, be proactive.

Do you think men will be as open to this as women were?
We already have about 10 contestants signed up. Away with the macho gobbledygook and the masculinity gibberish. This is for men who are at peace with their sexuality and are bold enough to stand up for it. China is potentially giving one of the best livings for laowais, it is therefore trendy that both men and women step-up and give back to this country. Here is a platform, do you want it?

When will we find out who these Mr Laowai contestants are?
We plan to publish it online when we have at least 20. We don’t want to give that information until we have a larger group. We already have guys involved in different media, like radio and television and some businessmen. We have some guys from Australia, Europe, the US, and other Asian countries.

What areas and criterion will Mr. Laowai be judged on for the contest?
Mr. Laowai will be judged on charity work, talent, sport and fashion. Charity work and sport will be evaluated before the actual competition date. For talent I want to see something edgy and unique.

Will you ever open the competition to Chinese nationals?
At the moment we won’t. Mr and Miss Laowai are about foreigners as a group giving back to the community. There are already Chinese organizations that are doing that and we want a foreign organization that will do the same.

Who is eligible and how can guys apply for the contest?
Mr. Laowai should be a foreign passport holder, 18 years and above and will be in China during the period of July 2011. Visit mrlaowaichina.com to submit your application. Guys can apply until April.