CN Reviews: On Misunderstanding China
I’m a fan of CNReviews. They regularly provide good insight into what the movers and shakers in China are really thinking. Today, in particular, James Feng has written a compelling post that urges us all to take a step back and try to appreciate the other perspective. I guess that I’m especially receptive because I’ve been seeing so much outrage over things like the lip-syncing during the opening ceremony and the age of the Chinese woman gymnasts. To me, at least, the salient point of the post comes when Mr. Feng counsels:
‘My advice to all those have negative views about China: “Go to China, live there for 6 months, don’t be a shut in and close your mind. Open your mind and really experience the culture, and then come back and tell me you still hate it.” That’s the very first step.’
Read some of the comments to see a good illustration of Mr. Feng’s points.
Technorati Tags: China
Thanks for your mention Dean! I do feel that the American public, supported by the for-profit mainstream media, jump to negative stories that confirm their worst fears and ignorant opinions about China. Then again, Chinese government players and companies provide real stories to feed the fear. Why are we seeing such insensitive behavior such as the body double of the little girl singer? even on such an important experience for the Chinese people?
Comment by Elliott Ng — 2008.8.15 @ 19:03
Thanks for your support Dean! It’s a tough battle, but somebody’s take that first step.
Comment by James Z. Feng — 2008.8.18 @ 01:56
That’s an interesting blog - thanks for the link.
Of course there were negative moments in the Olympics. There always are, every single time. But the Beijing Olympics were spectacular, the production level alone was incredible, and I was riveted to the TV for the duration. As an advertisement for China, even recognizing that it was so much *more* than that, I thought it was first-rate.
Comment by Flo — 2008.8.26 @ 14:00