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In a year that was meant to be prosperous, honorable, and filled with good fortune, China has gotten off to a bad start. Less than six months into 2008, the Middle Kingdom has already experienced significant natural disasters, mounting criticism over Tibet, intense condemnation over Sudan, and endless fallout from last year’s tainted food & drug scandal - completely under the intense and unforgiving scrutiny of the global eye.
All the while, the communist government continues to be on the defensive, reacting to the bad publicity like an angry and confused goldfish fighting off a sea of piranhas.
It’s not that China isn’t used to negativity. It’s been taking relentless smack from the West since the 50’s. But back then, it was okay, because the world was divided into two black and white spheres of influence – communism and capitalism. Depending on which side you talked to, one ideology was immaculate while the other was the reincarnation of Lucifer himself. Rhetorical name calling and back-and-forth viciousness was customary.
Sixty years later, a lot has changed. The world has globalized, flattened, and has become more peaceful and cooperative. China has changed too, embracing capitalism, loosening its grip on freedoms, cleaning up government corruption, and improving infrastructure and social services on a large scale. Anyone who’s been to China recently can see this. And re: human rights - it’s not just about free speech and religion. First and foremost, human rights is about providing people with fundamental necessities to stay alive, and China has done more for its citizens than any other country in terms of alleviating poverty and creating wealth.
Consequently, China’s self-perception has changed. The country and its people now view themselves as progressive, upwardly-mobile, and enthusiastically striving for self-improvement. But there is still a vast gap between how China perceives itself and how the world perceives China.
And that’s why, today, it hurts so much for China that the world is focusing on the bad when there actually is much good to report. From articles I’ve read over the past three years, it seems like the tone of the Chinese government has been of confusion, disappointment, and hurt rather than unyielding anger.
What do I think of the negative scrutiny? I think that criticism in general is very constructive, and is what democratic principles were founded upon. In America, our bipartisan system and protection of free speech enables all different perspectives – the good and the bad - to flourish. And it’s these critical perspectives that keep our government and society in check. In China however, the government has squashed critical voices within its borders for decades…so if China isn’t going to get doses of astute criticism internally, then it’s a great thing that it’s at least getting it externally.
Having said that, I also think that there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and verbal flogging. Too much criticism is often counter-productive, and I don’t think it’s possible to shame China into submission. Instead, we should focus on peacefully integrating China into the developed world. Whether we like it or not, China will become a major global player. Whether or not China becomes a cooperative player, rather than an alienated, bitter rival, depends on how the outside world treats them now.
1 Comment | Posted in: Current Events, Observations, Politics
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As “reported” yesterday by Ben, there was a magnitude 7.9 earthquake centered in southwestern China on Monday outside of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province destroying approximately 80 percent of structures in some of the towns and small cities near its epicenter. The latest number of deaths as a result of the quake is about 10,000. No doubt this number will grow. The Los Angeles Times reports that, “In the U.S., anxious Chinese immigrants follow news of quake:”
“[Annie] Wang, who has been in the U.S. for a year, says Los Angeles is home to many Sichuan immigrants. It’s a community that mostly reflects the working-class character of the province. Many came to Southern California to work in restaurants and, like Wang, found jobs in the dozens of foot massage parlors that dot the San Gabriel Valley. Many leaders of the area’s Chinese community scrambled to organize relief efforts as soon as word of the earthquake surfaced. Sue Zhang, the chief organizer behind the Beijing Olympic Rose Parade float this year, said she had been on the phone with community leaders all morning to plan a fundraising event. She hopes to announce a weekend concert soon, with proceeds going to quake victims. She said the community has been galvanized in recent weeks by a string of rallies defending China’s policies and promoting the Beijing Olympic Games.”"
I think all Americans can sympathize with the losses to the latest natural disasters - both in Myanmar/Burma and in China. From watching the news this evening, the Chinese government seems to be doing everything it can to get relief to the area, unlike Myanmar’s government.
Personally, I have had friends and relatives go through many major earthquakes, including the Bay Area’s magnitude 6.9 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake when my cousin was a freshman at Berkeley, two of my college friends surviving the 1995 Kobe, Japan earthquake, another college friend the 1999 7.6 magnitude Istanbul earthquake, and my relatives experiencing the 7.6 magnitude 1999 Taiwan earthquake. I can only imagine Chinese-Americans’ concerns at this moment in time, especially in the more rural and hard-to-reach areas. Thankfully, I have yet to experience a major quake (and hope I never have to).
No Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Observations, Uncategorized
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Near Chengdu, China in the Sichuan province, a 7.8 earthquake struck. After shocks were felt all over the country as news spread like wildfire across world news. People everywhere evacuated out to the streets since it is said to be unsafe to be on the sidewalks since they’re close to the buildings and buildings all over have sustained some damage.
Five thousand are feared dead depending on the news source. CNN was reporting it at three thousand only moments ago and has since updated their article to five. Phoenix TV in China has a special website following the news and are actually more conservative on the death toll saying that it’s between three to five thousand. Some of the worst news includes the fact that several schools were collapsed by the quake.
Here at 8A, our thoughts are with those on the other side of world trying to just live past this day of tragedy.
Photo Credit: (2 dogs)
5 Comments | Posted in: Current Events
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I think there is a common stereotype that a lot of Asian cultures have dog as an Asian cuisine. Well, the fact is, there are some select groups and places in China, Vietnam and in Korea that do eat dog. If you ask me, I don’t have a problem with that - meat should be meat except for eating your fellow human being. Though I can see how people in general would find it difficult to ear a domesticated pet. In today’s Wall Street Journal, the newspaper reports that “Seoul Hounds Meat Vendors For Cleaner Chow:”
“…A century ago, when South Korea was a poor, closed and largely agrarian society, dogs were more commonly eaten than other animals. Big animals like ox were valued for their ability to carry loads and people could be penalized for eating them. Dog, which is typically lighter and sweeter-tasting than beef, is also eaten in China and Vietnam. No official estimates exist on the size of South Korea’s dog-meat industry. A 2006 survey by KBS-TV, one of the three main national networks, found that one in three respondents had eaten dog meat. It also found that consumption patterns were no different between people who had dogs as pets and those who didn’t. Only 9% of respondents thought it should be banned.”
Apparently, the Korean government started to ban dog-meat restaurants in the mid-1980s because of worries about the image they would send during the 1988 Olympics the city hosted. Although dog mean is still officially banned within the city of Seoul (and legal outside of the city), you can still find dog being served and can be easily found in the city, though not openly advertised.
The article goes on to describe how restaurant owners would like the dog meat industry to become regulated, giving a legitimacy to the cuisine and increasing the cuisine’s image, popularity and consumption. Personally, I wouldn’t mind at least trying dog at least once (I wonder if it tastes like chicken? 
). Dog food has a whole new meaning to me now! Has anybody out there ever tried dog?
9 Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Food & Drink, Observations
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Apologies in advance if the Asian boobies in this show flyer get you in trouble, but I wanted to let everyone know about Japanese artist Mari Inukai’s solo show at the CoproNason Gallery in Santa Monica.
I’m currently gathering Asian American/Canadian/Anything artists for an upcoming show at the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery that celebrates art in our community. And a whole bunch of stuff that I don’t feel like typing up.
Mari is participating in my show, but I thought I’d let everyone know about her own show this weekend, if you’re in the area! The opening reception is Saturday, May 10th at 8:00pm. And how can you NOT enjoy her paintings of giant pink bunnies attacking Japan?
4 Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Entertainment
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I was listening to KQED last night and came across the very interesting program discussing Taiwan, “Missiles, Money and the Mainland: The Taiwan Dilemma.” With all the talk about China these days with the Beijing Olympics coming up, it was nice to hear about Taiwan being discussed and its tenuous relationship with the People’s Republic of China:
“For six decades, Taiwan’s political status has been unresolved. In that time, the small island’s economic dynamism has made it a major player in the global market. But its economic success hasn’t translated into political clout on the international stage. As China’s sphere of influence expands, the island it considers a rogue province is losing friends. Taipei’s occasional gestures towards independence have stroked the ire of China, and the US has backed its democratic ally. But with the potential for serious conflict in the Taiwan Strait between nuclear powers, each side is treading carefully.”
You can listen/download the 50+ minute program here (.mp3)
What really caught my ear was when the program discussed when then Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui (Cornell Ph.d.’68) visited Cornell in June 1995 to give a speech during reunion weekend. As a Taiwanese-American and Cornell alum, I was filled with pride that Lee Teng-hui was able to give his speech, “Always in My Heart.” I would have attended reunion weekend had it not been for my brother’s college graduation that same weekend.
The program reminded me that after Lee Teng-hui gave the speech and returned to Taiwan, mainland China started conducting military exercises and firing missiles in the direction of Taiwan. This lead the United States to send in a second aircraft carrier group to pass through the Taiwan Straits to not only reassure the U.S.’s defense of Taiwan but also warn China to tone things done, which it did.
If you’re at all interested in Taiwan, the program is worth listening to.
No Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Observations, Politics
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I haven’t seen the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar covered here yet, but I just came across the recent CNN article that states the US government is estimating the death count to exceed 100,000, which is five times more than expected. Eek. Plus, it seems like the foreign aid is having trouble getting through to the region, especially as our six cargo helicopters are still awaiting visas in Thailand to enter the country. Eek times a million.
I can’t help but recall the huge tsunami that hit Thailand and Indonesia back in 2004, and the overwhelming amount of press, aid and conversation that it sparked here in the US.
What about Myanmar? I’ve only caught headlines online and very little coverage across blogs. I could be wrong (and do say so) but I’m curious to know everyone’s thoughts about this, especially in lieu of the 2004 disaster. Are we just less aware about global events? The tsunami hit right in the midst of our holiday season–did that create a better environment for Americans to openly address a foreign disaster? Do Thailand’s resort areas cause more concern because there are more likely to be fellow Americans there? Or are we more preoccupied with the upcoming Presidential election? How is the Asian American community responding to this?
The tsunami was clearly a bigger (and totally different) natural disaster, as it’s been reported to have killed over 250,000 people, but I thought I’d seek out your thoughts.
Side note: I also found this article, Burma’s Lucky Escape, about how the country was fortunate to escape much of the damage from the tsunami. Kind of creepy to read now, isn’t it?
(Photo courtesy of AFP)
5 Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Observations
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For as long as I could remember, the last job I would ever want to take on was to be a teacher–even if the position was for pre-school and I just had to teach children how to color within the lines.
I think it takes a lot of charisma and self-confidence to be a good teacher. Not only are you in charge of a group of adolescents (well, that all depends on what level you teach at, but you get the idea), but you must also put yourself (personal life included) out in the open for a bunch of students to ridicule.
Okay, I’m taking the negative perspective on teaching but I have many fond memories of teasing, interrogating and attempting to fool my teachers. I remember scoffing at their ideas and methods, or just making fun of their daily outfits. Yes, this was in college and yes, I’m lame like that–but who hasn’t? It’s part of the job, right?
Or not?
Former Dartmouth professor Priya Venkatesan has publicly announced her plans to sue her students for “intellectual distress,” which ultimately led her to cancel classes for a week AND switch jobs to Northwestern. Say what?
The agenda of Ms. Venkatesan’s seminar, then, was to “problematize” technology and the life sciences. Students told me that most of the “problems” owed to her impenetrable lectures and various eruptions when students indicated skepticism of literary theory. She counters that such skepticism was “intolerant of ideas” and “questioned my knowledge in very inappropriate ways.”
Alright. It’s been about five years since I wrote a term paper with words like “problematize,” “bifurcated” and (my personal favorite) “diaspora,” so I have no idea what Venkatesan’s course was about…but I can’t be the only one to be shocked that she would take her student’s behavior so personally?
I thought teaching was also a two-way interaction: teachers provide knowledge but also expect the students to give back. Learning is an exchange between two parties, and what better kind of class is there where you don’t just fall asleep to a professor droning on in a lecture, but can openly discuss the topic at hand with the teacher? I don’t get it.
Venkatesan also blames the “hostile environment” to racism against South Asians, which she claims she wouldn’t have faced as a white, male professor. I do agree that discrimination does exist in the academic world–but to blame the students for making you feel uncomfortable? I would think that it was also her responsibility as a professor to take charge of the situation; she IS the teacher, after all. But is a lawsuit necessary to right her hurt feelings?
Oh yeah. Venkatesan also blames one female student (who she plans to name in the lawsuit) for “incessantly disrupt[ing] class with her nose-blowing.”
WOW.
3 Comments | Posted in: Current Events, Discrimination
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