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Chinese Nationalism: Is There More Than One Kind?
By Paul Midler | May 5, 2008
Apologies to anyone who was looking for a post and found nothing new here for some time. Like the activity of blogging itself, I found taking a break to be rather addictive! Took a few days off, and then a few more. Felt so good, didn’t want to stop (or, rather, I didn’t want to start).
Here’s an article worth a look, from the Herald Tribune…
Which of the competing Chinese nationalisms will show up at the Olympics in August? An aggrieved, defensive nationalism, or a confident and proud nationalism?
Chinese society embodies both types, reflecting a deeper dualistic set of identities: one xenophobic type rooted in past indignities experienced by the Chinese people, the other more cosmopolitan version taking shape along with globalization and China’s integration into the international community.
In recent weeks, as the Olympic torch has wound its troubled way around the globe to Beijing, the world has been shown the virulent form of Chinese nationalism. While Chinese audiences were genuinely shocked and hurt by the pro-Tibet and anti-China demonstrations on three continents, the resulting anti-Western invective and demonstrations inside China and by Chinese abroad have surprised many around the world.
While it is not becoming to Chinese culture, heritage or dignity - and not representative of all Chinese nationalist feelings - the world should brace itself for more such xenophobic outbursts in the run-up to - and possibly during - the Olympics.
Don’t know about you, but “xenophobic” is not a word I would use to describe the Chinese.
Also, not sure about this idea of “two kinds of nationalism”. Seems that there is only one kind - the prickly, antagonistic sort. It bubbles up to the surface then slips back into the undercurrent.
Topics: China |
May 7th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Um,nationalism is one thing I am really concerned right now.
As one of those who attended the anti-bbc demonstration in the UK,I would consider myself being
patriotic rather than being a nationalist.
I respect “fact” and “truth” no matter if it is from CNN or BBC or even CCTV.Going to an extreme is not an option for me.
But the recent tibet and torch relay news coverage from the west have generated a rise on nationalism in China.That is for sure.In a way it can be dangerous.
May 8th, 2008 at 1:11 am
The Olympic protests went unseen in China to a large degree, and most Chinese I know couldn’t give a toss about the Olympics. Admittedly they all tend to be older types working for a living, but they are more concerned about rampant inflation of everything except wages. It could get ugly. Remember that diesel-powered bus in Shanghai that went mysteriously up in flames so quickly and suddenly it killed three people? There are two competing views: The government dunnit to scare people about tursts; the tursts really did do it. Oh, and (3) someone took petrol and fireworks on the bus. Whatever way you slice it, it’s all good and scary. And fear = nationalism because there is no other permitted expression of group feeling.
And I would agree with Xiaolei. The reporting by the BBC and CNN has been facile bordering on ignorant. The two biggest new organisations in the West appear to know diddly squat about China. I can assure my Chinese friends they write utter nonsense about my country too, if that helps.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:46 am
Furious nationalism throughout the whole country is definitely not the way we expect.As far as I am concerned, the majority of Chinese stay calm, only a part of young generation,such as university students,‘overreacted’,which will be undoubted exaggerated by foreign media.However, we simply find a way to convey our love for country, though it is a bit unacceptable.‘Xenophobia’ is never suitable for Chinese,maybe it made sense one or two centuries ago.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:44 am
I should probably clarify that when I say “xenophobia” is inaccurate, it is the “phobia” part of that word that I think misses the mark. There is no doubt that certain Chinese are at least harbor some anti-foreigner sentiment, but that is not the same as being fearful.
A banker friend who works in Japan told me about how he was getting out of a taxi one evening in Tokyo. My friend was wearing a suit, and while he is not a big guy he does have blond hair and blue eyes. He sort of sticks out as being particularly non-Japanese. An elderly woman took one look at him coming out of this taxi, and she ran across the street to avoid him. Now THAT’S xenophobia, and it’s the sort of thing you almost never seen in China.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Paul,
I beg to differ about the “running in fear” thing in China. My extended time in Shanghai - Shanghai!!! - saw no less than 5 people (all women, from 20’s to 50ish) run at the sight of me, and they all shrieked while running. I think Chinese aren’t xenophobic of all foreigners, but dark skinned foreigners of African descent, well…
Its been nearly an Olympiad of years since I left China, and I sure hope things have changed for the better.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Not sure how much China has changed, but guessing that on that front it has changed for the better. Sorry to hear about the experiences, but thank you for mentioning. It’s something else to think about.