Truthful letters from a few Caucasian friends on the Western media bias and stereotypes in looking at China

By China Watcher

While surfing on the net today, I managed to come across three letters from a UK resident in China, a Canadian and one from the US which complemented my opinions of the continuous stereotypes the Western media has adopted since China was picked as the host of the soon-to-be concluded Olympic Games.

For the benefit and information of blog readers, I am pleased to publish the brief letters which would not be given much prominence anyway, by the Western press.

This is amusing because Hollywood and our own media, without controversy, have used this type of theatrical licence for generations. Why this should detract from a stunning opening ceremony is a mystery to me.

Of greater concern, however, is the negative spin the Canadian media have been giving to the Chinese Olympic experience. My concern is accentuated by the fact that our own prime minister chose not to attend the opening ceremony.

It appears these actions are part of an orchestrated effort to negatively portray the tremendous economic and social achievements in China over the past 30 years.

China is not without serious internal problems, but Westerners should be aware that the Chinese people have a very different perspective on many lifestyle issues negatively reported in the west. Negativity accomplishes very little to improve life in China. It only offends the Chinese people, who have collectively worked diligently to prepare for the 2008 Olympics. This is a very special time for the Chinese people.

China should not be pressured to adhere to internationally accepted norms for democracy, and fair treatment of their people. With this pressure, Canadians should also realize that the thing that the Chinese people most long for is a stable and united country.

The task of developing a nation of more the one billion people present many challenges; it will take time to realize the changes that most of us want to see in China. Our motive to improve life in China should be done constructively with the intent of engendering a strong, united, and just nation.

For now the best thing that Canadians can and should do is acknowledge the spectacular achievement of the Chinese people with the 2008 Olympic games. The Chinese have every right to be proud of what is occurring. Our leaders should acknowledge and encourage them by participating with the Chinese people in this great event. Our media should strive to highlight the many positive aspects of the remarkable event unfolding in Beijing.

Richard Currie, Edmonton

I’ve noticed in the Chinese media here, the media I can understand, they never strongly criticize any particular western country, not in the same harsh way the west do.

I hope China is now at a stage where it doesn't care what the rest of the world think, but I do think it's important, its part of the culture of "face". This is one of the many reasons for the very tough approach to dissent here and in other Asian countries.

The West must learn to understand the Asian culture before they start opening their mouth.

UK resident in China

The US women's gymnast team, lead by former Soviet coach Karoyli openly guaranteed numerous gold medals and quote "kicking the Chinese team's ass". When they end up with much less than they've boast, the 14 year old Commanachi coaching Karolyi clan starts to sling mud around, in order to divert attention from their own failures. Then they start "digging" for information and even openly announcing their hacking into websites to steal information.

As of today, the IOC openly announced the validity of Chinese gymnastics' ages. After their usual bullying tactics did not work for the first time, we see more overtly racist, sexist and condescending articles biting every conceivable source for their sore loser mentality.

What a bunch of sour grapes!

Linda Dobrosky, USA

China has achieved a remarkable feat in the Olympics in terms of organizational abilities and of course by toppling the medal tally to the disappointment of the Western media and China bashers, I think the next step is to improve the living standards of every Chinese (including those in the hinterlands) and also, to bring more scientist to the forefront to become a technologically superior nation, comparable to the US.

Then and only then, I believe every Chinese can stand proud and say, “We could not care less what the Western media writes, we are more worried if the Asian or Chinese networks say something bad about us”.

Let us hope the day will come sooner.