Seeing Phelps and other Olympians defend Ye Shiwen against wild accusations by Leonard has given the Chinese hope that China and the West can see eye to eye on issues. While Leonard's accusations were problematic, the true culprit in this whole affair are in fact the British and American media, for they were the ones to glorify and propagate that seemingly racist charge. For … [Read more...] about The Guardian bitterly fights tarnished image from propagating Leonard’s lame accusation over Ye Shiwen
A Follow Up on the Hong Kong Curriculum Protest – Who’s doing the “brainwashing”?
@DeWang already addressed this topic, but I felt it appropriate to add a more visual perspective on this, and a simple commentary to the last blog entry simply does not suffice. I did an image search on the term "Hong Kong education protest", and here are just a few of the numerous pictures that appeared. The question that comes immediately to my mind is: Anyone notice all … [Read more...] about A Follow Up on the Hong Kong Curriculum Protest – Who’s doing the “brainwashing”?
Letter to mom by then 9 years-old badminton superstar, Lin Dan (林丹)
Today, badminton superstar Lin Dan (林丹) triumphed over Malaysian friend Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) for gold at the London 2012 Olympics. This is one of the most highly anticipated match-ups at the London games as both athletes have faced each other at major competitions in recent years, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics finals. In both Olympics, Lee has been Malaysia's first gold … [Read more...] about Letter to mom by then 9 years-old badminton superstar, Lin Dan (林丹)
Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions
It is obvious to any China watcher that in the western media, there is ample criticism and exposure of the numerous social and political side effects that accompanies China's rapid modernization. Three such side effects seem more frequently mentioned than the rest: abuse of unaccountable power, the rise of violent civil unrest, and the growing wealth gap between rich and poor. … [Read more...] about Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions
The politics of the Olympics, more unfounded unfair criticisms
One of my favorite Western reporters in China is Rob Schmitz of the Marketplace program from American Public Media. (In contrast to propagandist variety like Andrew Jacobs who once wrote for the New York Times that China was banning the jasmine flower.) Today, I must take exception to a narrative he offered about Yang Yu and Wang Xiaoli for being disqualified from throwing … [Read more...] about The politics of the Olympics, more unfounded unfair criticisms