nwasianweekly.com
Apr. 22, 2006

Improving American attitudes toward China

First, the good news. American attitudes toward China have improved significantly in the last 10 years. In a survey commissioned by the Committee of 100, an advocacy group made up of prominent Chinese Americans, 59 percent of Americans said they hold a favorable view of China. That’s up from 46 percent in 1994.

The bad news? A significant portion of the United States — about one in three people — still has misgivings about China. Many of them view China as an economic threat to America; some consider it to be a potential militaristic threat.

Left up to them, the Chinese president would have been met in Seattle with caution and suspicion, not the red-carpet treatment that he actually received from local dignitaries and business leaders.

China should be viewed more as an opportunity than a threat. As this global economy grows, it is even more imperative that the U.S. work alongside China as allies. Working together can result in economic, cultural and political benefits for all.

The negative perceptions may well be a result of a lack of understanding about China and its people. Lack of knowledge easily leads to fear and distrust. However, there are things each of us can do to foster more appreciation for the Chinese people and culture:

‧ Support cultural programs in schools. Ask teachers and principals to invite Chinese artists and other performers who specialize in the dancing, singing, drama and instruments of Asia. Give your children the opportunity to learn Chinese, Spanish, Japanese or another foreign language. Be sure they are learning the histories of Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and other people who historically have been excluded from mainstream textbooks. By exposing youths to different cultures at a young age, they learn early on to appreciate and value the diversity of the world.

‧ Organize and attend public forums where people can ask questions about China, its culture and its people. A lack of dialogue leads to misunderstandings and harmful stereotypes. It’s important to give people a venue where they can learn from and interact with Chinese Americans.

‧ Read books by Chinese American authors and other authors of color to educate yourself on the viewpoints and experiences of people who are different from you. Learn how and why immigrants come to America. Learn about their sacrifices and dreams. Immigrants’ stories are about struggle, courage, frustration and triumph — all central to the human experience. These stories bring us closer together as Americans because all of us, except Native Americans, trace our lineage back to immigrants.

One fun and easy way to expand your horizon is by attending the Rainbow Bookfest on Saturday, April 29, at the Asian Resource Center. This annual celebration of authors of color will expose you to a myriad of interesting voices and viewpoints. (See related section on Pages 7-10.)

‧ Give back to the mainstream community. It’s very narrow-minded for Chinese Americans to give their time, energy and money only to other Chinese. The same goes for other Asians who take care of people only in their own community. They don’t realize outsiders are judging them as selfish and insular. Represent your community well by showing your concern for people who don’t look like you or speak the same language as you.

An investment in the mainstream community will benefit you in the long run. Reach out to others and they will return the favor when you need help.

It’s all about building bridges with different people. Each of us plays an important role in erasing misunderstandings and improving cross-cultural relations. This is diplomacy at the most intimate level.

Send correspondence to:
Northwest Asian Weekly • P.O. Box 3468 • Seattle • WA  98114
Tel: 206.223.5559 •  Fax: 206.223.0626 • Email: scpnwan@nwlink.com
Please bookmark this site: www.nwasianweekly.com.