Link updates today include; a comic about the Sichuan Earthquake by Coco Wang; an article about the dietary shift towards more milk and meat; an article by Simon Winchester in he New York Times questions why China has not developed it's sciences through it's history and lastly, Sharon Stone puts not only foot in mouth, but whole thigh and makes some as some see, outspoken and insensitive comments regarding the earthquake but to me, they are simply laughable (at her, not with her).
The Guardian: More wealth, more meat. How China's rise spells trouble by Jonathan Watts
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/30/food.china1?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews
Coco Wang: China 5.12 Earthquake http://www.paulgravett.com/articles/133_china/133_china.htm
New York Times: Historical Tremors by Simon Winchester
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/opinion/15winchester.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=simon+winchester&
st=nyt&oref=slogin
The China Beat: Culture and Collapse by Pierre Fuller. A response to Simon Winchester's article
http://thechinabeat.blogspot.com/2008/05/culture-and-collapse.html
The Independent: Dior Drops Sharon Stone after quake comments
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/dior-drops-sharon-stone-after-quake-comments-836748.html
"China, in its headlong attempts to modernize, has often demonstrated a dismayingly cavalier attitude toward the well-being of its people". Simon Winchester
I guess he never waited to see what China's response was to the earthquake. I may be wrong but he may be feeling a tiny little bit silly now for writing such a peice.
- J
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Reunited Unity
Today I met with Ma Guihua, a correspondent from the Xinhua News Agency. We met at the British Library and had a chat about the Chinese media, the ‘western’ media and how they differ in approach, the withholding of information and the cultural/political factors that affect their discourse. Far from being the possible stereotype/possibly perceived ‘mouthpiece’ for the Chinese government, Ma expressed genuine opinions that she personally believed and at most, I personally agreed with. I seemed to have endless questions for her!
After she watched the work in progress, I spoke of the possibility of not only having public opinion from people of Chinese backgrounds but to include people from professional backgrounds who are knowledgeable regarding the issues pertaining the documentary. She said was quite happy to share her views for the documentary. Moreover, felt it to be a duty to speak up for the country.
I was apprehensive at first to include people from professions those backgrounds may engender them to speak from a part professional/part personal opinion and thus not being wholly truthful about how they think/feel. Furthermore, I feel from one perspective that as an audience, we may feel more connected with the public and not just opinions from all the subjects being ‘experts’ about said topic. In the past few weeks the idea of having a diverse background of people, both less educated and ‘professionals’ would be healthy for the project.
Although partially related…
After the meeting I went to the Chinese Community Centre where I used to be both a youth and as a worker over 13 years ago. I proposed a film- making workshop with the youth and both the youth worker and director were very welcoming to the idea. We will discuss the idea in more detail later this week. I had been meaning to do something for the community centre I has so many fond memories of as both youth and youth worker and now being in a creative profession feel wholly obliged to share my skills and knowledge to the youth through the organisation that gave me so much. I had also been meaning to approach the centre too to see if they could be of assistance re to obtain more subjects for the documentary.
Since leaving the centre 13 years ago to study, travel and pursue a career I had lost touch with the Chinese community and to now have initial and hopefully meaningful contact with both the overseas journalists, overseas students and the London Chinese Community Centre, I feel very happy that I am able to reconnect with the past and the future; my relationship with communities of my cultural heritage.
- J
After she watched the work in progress, I spoke of the possibility of not only having public opinion from people of Chinese backgrounds but to include people from professional backgrounds who are knowledgeable regarding the issues pertaining the documentary. She said was quite happy to share her views for the documentary. Moreover, felt it to be a duty to speak up for the country.
I was apprehensive at first to include people from professions those backgrounds may engender them to speak from a part professional/part personal opinion and thus not being wholly truthful about how they think/feel. Furthermore, I feel from one perspective that as an audience, we may feel more connected with the public and not just opinions from all the subjects being ‘experts’ about said topic. In the past few weeks the idea of having a diverse background of people, both less educated and ‘professionals’ would be healthy for the project.
Although partially related…
After the meeting I went to the Chinese Community Centre where I used to be both a youth and as a worker over 13 years ago. I proposed a film- making workshop with the youth and both the youth worker and director were very welcoming to the idea. We will discuss the idea in more detail later this week. I had been meaning to do something for the community centre I has so many fond memories of as both youth and youth worker and now being in a creative profession feel wholly obliged to share my skills and knowledge to the youth through the organisation that gave me so much. I had also been meaning to approach the centre too to see if they could be of assistance re to obtain more subjects for the documentary.
Since leaving the centre 13 years ago to study, travel and pursue a career I had lost touch with the Chinese community and to now have initial and hopefully meaningful contact with both the overseas journalists, overseas students and the London Chinese Community Centre, I feel very happy that I am able to reconnect with the past and the future; my relationship with communities of my cultural heritage.
- J
Monday, May 26, 2008
The beginning of
Yesterday, an aftershock measuring 6.4 hit the Sichuan province, the biggest since the quake 2 weeks ago. Articles can be found on most news channels.
I breifly mentioned a week ago that the mask of shoddy construction would be sought. In the past few days, stories of the the parents of childrens those schools fell are surfacing:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2008/may/22/braniganschool?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/a-construction-engineers-thoughts-in-the-sichuan-earthquake/
What seems clear is that there will be a long battle for the parents fighting for justice. A lot more parents and a lot of schools that were prone to be the unfortunate recipient of bad construction. All the justice in the heavens won't bring these children back.
On a international arena, it has also been noted that the recent openess of the CCP with i's people and the rest of the world has surprised all, even in the wake of the tragedy. The international community say that they hope that it is not a short term openess.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4004381.ece
- J
I breifly mentioned a week ago that the mask of shoddy construction would be sought. In the past few days, stories of the the parents of childrens those schools fell are surfacing:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2008/may/22/braniganschool?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/a-construction-engineers-thoughts-in-the-sichuan-earthquake/
What seems clear is that there will be a long battle for the parents fighting for justice. A lot more parents and a lot of schools that were prone to be the unfortunate recipient of bad construction. All the justice in the heavens won't bring these children back.
On a international arena, it has also been noted that the recent openess of the CCP with i's people and the rest of the world has surprised all, even in the wake of the tragedy. The international community say that they hope that it is not a short term openess.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4004381.ece
- J
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Batting for the wrong side.
Yesterday evening I attended the debate ‘The Tibet Story - Journalism Under Pressure’ held at Westminster University. Jonathan Fenby, former editor of The Observer and The South China Post and author of the Penguin History of Modern China and BBC world news editor Jon Williams represented the Western media at the debate. Ma Guihua, London correspondent for the Xinhua News Agency and Wang Rujun, chief correspondent at the People's Daily UK Bureau will be represented the Chinese media.
The debate was chaired by Isabel Hilton (who also chaired a similar discussion at Frontlines club a few weeks ago).
As opposed to the discussion in Frontllines Club, although good, it was good to see four journalists speak about their respective points of view. Ironically, the panel at Frontlines did not consist of all journalist.
Wang Rujun was easygoing though quick to point out the mistakes and biased the BBC has/had made. Jon Williams, to the point and defensive was equally quick to point out that both the coverage of the Lhasa riots was fair and unbiased adding that due to western journalists could not report accurately due to the having no access to the TAR.
A Chinese student whose English was at beginners level spoke of her unhappiness at the reportage with the BBC and cried while expressing her disparity at why the BBC seem to report on just the negative aspects of China. At that point, Jon Williams said he was truly sorry if the organisation upset people. He also added at several points during the discussion that the BBC did not have an agenda to report negatively about China, they just want to be able to report.
Softely spoken, Ma Guihua expressed that in the perception of western countries, Xinhua is the propaganda media arm and although not denying that it is state controlled media, they do report on stories, as other agencies do and not suppressed to the extent that western countries perceive. She added that China’s open door policy is in development and the west cannot expect the same freedoms enjoyed in the west. Moreover, that Chinese people do like and want democracy and human rights, but the first human rights were to lift hundreds of millions of people from poverty in the last 30 years. The west cannot expect China to have the same ‘freedom’ overnight. These points were backed by Wang Rujun.
Jonathan Fenby spoke with a depth of knowledge and unbiased tone. He had some very good points that seem to slip in. In defence of the BBC, he did say that most of the reportage was fair and if negative, it is because western media does concentrate on the negative as opposed to the Chinese media who more often than not, celebrate the country’s progress and the greatness of the CCP. He also noted that the idea of celebrating one’s government or country is a concept that hasn’t been excercised in a long time in the west (her said 19th century but I think it is more recent than that).
Jon Williams seemed to be constantly batting at the balls thrown at him and in his defence, did well with his knowledge. What I feel he did not do well was to understand the depth of mistrust and disappointment of the BBC by not only the Chinese citizens but by their counterparts. As Isobel Hilton said regarding the front page of a Chinese National paper wrote that western media resembled Nazi Germany’s propaganda (and like wise, the Beijing Olympics has also been compared to the 1933 Games). Isobel Hilton said with humour that she was ‘quite’ offended. I would equate that with the numerous and constant offence the western media have caused to the Chinese people and their government, the most infamous and blunt comment made by CNN’s Jack Cafferty. China had asked CNN for an apology and as Wang Rujun pointed out, that Jon Williams was quick to apologize, unlike CNN, who took weeks.
I felt Jonathan Fenby although spoke little, understood both side the most. Jon Williams although trying, failed to give the strong impression that the BBC was fair. He also appeared to have failed to try to really understand the Chinese people, culture and the country. In his position, it would work in his favour better if he was more humble and tried to do this before speaking in defence first. He even went as far as to say the accusations made by the Chinese population who signed a 1 million petition was ‘unfair’ as most could not have had access to the BBC. I suspect there would have been a few million more on the petition if everyone in China did had access.
What I found most enduring was the statement Jon Williams made that the BBC always try to get it right but they can make mistakes.
One would think the standard of journalism and power of media in these modern times is such that one only reports if it is 100% accurate, not reporting just because you have a deadline.
I briefly spoke to a few of the Chinese students and also made contact with Ma Guihua.
An audio pod cast will be available to listen to soon.
While walking to the University I went past the Chinese Embassy where they flew the flag at half mast, day three and last of the national mourning period, also a first for China. At the debate, one minute of silence was observed.
- J
The debate was chaired by Isabel Hilton (who also chaired a similar discussion at Frontlines club a few weeks ago).
As opposed to the discussion in Frontllines Club, although good, it was good to see four journalists speak about their respective points of view. Ironically, the panel at Frontlines did not consist of all journalist.
Wang Rujun was easygoing though quick to point out the mistakes and biased the BBC has/had made. Jon Williams, to the point and defensive was equally quick to point out that both the coverage of the Lhasa riots was fair and unbiased adding that due to western journalists could not report accurately due to the having no access to the TAR.
A Chinese student whose English was at beginners level spoke of her unhappiness at the reportage with the BBC and cried while expressing her disparity at why the BBC seem to report on just the negative aspects of China. At that point, Jon Williams said he was truly sorry if the organisation upset people. He also added at several points during the discussion that the BBC did not have an agenda to report negatively about China, they just want to be able to report.
Softely spoken, Ma Guihua expressed that in the perception of western countries, Xinhua is the propaganda media arm and although not denying that it is state controlled media, they do report on stories, as other agencies do and not suppressed to the extent that western countries perceive. She added that China’s open door policy is in development and the west cannot expect the same freedoms enjoyed in the west. Moreover, that Chinese people do like and want democracy and human rights, but the first human rights were to lift hundreds of millions of people from poverty in the last 30 years. The west cannot expect China to have the same ‘freedom’ overnight. These points were backed by Wang Rujun.
Jonathan Fenby spoke with a depth of knowledge and unbiased tone. He had some very good points that seem to slip in. In defence of the BBC, he did say that most of the reportage was fair and if negative, it is because western media does concentrate on the negative as opposed to the Chinese media who more often than not, celebrate the country’s progress and the greatness of the CCP. He also noted that the idea of celebrating one’s government or country is a concept that hasn’t been excercised in a long time in the west (her said 19th century but I think it is more recent than that).
Jon Williams seemed to be constantly batting at the balls thrown at him and in his defence, did well with his knowledge. What I feel he did not do well was to understand the depth of mistrust and disappointment of the BBC by not only the Chinese citizens but by their counterparts. As Isobel Hilton said regarding the front page of a Chinese National paper wrote that western media resembled Nazi Germany’s propaganda (and like wise, the Beijing Olympics has also been compared to the 1933 Games). Isobel Hilton said with humour that she was ‘quite’ offended. I would equate that with the numerous and constant offence the western media have caused to the Chinese people and their government, the most infamous and blunt comment made by CNN’s Jack Cafferty. China had asked CNN for an apology and as Wang Rujun pointed out, that Jon Williams was quick to apologize, unlike CNN, who took weeks.
I felt Jonathan Fenby although spoke little, understood both side the most. Jon Williams although trying, failed to give the strong impression that the BBC was fair. He also appeared to have failed to try to really understand the Chinese people, culture and the country. In his position, it would work in his favour better if he was more humble and tried to do this before speaking in defence first. He even went as far as to say the accusations made by the Chinese population who signed a 1 million petition was ‘unfair’ as most could not have had access to the BBC. I suspect there would have been a few million more on the petition if everyone in China did had access.
What I found most enduring was the statement Jon Williams made that the BBC always try to get it right but they can make mistakes.
One would think the standard of journalism and power of media in these modern times is such that one only reports if it is 100% accurate, not reporting just because you have a deadline.
I briefly spoke to a few of the Chinese students and also made contact with Ma Guihua.
An audio pod cast will be available to listen to soon.
While walking to the University I went past the Chinese Embassy where they flew the flag at half mast, day three and last of the national mourning period, also a first for China. At the debate, one minute of silence was observed.
- J
Monday, May 19, 2008
Vigil
Yesterday I attended a vigil for the earthquake victims organized by SOAS. Around 200 students were present. Here are some video stills, a video document to follow shortly.
- J
- J
Sunday, May 18, 2008
4 out of 50,000
Seventh day into the original earthquake and two after the aftershock the rescue mission continues. It's taken me this long to really comprehend the event, the losses, the destruction. I have started to read and watch more news items. It is still quite upsetting.
The CCP have been praised by the international community in their rapid response to the crises. Even much of the media reported on the 'humane' response by the government. The government has welcomed foreign aid and now South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Russia and Taiwan have join the rescue effort. People around China are continuing to donate money and volunteer for the relief effort. It is the first time on many precendents that China has utilized foreign and domestic aid to overcome a crises. This in effect has had an affect on the perception of China. Indeed there seems to have been an Olympic truce.
Today the CCP has called for a 3 day national mourning period and temporarily suspended the Olympic torch relay.
It is widely known in China that cheap and unregulated contstruction standards are rife. Corruption of officials may face the oncoming blame of the schools that fell and the thousands of students who died.
The Chinese people have shown immense courage during unbearable loss of friends, family, homes and towns. On a report by CNN, a local Communist Party secretary organising relief efforts lost both his parents, his wife and child- and still was working to save others.
The rebuilding of towns will be immense effort which will take years. But i suspect that people's hearts will never completely heal.
- J
The CCP have been praised by the international community in their rapid response to the crises. Even much of the media reported on the 'humane' response by the government. The government has welcomed foreign aid and now South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Russia and Taiwan have join the rescue effort. People around China are continuing to donate money and volunteer for the relief effort. It is the first time on many precendents that China has utilized foreign and domestic aid to overcome a crises. This in effect has had an affect on the perception of China. Indeed there seems to have been an Olympic truce.
Today the CCP has called for a 3 day national mourning period and temporarily suspended the Olympic torch relay.
It is widely known in China that cheap and unregulated contstruction standards are rife. Corruption of officials may face the oncoming blame of the schools that fell and the thousands of students who died.
The Chinese people have shown immense courage during unbearable loss of friends, family, homes and towns. On a report by CNN, a local Communist Party secretary organising relief efforts lost both his parents, his wife and child- and still was working to save others.
The rebuilding of towns will be immense effort which will take years. But i suspect that people's hearts will never completely heal.
- J
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
an unnatural tragedy
I enjoyed my 33rd birthday during the shooting of another project I am doing (Tidal Barrier) on Sunday 11th. The crew brought me a surprise cake. On the 12th, an earthquake hit in the Sichuan province and so far killing 12,000 people and evident that the toll is likely to rise sharply with 100,000 missing. Words cannot describe the devastation and sadness this has caused. I feel a deep sense of grief for the parents of those whose children under 30 have died as they would be an only child leaving the parents to have no child and too old to have another. In a time when so many of the Chinese population are celebrating their country's achievements through the Olympics, the worst natural disaster should hit them with such merciless force in over 30 years.
Perhaps the international community and media may now turn a different perspective and see the vast humanity that exist as this large and great country suffers.
- J
Perhaps the international community and media may now turn a different perspective and see the vast humanity that exist as this large and great country suffers.
- J
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Yesterday, Tomorrow.
On the 2nd of May, which was of course, yesterday the torch relay continued it's leg in Hong Kong (SAR- which i always though was an odd name since SARS came about). Also on the same day, an envoy of the Dalai Lama head to China for talks. The Dalai Lama on the other hand had an interview with student, Lingxi Kong:
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/chinese-student-interviewing-the-dalai-lama/
Woeser has also had much to write about the last 2 days. Translated as usual at CDT:
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/woeser-tibet-update-may-1-2008/
She is an influential writer about Tibet and has been under self exile in Beijing since 2004. When the Lhasa riots broke out and protests across China, she was barred from leaving the country. She still keeps her blog compiling news from sources around China. The entries of Chinese authorities and arrests tend to be quite detailed.
While a friend of mine in Hong Kong watched the relay just from her apartment in Sha Tin, I had to make do with the TV. Another avenue of information that isn't widely available or offered is Hong Kong's long standing TV station, TVB. It isomewhat like the equivelent of the BBC in the UK. TVB for HK, BBC for UK. Anyway, on the the news, there was 15 minutes of coverage of the torch relay. It was a rainy day but thousands came out to watch. Many were allowed to leave work early (that's a wow for HK). Many of the torch bearers were pop stars and movie stars (celebrities are even a bigger deal there). HK already is one of the most overpopulated places on the planet, to have even more people on the street people would start climbing the walls! Torch bearers's ran, got on a boat, travelled in a wheelchair, got on a horse and a golf cart. They also covered protesters and a lady who fainted due to the crowds.
While the the news regarding China since March has been of the torch relay, pro Tibetan protests and pro China protests, coming late is the worrying news about the 3000 children who are now infected by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) intestinal virus (in Eastern China). 21 children since March have already died from it. I fear infections will be growing rapidily and more deaths are to come.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSHA7571020080503?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/30/china
Some TV images: (better quality ones to come soon)�
Tsim Tsa Tsui MTR station
This shop owner didn't mind loosing some business for the day.
- J
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/chinese-student-interviewing-the-dalai-lama/
Woeser has also had much to write about the last 2 days. Translated as usual at CDT:
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/05/woeser-tibet-update-may-1-2008/
She is an influential writer about Tibet and has been under self exile in Beijing since 2004. When the Lhasa riots broke out and protests across China, she was barred from leaving the country. She still keeps her blog compiling news from sources around China. The entries of Chinese authorities and arrests tend to be quite detailed.
While a friend of mine in Hong Kong watched the relay just from her apartment in Sha Tin, I had to make do with the TV. Another avenue of information that isn't widely available or offered is Hong Kong's long standing TV station, TVB. It isomewhat like the equivelent of the BBC in the UK. TVB for HK, BBC for UK. Anyway, on the the news, there was 15 minutes of coverage of the torch relay. It was a rainy day but thousands came out to watch. Many were allowed to leave work early (that's a wow for HK). Many of the torch bearers were pop stars and movie stars (celebrities are even a bigger deal there). HK already is one of the most overpopulated places on the planet, to have even more people on the street people would start climbing the walls! Torch bearers's ran, got on a boat, travelled in a wheelchair, got on a horse and a golf cart. They also covered protesters and a lady who fainted due to the crowds.
While the the news regarding China since March has been of the torch relay, pro Tibetan protests and pro China protests, coming late is the worrying news about the 3000 children who are now infected by the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) intestinal virus (in Eastern China). 21 children since March have already died from it. I fear infections will be growing rapidily and more deaths are to come.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSHA7571020080503?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/30/china
Some TV images: (better quality ones to come soon)�
Tsim Tsa Tsui MTR station 
This shop owner didn't mind loosing some business for the day. 
- J
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Voices
Link update:
Growing Up Han: Reflections on a Xinjiang Childhood
By Timothy B. Weston
http://thechinabeat.blogspot.com/2008/04/
growing-up-han-reflections-on-xinjiang.html
Wishes of a Tibetan in China
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/04/the-wishes-of-a-
tibetan/
Danwei TV: Translation of Wang Xiaofeng's blog: Boycott
http://www.danwei.org/blogs/boycott.php
The real US deficit with China – knowledge
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0501/p09s02-coop.html
- J
Growing Up Han: Reflections on a Xinjiang Childhood
By Timothy B. Weston
http://thechinabeat.blogspot.com/2008/04/
growing-up-han-reflections-on-xinjiang.html
Wishes of a Tibetan in China
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2008/04/the-wishes-of-a-
tibetan/
Danwei TV: Translation of Wang Xiaofeng's blog: Boycott
http://www.danwei.org/blogs/boycott.php
The real US deficit with China – knowledge
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0501/p09s02-coop.html
- J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
