East Meets West, Part I

My MA thesis dealt with this theme with respect to Egypt- How America is represented in Egyptian media in modern times (while also tracing out the history of the Arab encounter with the US). Much of what I found was the articulation of the same age old stereotypes found within Western or American dominant discourse. In many ways, the way ‘America’ was portrayed caused the Egyptians to ‘orientalize’ themselves so to speak: there are such things as East and West (the classic binary), America is stronger, imperialist, supposed to representative democracy and diversity, yet hypocritical in its actions abroad due to pursuit of ‘strategic interests.’ While the Egyptians are stuck to their old ways, unable to resist strong America, authoritarian, a part of an old and dying world. Thus we also step into the world similar to that of the ‘native informant,’ or the ‘native’ who has incorporated the dominant discourse and can inform upon his or her brethren to the world (or Western, dominant, universal, world) as an affirmation that the dominant discourse is indeed an accurate reflection of the state of affairs- the West is indeed the shining city upon the hill and the ‘others’ the Arabs, etc. have some sort of inherent trait- be it Islam, tribalism, or something else that makes them somehow unable to “catch up” or embrace the modern world. Barbarians, of course. 

Enter South East Asia. Here I am, caught in this supposed pivot towards Asia. And who is the monster to tame? China, of course. Being much less familiar with the dynamics of South East Asia, aside from some studies on how capitalism does NOT necessarily lead to democracy (Exhibit A: China), I decided to embark on my quest in a similar fashion to the one I previously undertook: How did/does ‘China’ experience America? And I put China in those cute little marks to show that I really mean an idea or an articulation- for there are many Chinas, right? Many variations on what China is- some of those articulations represent China as a homogenous entity ready to pursue battle with a just as solid, and homogeneous articulation of ‘America.’ But surely China gets to be more complicated than that- the communist party, the Chinese Navy, the private sector, etc.

Step one of my journey has been the book, China’s America by Jing Li. Not surprisingly, many of the same themes occur. China used to be a powerful empire that was eventually subject to the imperialism of technologically superior Western powers. In steps the questioning of “why did we get left behind?” Much of the initial encounters with the US were in the form of missionaries who set up multiple schools throughout China, just like the Middle East. And the US wasn’t seen as bad of an entity when it wasn’t as bad compared to other European powers- only minor jerks. 

"The U.S. did, in 1900, join seven other powers in an allied expedition to China to
suppress an anti foreign uprising raging in China then, the Boxer Rebellion.
But it was also at this time that Washington put forward the famous Open Door Doctrine, calling upon the foreign powers to respect China’s territorial, if not sovereign, integrity. Under this arrangement, China could continue to exist as one country while the Western nations would maintain and expand their privileges in the eastern land. This was far from ideal for the Chinese; but, given their lot at the time, many Chinese were relieved to see that, partly due to U.S. intervention, their country would avert partition or total colonization, for the time being at least" (13).

So, just not as big of assholes as everyone else. American movies were fascinating but American meddling in China’s domestic affairs was more than irritating. Ambivalence would be the right descriptor.

The book continues to elaborate on the experience through the 2000’s, and there are a variety of them. But I think the more distant past is of the greatest interest. Americans seem to have a forgetfulness about the fact that their country has, in fact, been greatly involved in the fates of other countries for well over 100 years. There is often a forgetfulness that this past experience may shape modern day perceptions and relationships. In any case, my exploration of China’s encounter begins, as best it can in the English language.

Mandatory Social Gatherings

I have often asked myself what the point of mandatory social gatherings might be. I know the company line: it brings people together “outside of work” and in a “relaxed environment” and promotes a feeling of “family” and “team.” Really? Is it really that relaxed of an environment or a complete game of showmanship? 

I was forced into such an occasion yesterday evening. My job requires that I attend these tedious functions and pretend that I really want to spend my precious time outside of work with my boss and co-workers. It requires me to engage in the most terrifying and utterly confusing act of “small talk” with people that I have never met or rarely interact with- and act utterly exhausting and draining for an introvert such as myself. I wonder if I am somehow moulding myself more into this entity called “team” as I stare into space trying to think of some sort of triviality to discuss next. 

I arrived in style, of course. Bottle of beautiful California Zin wrapped in a brown paper bag so that I could dull my senses as quickly as possible to ease getting through the event. Maybe it would even inspire something to say to someone. Everyone is generally more awkward at these events anyway- spouses are present and a whole different dynamic invades the room. As a female in a predominantly male environment, I have to calculate every conversation I have with my male coworkers, boss, and subordinates, lest the spouse read too much into it. And of course there is constant, delicious, judgement and assessment going on- between co-workers, between spouses, between everyone. “Relaxed environment.”



My friend: Seghesio Zin



The “family environment” reminds me that I am alone right now, awkward. And as a lone female, I am somehow stamped as “threat” or something that doesn’t quite fit with the scenery. No significant other is by my side- he’s thousands of miles away. It’s lovely to have that accentuated. The hostess of the event- my boss’s wife- can’t talk to me about my kids- I have none and I intend to have none. There’s nothing to say to me about the wives issues or anything in that genre because I am not the wife of an officer. I am an officer. She might make a remark that I look nice, but that is as far as our conversation is ever really going to get. There is the pregnant silence, she smiles, and attends to her easier guests. And I confess, I probably don’t instantly invite easy conversation and warmth. I put my coat in a closet, find the kitchen, rummage through drawers, and find a wine tool. I am “making myself at home.” I won’t lie, I chug half a glass rapidly before I pour myself an appropriate glass with which to emerge into “public.” Ah, that is a damn good Zin. 

Before I go too far down a negative line, I do not mean to suggest that I dislike everyone at the engagement- or even anyone there for that matter. There are people I would pick and choose to hang out with in a smaller gathering- one that doesn’t have the taint of work all over it. But even my interaction with these people at this gathering is calculated, measured, restrained- because, in actuality, we ARE at work AND in the direct presence of bosses, subordinates, spouses- and being completely at ease is entirely out of the question. Then, what exactly is the point of the entire exercise?

Food is the next event. Now there is some comfort. Everyone will stuff their faces, less conversation will ensue, and thankfully the food will provide some source of conversation. And I can definitely talk about food. Step one: ask where the maker of the tiramisu was able to find lady fingers in Japan.  

Then come the public speeches. People are leaving and we are all supposed to have something to say to them. But what if I really have nothing to say? There’s nothing there to inspire me to make a public announcement in front of all…so I say nothing. Then I berate myself for saying nothing because I should say something- I mean, these people were all good at their jobs and contributed a great deal. By my saying nothing am I somehow slighting them? But my words can’t form and I stay in the back of the room. Where is the Zin? 

Two and a half hours after the event began, it reaches its conclusion. There are no more official moments to behold. I find my coat and slip out the front door as quickly as possible. And I mean, within two minutes of speech conclusion. It is a relief to be hit by the cold crisp air and I nearly run to my car- all along wondering if the goal of the occasion, whatever it was, was actually met.

The Joys of International Air Travel

International air travel is one of my least favorite activities. It’s unpleasant and down right painful when you take into account sitting for hours on end. People smell, your lips chap, your gastrointestinal track has fits, your ankles swell, your head is muddled. It’s all generally not good- all for the convenience of being able to get to the other side of the earth in just a day.

Today’s flight is no exception to crappy international air travel. As usual, my flight was delayed for nearly two hours. While waiting I was told that United was basically unsure of when the flight would actually take off. Being my usual irritated self, I expressed my discontent possibly a little too aggressively. I didn’t really expect anyone to respond. Well, oh well. 

United responds to tweets apparently...

For the plane itself, I doled out an extra $200 to sit in a coveted Economy Plus exit row. Yep, enough to buy a family food for a month in many places- just to have the ability to unbend my legs for 13 straight hours- to hurt less during this not very inspiring journey, the end of which will culminate in my dreaded return to work. I live in a different world than the majority of people on earth. The world opens its doors to me- I have the right passport and it’s financially feasible. I can go just about anywhere when many people can and will never leave their own situations- never have access to where they actually want to be. Borders are less formidable for me. That is our international system- the current state of the global-political economy- the world order that I work for directly. Keep the sea lanes open. Or, in other words, keep the money flowing between the certain “right” people and the “right” places. 

Air travel is a great people-watching experience. You can really get in touch with your stereotyping and judging game. Sitting right next to the access or the lavatories grants me a front row view of people in some of their greatest moments of need...while I watch them jealously regard my stretched out legs, attempting to not step on my feet. But I feel justified in claiming every inch of this $200 worth of precious space. I observe them all: The elderly Japanese woman. The overly attentive mother. The curiously dressed European male. The haggard flight attendant with pursed lips who acts deeply offended if you ask for a cup of water. It’s all such a lovely parade of humanity. How many times have they gotten up? How long do they stay? Will they choose the lavatory that now has a long trail of toilet paper coming out of it because it unrolled and no one bothered to pick it up? Who will be the person who picks it up? What are their motivations? Yes, these are the thoughts that plague me as my ass goes numb in my seat and I wonder when the next “feeding” of the passengers will occur.  

Then I wake up from a hazy snooze, my head rolled onto my shoulder, neck bent in an awful position and I wonder if I’ll be able to pick my head up. The tops of my feet are puffing out of my ballet flats, my sinuses are going crazy and irritating film covers my teeth. At this point, I am cowed into submission and will probably do anything that anyone tells me in order to make the dreaded experience end. Ah, first world problems. 

And finally, Tokyo. You stampede with the herd to immigration and customs- I got to stand in line twice after filling out my immigration form in an unsuitable color of pen but, other than that, it is easy to cross into Japan. 

“Passengers coming from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea please divert over here.” Nope, not me. But how can you be so sure that I have not been exposed to Ebola the past couple days of airport travel? 

Finally it’s the Narita Express train to Yokohama. I have been riding this train back and forth from Narita for over a year now and the same commercials still play- the man with a thick eyebrows and a mustache dressed like a young school girl advertising wifi. JR Line and the Police Department would still like you to know that they are on high alert for something suspicious (and they have been for the entire time I have been riding this train). 

High Alert!!

What does “high alert” mean? When are they not at “high alert?” These are the things I ponder as my backside spends another hour and a half sitting. 

And tomorrow: work. Ugh, my reward for completing this lovely journey...

Welcome to Ambivalence

Ah, you’re writing another blog. How cliche. And created while sitting on an airplane no less. Perfect. That Sam Adams in a plastic cup is really bringing out the muse. 

What is this to be about? I’ve no specific idea. My other blogs were about travel and politics, the arab world, revolution...meh.

I can’t promise anything really. Knowing me, there is sure to be international politics, raw observations, and general rambling. I am highly emotional, dramatic, and usually in a place where I am not sure what I think. Too many layers and all that nonsense. Complexity, heavy fruit...like an overdone and overbearing California Cabernet. 

Really, I just want a place to lay down my thoughts. A place to express all these deeply profound ideas churning in my head. Ha! One thing for sure, much written here will be laced with sarcasm and no darkness is too black.

That is not to say that all is black. No, if everything were dark and dreary, there would not be this ambivalence. Hence the name of the blog- the best descriptor of my encounter with the world at large- from Texas to California, Egypt to Japan.