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.