I believe Chinese national image has piggybacked off the genuine appeal of their classic culture. Like how Disneyland embodies happiness, dreams, and magic, I feel that classic Chinese culture naturally fascinates others though a narrative of beauty, refinement, and tranquility crafted through centuries of drama, toil, and the efforts of thousands. This alone has lifted Chinese national image abroad, though the soft power is China is diminished through failed attempts to popularize their ideology and policy.
I'm curious how the Chinese diasporic groups (apart from the polarized netizens) respond to China's national image. The papers have claimed that the persistence of cultural autonomy of these diasporic groups leads to the rise of Chinese nationalism abroad, but I would argue that if the Chinese diaspora abroad maintains only Chinese cultural values, and not their political ideology.
I see ads for this show on billboards in San Jose & in the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. Described as "classic, compelling, and magnificent," this show is apparently a traveling group that has performed on stages in Vegas, London, and beyond. The investment necessary to support such extravagant sets and talent is somehow surely connected to increasing the appeal of Chinese culture abroad in western nations.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy_KdKBARuY
Ding, S. (2011) Branding A Rising China: an analysis of beijing's national image management in the age of china;s rise. Journal of Asian and African Studies. 46(3) 293-306.
No comments:
Post a Comment