Bridging the Gap

I am in a unique position with my ties to both hemispheres to be privy to rhetoric coming from both the East and the West.  So as I become increasingly aware of discriminatory expressions of unfriendliness on each side, I wanted to offer three encouragements to consider when presented with the opportunity to interact with someone from another continent.

Separate People from Politics

None of us had a choice as to what our country of origin would be and which kind of political arrangement we would be born into.  And there are thoughtful individuals in each culture who are very much aware of both the strengths and the weaknesses of their country’s particular ideology and system of governance.

But when it comes down to it, the majority of people will naturally side with the side which both their livelihood and legacy are (for the most part) fatalistically linked to.  In other words, unless you are upwardly and internationally mobile, when your country wins, you win.  When your country loses, you lose.  And when we have to choose who to root for, the choice is clear.  That does not mean we wish ill will on other nations.  But we dare not forget on which side our bread is buttered. 

Responses are often Rooted in History

The old adage is that “history is composed by the victors.”  And this is no less true when it comes to a nation’s recounting of its history.  We naturally teach it with an agenda.  Some nations feel that the brutal facts are best as a warning not to repeat past mistakes.  Others feel that history is best told from a perspective of progress.  For China, the idea that they are building on the past toward a better future is important. 

They are also very emotionally aware of past interactions with the outside world that left them at a disadvantage.  As an American, the Civil War, World War II, the Vietnam War (which they refer to as the “War of American Aggression”), and the War on Terror are emotional for me.  For China, the Opium Wars and series of unequal treaties which followed are equally emotional.  They want to partner with the outside, but are resolute in not wanting to ever be in a position of weakness like that again.

The Host is in the Position of Strength

The final encouragement is to remember that when you are in your home country, you are in a position of strength.  I have traveled a good bit in Southeast Asia, and I can count on one hand the number of times I have either been taken advantage of or treated in an unfriendly way.  The majority of people have been exceedingly gracious and overwhelmingly hospitable.

As a foreign guest, you are in the most vulnerable position imaginable.  And it means a lot when people go out of their way to be kind.  Recently, a friend reached out to me from China who had decided to stick up for my family and I in the midst of general accusations directed at foreign residents.  She went so far as to show them photos of us in China serving with the Non-Profit Organization we volunteer with. 

My desire is to honor my Chinese friends in a similar way by also being a gracious host.  They are precious friends who choose to be kind to “foreigners” like myself while still remaining loyal to their Home Team.  In fact, in spite of the negative press, we are all looking forward to a joyful reunion hopefully in the not-to-distant future!

Cheers,

David