comment for the NY Times

The following is feedback I gave to a NY Times survey. It’s my opinion.

I teach in China. The NY Times and other foreign media sometimes grossly misrepresent China or show absurd bias, and I’m an American who thinks that. I’d like to use the NY Times and other news media content in class. My goal is to attempt to build understanding and bridge the 2 very different cultures. So, when you ask for my opinion, I give it.
My first suggestion is to get someone on the inside who doesn’t exclusively think like someone from the outside. Try to inquire with people like me–freelance writers who’ve lived and work in China and truly love this country and its people. People who can communicate the strange and uncomfortable differences in a language that the Chinese people will listen to and can learn from. They are desperate to learn and show their “modern” ways as a developed nation, but who can blame them for feeling defensive when repeatedly attacked and accused? Would Americans behave differently? The Chinese are culturally bound to reciprocate kindness, and they follow a good example. However, no one in the NY Times or some other media seem to yet understand this.
My Chinese friends here call me a big fan of China and a true friend, partly because I’ve attempted to see China through China’s eyes and see the beauty in that perspective. I would invite you to do the same. Out of the dozens of media companies I’ve searched through, I have yet to find one that I’d call a “true friend of China”–one that could take the lead in building an influential relationship with this hugely important country. I don’t see NY Times as currently having that influential relationship, but I’m sure you justify your position articulately and to your satisfaction.
Thank you for providing the video content. I think it’s wonderful to be able to demonstrate the free news services available to my students. Thank you for asking for my opinion.
:)rickymay
20100312