Dodson - Chapter 10

In Chapter 10, Dodson explains that China has experienced xenophobia, which is the fear of people from other countries. Dodson also explains that the media has helped to reinforce this by disputing "the idea that foreigners are human beings too", and later says that the Chinese “love the imperial line and accept everything about it” (pg. 206). I don’t think I agree with what Dodson says here. Perhaps China was once different, but today there has been a lot of opposition to the way the government controls media and manipulates outside information. Dodson describes the Chinese in a way that leads the reader to believe they are completely complacent and do not at all dispute having every aspect of their lives controlled. I would question this with evidence of resistance with current events such as the Chinese democracy movement. My brother recently told me about this; he said that many in China are rebelling against the Communist Party. This clearly shows retaliation in response to “the imperial line”. Dodson suggests that Chinese nationalism is so fierce that is “knows no borders except its own” (pg. 208). I don’t think it’s fair to break down an entire population with one blanket statement. I think there is a great deal more to Chinese citizens than hotheadedness and pride. Dodson also says that China’s self-image can depend on the direction of leadership and society. This makes sense, I think this is true for all countries. However, I think Dodson took hold of what he described as China’s “’us against the world’” attitude, and magnified it.