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Ask Mei

Questions about Chinese culture

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Why I argue with my mother

Two different views on being outspoken in China
May 31, 2019 (WiC 454)

As the youngest and sweetest of three siblings (my brother and sister may disagree on the latter adjective), I have always been my mother’s favourite. Growing up in the shadows of my confident and bossy sister, I was lucky to have a mother who ...

When men mess up, blame the women

Chauvinism in China
May 3, 2019 (WiC 450)

As an ancient civilisation with a strong Confucian influence, China has not been very fair to women through its history. Hong Yan Huo Shui (红颜祸水) or “Women are like disastrous water” was a popular idiom through the ages and numerous ...

Beauty in China

Why do Zara's and Vogue's models spark controversy in China?
Mar 15, 2019 (WiC 444)

The recent controversy over Zara’s cosmetic ads and Vogue’s choice of a ‘unique-looking’ model has rekindled the debate on what is considered beautiful in China. Many netizens alleged that the Spanish brand’s choice of a heavily ...

Farewell to a China expert

Roderick MacFarquhar passed away at 88
Feb 22, 2019 (WiC 441)

When I got the news that Roderick MacFarquhar, Professor of History and Political Science, and formerly Director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, had passed away at 88 during the Lunar New Year holiday, my first ...

Trump’s wall of Chinese supporters

Takeaways from a survey of Chinese in America
Jan 18, 2019 (WiC 437)

As the US federal government suffers the longest shutdown in its history, I did a survey among my Chinese friends on their views on the reason for the current stalemate: Trump’s Wall.

Deciphering CCTV’s evening news
Aug 31, 2018 (WiC 422)

While preparing for a talk at the local Italian Chamber of Commerce on China’s media landscape, I came across a slide introducing tier-one national media outlets, which includes CCTV (China Central Television). One of the interesting features ...

Water, water… not everywhere

Yunnan's lakes evidence China's environmentalism
Jun 15, 2018 (WiC 413)

While economists, strategists and pundits enjoy predicting the various “looming crises” facing China, they tend to focus on the country’s economic and social health – for instance, the dangers of slowing GDP growth, rising debt levels, an ...

Lin’s linguistic lapse

Controversy over Peking University's speech
May 11, 2018 (WiC 408)

As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, Peking University has produced brilliant writers, thinkers, scientists, entrepreneurs and politicians.

Yangzhou, China’s saving grace?

A charming place of 2,500 years old...
Apr 20, 2018 (WiC 405)

Decades of the “develop at all cost” model has transformed China from an economic backwater into a global powerhouse but also resulted in unprecedented environmental degradation, the destruction of historical relics and the spread of ...

Aging gracefully with Zhang Ziyi

Screen siren finally finds favour with film fans
Mar 16, 2018 (WiC 401)

Movie star Zhang Ziyi is not only a household name in China but also one of the most recognised Asian faces in the world. She shot to international stardom at the age of 21 with her leading role in Ang Lee’s martial arts film Crouching Tiger, ...

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