Letter to Editor: Cultural Insensitivity and Double Standard
李春燕-1142 01/20 108214.7/3
Dear Mr. Howerton,
I am writing in response to the following article
http://m.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/sf-activist-fights-to-end-chinese-tradition-of-eating-dog/Content?oid=2917066
It is not common for recent immigrants to express their opinions in English media, yet that is not to say these immigrants are not melting into the culture. We are very much part of the American fabric that made this country so diverse, and because we are every part Americans, we can discern biased reports that may negatively affect our image or how our kids will be perceived in schools and society. No matter how new or old the immigration status, any person who will be linked by race as implied by the above article, will rightfully feel concerned about this.
While I applaud the activists in mainland China and Taiwan for their acts to save dogs and cats, I couldn't help but think this rally Ms. Gung is calling is misconceived. One, timing, it will happen during the Chinese New Year. Or maybe that is her purpose. That puts a sour taste in my mouth.
Two, the Chinese Americans here who have nothing to do with dog trade will be the ones negatively affected by this illconceived rally. Given the tendency for the media to blow things out of proportion, our kids at school will be the ones who are ridiculed simply because they are Chinese. The media has already painted the image that dog owners here need to hold on tight to their leashes as Guangdong tourism is advertised on buses. I hope Ms. Gung can see through such portraits, which not only will not serve her purpose, but already alienated the Chinese immigrant community from supporting her cause.
Three, other countries have traditions of eating certain animals we here in the US don't, and vice versa. Where is the boundary? Many people think cows are sacred. Do they rally in their countries against Americans eating beef? How about the cruelty in American factory raised chickens and cows? Where does the double standard stop?
Fourth, I am not sure bringing the sister state into play helps anything, because if her cause is pure, then mixing in politics will certainly taint the process.
In summary, I do hope the media becomes more sensitive when covering issues like these. I also hope people realize that applying a double standard will only make one sound hypocritical.
Best regards,
Chunyan Li, Ph.D.
I am writing in response to the following article
http://m.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/sf-activist-fights-to-end-chinese-tradition-of-eating-dog/Content?oid=2917066
It is not common for recent immigrants to express their opinions in English media, yet that is not to say these immigrants are not melting into the culture. We are very much part of the American fabric that made this country so diverse, and because we are every part Americans, we can discern biased reports that may negatively affect our image or how our kids will be perceived in schools and society. No matter how new or old the immigration status, any person who will be linked by race as implied by the above article, will rightfully feel concerned about this.
While I applaud the activists in mainland China and Taiwan for their acts to save dogs and cats, I couldn't help but think this rally Ms. Gung is calling is misconceived. One, timing, it will happen during the Chinese New Year. Or maybe that is her purpose. That puts a sour taste in my mouth.
Two, the Chinese Americans here who have nothing to do with dog trade will be the ones negatively affected by this illconceived rally. Given the tendency for the media to blow things out of proportion, our kids at school will be the ones who are ridiculed simply because they are Chinese. The media has already painted the image that dog owners here need to hold on tight to their leashes as Guangdong tourism is advertised on buses. I hope Ms. Gung can see through such portraits, which not only will not serve her purpose, but already alienated the Chinese immigrant community from supporting her cause.
Three, other countries have traditions of eating certain animals we here in the US don't, and vice versa. Where is the boundary? Many people think cows are sacred. Do they rally in their countries against Americans eating beef? How about the cruelty in American factory raised chickens and cows? Where does the double standard stop?
Fourth, I am not sure bringing the sister state into play helps anything, because if her cause is pure, then mixing in politics will certainly taint the process.
In summary, I do hope the media becomes more sensitive when covering issues like these. I also hope people realize that applying a double standard will only make one sound hypocritical.
Best regards,
Chunyan Li, Ph.D.
