I recently heard from a friend in China in response to my blog entry (March 28, 2008) about perceptions of misrepresentation of Chinese events by Western media. I found his remarks fascinating and a good reminder that we have to understand each other (interpersonally, internationally and intergalactically) in order to avoid misunderstandings. Attributing intentionality and meaning is risky business if you can't look from the other side. Talking about the incident in which CNN commentator Jack Cafferty made some (what I consider to be) irresponsible remarks about China in the wake of the Olympic torch protests, my friend Michael writes: I met with a Canadian friend on Sunday in Chengdu, who is a professor working with the National Film Board, and we exchanged opinions on the recent Cafferty issue. I said that the Chinese and Western people have very different understandings on the role of media and their relationship with the government. While the Western people tend to think that … [Read more...]