Liang Qichao on His Trip to America

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

This is an article written by a Chinese journalist who visits the United States in 1903. It was especially interesting to me because last week I had read the writings from our text by Confucius, Mencius, and Xunxi. Although there were specific differences between the three philosophies, I was struck by two important similarities. All three clearly supported a strong ruler and the perpetuation of the classes - i.e. the idea that one should be content with his life and not try to rise above himself. I think the influence of these philosophers on the Chinese psyche may have something to do with Liang Qichoa’s observation that, “…the Chinese people of today can only be governed autocratically; they cannot enjoy freedom” (Dube -19th Cent.China – Reading #6 p.118).
In the same article, but on a different subject, Liang Qichao writes about racism in the United States. He begins, “To be sure there is something despicable about the behavior of blacks. They would die nine times without regret if they could possess a white woman’s flesh…. Still, why does the government allow wanton lynchings to go unpunished…. The reason is none other than preconceived opinions about race” (117).

[Anonymous]

"In the same article, but on a different subject, Liang Qichao writes about racism in the United States. He
begins, “To be sure there is something despicable about the behavior of blacks. They would die nine
times without regret if they could possess a white woman’s flesh…. Still, why does the government allow
wanton lynchings to go unpunished…. The reason is none other than preconceived opinions about race”

I KNOW! Insane contrast! Hilarious hypocrisy! The shocking nature of the negative stereotype jumps off the page and sears the modern mind- where did he get this idea? In what way is it (and many other statements for that matter) substantiated? Wow. And then, in practically the same breath- a sense of justice and ironically- an outsider's perspective on American racism far ahead of the times....I want to know more about this wise fool!

[Anonymous]

I really liked this reading!! I already have plans to use it in our U.S. Rise as a Superpower Unit in which we explore the the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution and how it became so powerful. In this unit we incorporate the immigrants' experience both the good and the bad. I can incorporate Lian Quchao's experience to really describe how American used to feel, look and discriminate. The reading is also very reader friendly for my low lever readers.

[Anonymous]

Wise-fool indeed! The hypocritical words that fall off Liang Qichao's tongue, makes me want to catch them and toss them back down his throat. What does he truly know of the history of African Americans in the United States? From, his two-faced musings, clearly nothing!

[Author]

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