A new book from Emily Feng asks what it means to be Chinese in Xi Jinping's China
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, the podcast examines journalist Emily Feng's new book exploring the homogenized Chinese identity promoted under Xi Jinping's leadership. The summary delves into Feng's perspective, as an ethnic Chinese American banned from China, on the government's marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities like Muslims and the Uyghur population. It also highlights how Feng's dual identity has influenced her journalistic work and evolving sense of cultural pride and belonging in the Chinese diaspora.
As the Chinese government emphasizes traits such as Mandarin fluency and Communist Party loyalty as central to a narrowly defined Chinese identity, Feng examines how this ideology impacts ethnic minorities and their struggles to reconcile state-sanctioned identities with their diverse cultural backgrounds.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Apr 2, 2025 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Xi Jinping's Narrow Chinese Identity Definition
Feng Highlights the Homogenization of Chinese Identity Under Xi's Leadership
According to journalist Emily Feng, the Chinese government under Xi Jinping has pushed for a narrowed, homogeneous national identity. This emphasizes traits like Mandarin fluency, heterosexuality, and Communist Party loyalty while marginalizing diversity in political opinions, ethnicities, and cultural identities.
Han Ethnic Group Emphasized as Quintessentially Chinese
Feng notes the marginalization of China's 55 ethnic minority groups, suggesting they are seen as less authentically Chinese due to distinct cultures and histories. The Han ethnic group is placed at the core of the defined Chinese identity.
Marginalization of Muslim Minorities in China
Hui Muslims: Physically Han, but Distrusted for Faith
Feng discusses the experiences of the Hui Muslim minority through Yusuf, a Hui man grappling with reconciling his Chinese and Muslim identities, perceived as incompatible by the state.
Divide Between Hui and Uyghur Muslims Despite Shared Faith
Initially, Feng notes, the Hui did not identify with Uyghur struggles due to the government's divide-and-conquer tactics among Muslim minorities. Over time, some have come to recognize their interconnected marginalization.
Ethnic Identity's Impact on Feng's Journalism
Feng Faces Backlash as a Chinese-American Journalist
For her reporting, Chinese state media has denigrated Feng, an ethnic Chinese American, as a "race traitor" and "banana." Banned from China, she highlights the pressures on her dual identity.
Feng's Evolving Sense of Cultural Pride and Belonging
Despite challenges, Feng has developed deeper pride and self-awareness in her Chinese heritage through her time in China. She believes being Chinese transcends geographic borders to a global cultural diaspora.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- The Chinese government may argue that promoting a common national identity is essential for national unity and stability, especially in a country as large and diverse as China.
- The emphasis on Mandarin fluency could be defended as a practical measure to facilitate communication and economic development across different regions of China.
- The promotion of Communist Party loyalty might be justified by the government as a way to maintain political cohesion and the socialist direction of the country.
- The portrayal of the Han ethnic group as quintessentially Chinese could be seen as a reflection of demographic reality, given that Han Chinese make up a significant majority of the population.
- The Chinese government may claim that its policies towards ethnic minorities are aimed at integrating them into the broader national fabric while still respecting their cultural practices, rather than marginalizing them.
- The government might argue that its approach to Muslim minorities is driven by concerns over extremism and separatism, not by religious discrimination.
- The Chinese government could assert that its treatment of journalists like Emily Feng is based on the content and impact of their reporting, rather than their ethnicity or national origin.
- The concept of Chinese identity transcending geographic borders might be challenged by those who believe that cultural identity is closely tied to the nation-state and its unique historical and social context.
Actionables
- You can explore the diversity within your own heritage by researching and documenting your family's cultural background, including languages, traditions, and historical migrations. This personal project can help you appreciate the complexity of identity and the factors that contribute to it, such as the influence of different ethnic groups, religions, and political affiliations within your lineage.
- Start a virtual book club focused on literature by authors from marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities and diaspora writers. By reading and discussing their works, you'll gain insights into the experiences and perspectives that often go unheard in mainstream narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and identity.
- Engage with language learning apps to pick up basic phrases in a minority language that interests you, such as Uyghur or another less commonly taught language. This small step can be a gesture of solidarity and recognition of the cultural significance of minority languages, as well as a way to challenge the idea of a monolithic national identity.
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Xi Jinping's Restrictive Identity Definition
Xi Jinping's leadership in China has seen a push toward creating and enforcing a homogeneous national identity that prioritizes certain characteristics and affiliations.
State-Enforced Narrow Chinese Identity
Emily Feng addresses the narrowing of Chinese identity under the current government, looking at how certain traits are being emphasized as quintessentially Chinese.
The Government's Definition of Chinese Identity Limits Diversity By Emphasizing Mandarin Fluency, Heterosexuality, and Communist Party Loyalty
In recent years, there has been an increasing push in China to shape citizens to be Mandarin-speaking, heterosexual individuals who demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Communist Party. These stringent criteria restrict the space for diversity in political opinions, ethnic backgrounds, or cultural identities, leading to a more uniform sense of 'Chineseness' that overlooks the country's rich tapestry of diversity.
Government Emphasizes Han Ethnic Group as Core Chinese Identity
The current political rhetoric places the Han ethnic group at the center of China's national identity, which is problematic.
...
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Xi Jinping's Restrictive Identity Definition
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The promotion of Mandarin fluency could be seen as an effort to enhance national unity and improve communication across diverse regions, rather than an attempt to suppress cultural diversity.
- Emphasizing certain traits like Communist Party loyalty might be argued as a means to maintain political stability and social order in a country with a vast population and complex history.
- The focus on a homogeneous national identity could be interpreted as a strategy to forge a strong national narrative that can withstand external pressures and foster a sense of collective purpose.
- The government's approach to national identity may be seen as an attempt to protect and preserve what it perceives as core cultural values in the face of globalization and Western influence.
- The promotion of the Han ethnic group as central to Chinese identity might be defended on the grounds that it represents the majority of the population, and thus plays a significant role in the country's historical and cultural development.
- The treatment of ethnic minorities ...
Actionables
- You can expand your understanding of Chinese culture by learning about the traditions and languages of its ethnic minority groups. Start by choosing one of the 55 ethnic minority groups and research their history, language, and cultural practices. This could involve reading books, watching documentaries, or even trying out recipes from that culture. By doing so, you'll gain a more nuanced view of what it means to be Chinese beyond the dominant Han narrative.
- Encourage inclusive perspectives by sharing stories and content from Chinese ethnic minorities on social media. Look for articles, videos, and art created by members of these groups or that highlight their experiences. Sharing this content can help raise awareness and appreciation for the diverse identities that make up China's population.
- Foster personal connections with people from diverse bac ...
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Experiences of Hui and Uyghur Muslims in China
In China, the Muslim population faces unique challenges, with distinctions in treatment and perception even among different Muslim ethnic groups. Feng brings to light the experiences of the Hui people and the complexities they face in a society where religious affiliation often dictates the boundaries of identity.
Hui Muslims: Identical to Han Majority but Distrusted Due to Faith
Yusuf: A Hui Man's Struggle With Dual Identities
Feng discusses the Hui people, who are predominantly Muslim and physically similar to the Han Chinese but are not considered truly Chinese due to their faith. She uses the story of Yusuf, a Hui Muslim man, as an example. Yusuf has spent his life attempting to reconcile his Chinese identity with his Muslim faith, facing the predicament that these identities are seen as incompatible by the Chinese government and, at times, by society.
Hui-uyghur Muslim Divide Despite Shared Faith
How China Exploited Differences to Divide and Control Minorities
Initially, the Hui did not align their experiences with those of the Uygh ...
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Experiences of Hui and Uyghur Muslims in China
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of the Hui Muslims' experiences by reading personal narratives and memoirs written by Hui authors. This will give you a more nuanced perspective of their identity struggles and the complexities of being both Chinese and Muslim. For example, search for books or articles that focus on personal stories from the Hui community, which can often reveal the human side of political and social issues.
- Start a virtual book club focused on literature by and about Chinese Muslims to foster empathy and awareness among your peers. By selecting a diverse range of texts, including fiction and non-fiction, you can create a space for dialogue and understanding about the challenges faced by the Hui and Uyghur communities. Invite friends or colleagues to join, and use social media platforms to schedule regular discussions.
- Engage in mindful consumerism by su ...
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Identity Politics' Impact on Journalist Emily Feng
Feng Called "Race Traitor" and "Banana" by Chinese State Media For Journalism
Pressures and Risks For Feng as a Chinese-American Journalist in China
Chinese state media have denigrated Emily Feng for her journalistic work, labeling her a race traitor and questioning her authenticity as a Chinese person. Due to her reporting, Emily Feng was banned from China and faced derogatory terms, including being called a "banana," by Chinese state media. These incidents underscore the pressures and risks she has encountered as an ethnically Chinese Mandarin-speaking reporter working for an American media outlet during tense US-China relations. The government's intimidation only heightened the meaning and urgency of her work in China.
Feng's Time in China Shaped Her Chinese Identity and Cultural Connection
Feng's Pride and Self-Awareness in Her Chinese Heritage, and Her Belief That Being Chinese Extends Beyond China
Despite the challenges imposed upon her, Emily Feng's time in China has reinforced her pride and self-awareness of her Chinese heritage. Feng has reflected on her experience covering stories about identity in China, which has informed her sense of belonging and connection to her Chinese identity. She puts forth the idea that being Chinese is not confined within the boundaries of the country, but is a broader cultural and ethnic experience. Emily Feng writes ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Identity Politics' Impact on Journalist Emily Feng
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore your heritage through language by signing up for a beginner's course in a language that connects you to your roots. Learning the language can deepen your understanding of cultural nuances and idioms that shape your identity, much like mastering Chinese helped Emily Feng connect with her heritage.
- Create a personal blog or vlog to document and share your journey of cultural exploration and self-awareness. This can be a space to reflect on your experiences, discuss the complexities of identity, and connect with others who have similar backgrounds or are interested in the topic.
- Engage with diaspora communities thr ...
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