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I have a contrarian view on this. Allow me to elaborate. I do think “culture” matters here, in the sense of “political culture.” Tocquevillian sociological analysis of why people organize themselves in certain ways and how they approach public affairs is still useful.
I think it will serve both countries well if we all have a better understanding of each other’s political culture. Political culture is a result of political system, and vice versa. China and Taiwan may share many cultural roots, but our political cultures are v. different now.
The danger is treating culture in an essentialist way, which can easily become racist. The “Caucasian” bit in this talk did raise a red flag. Race shouldn’t come into this picture. Not sure if it was quoted out of context.
But if it was meant to say that China, unlike Russia, had little interaction with Western ideas associated with Enlightenment, hence it’s even harder for the US to understand and reconcile with China’s approach to political affairs, then I think it makes sense.
Paying attention to political culture means taking history seriously.Why do people do things in certain ways? Often informed by history. Too much power struggle intrigue, mass violence in Chinese memories, I’m afraid. Moreover, our cultural production(tv, etc) keep reinforcing it
In this centennial anniversary of May 4, perhaps we Chinese ourselves need to spend more time thinking about our political culture. What do we want to carry on, and what should be left behind?
I see many well-meaning people on Twitter trying to distinguish Chinese people from CCP. I agree.Chinese people are victim to the political system in many ways, no doubt. But we’re also complicit. I think of the many CCP-criticizing “liberals” who’re racist, patriarchal&Trumpian
