I'm a Former Chinese Student. Here's Why I Hate This Harvard Speech

Summary

The video critiques Jang Wiron's commencement speech at Harvard, where she spoke of love and shared humanity. Despite her applause from the audience, Chinese netizens vehemently rejected her message, seeing it as hollow and disconnected from their struggles. The speaker points out Jang's elite background and ties to the Chinese Communist Party, questioning why she, instead of someone truly representing oppressed Chinese voices, was chosen. The critique delves into the broader issue of China's elite isolation from the country's reality, where those with power lack empathy and understanding for the majority who suffer under the regime.

Takeaways

• 😀 The commencement speech by Jang Wiron, a Chinese international student, received applause at Harvard Kennedy School but was heavily criticized by Chinese netizens online.
• 😀 Jang Wiron framed her speech as representing voiceless Chinese students but was accused of hypocrisy by her own audience due to her connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
• 😀 Jang's wealthy background and links to the Chinese government sparked criticism, particularly because her father is involved in organizations with ties to the Chinese state and military.
• 😀 The speech, while calling for love and shared humanity, was seen by many as hollow and pretentious, especially coming from someone with elite privileges.
• 😀 The Chinese government's influence on Jang's public image and Harvard's choice to invite her raised questions about the university's political motivations.
• 😀 There was a call for Harvard to select a speaker who genuinely represented ordinary Chinese citizens, rather than someone with elite privileges and ties to the regime.
• 😀 Jang's past involvement in suppressing pro-democracy protesters at a previous event at Harvard led to further backlash over her claims of advocating for tolerance and forgiveness.
• 😀 Critics argue that speeches about forgiveness and shared humanity should come from those who have been oppressed, not from privileged individuals who have benefited from the system.
• 😀 The speech was seen as a reflection of broader issues regarding the Chinese government’s manipulation of international perceptions and its exploitation of sensitive issues like race and political tolerance.
• 😀 The lack of empathy and understanding about the realities faced by ordinary Chinese citizens was highlighted, noting the information gap between China's elite and the majority of the population.

Q & A

Why did Jang Wiron’s commencement speech at Harvard receive criticism from both Chinese and American audiences?

Jang Wiron’s speech was criticized for being perceived as hollow and pretentious. While she presented a message of shared humanity and love for the 'enemy', the Chinese online community felt her speech did not truly represent their struggles. Additionally, her connections to the Chinese Communist Party, alongside her elite background, sparked controversy.

What specific message did Jang Wiron convey in her commencement speech?

In her speech, Jang Wiron spoke about loving the 'enemy' and recognizing the shared humanity that binds people, despite political differences. She also emphasized the importance of forgiveness and mutual respect.

How did Jang Wiron frame her message differently on Chinese social media?

On Chinese social media, Jang portrayed herself as representing the voiceless Chinese students and aimed to seize the narrative power on their behalf. However, her words did not resonate with many Chinese netizens, leading to backlash and criticism.

What is the significance of Jang Wiron’s family background in relation to the criticism she received?

Jang Wiron’s family ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) became a focal point of the criticism. Her father is linked to a Chinese government-controlled foundation, and she received a recommendation letter from a high-ranking CCP member, which led to questions about her motives and the authenticity of her message.

Why does the speaker criticize Harvard for selecting Jang Wiron to give the commencement speech?

The speaker criticizes Harvard for selecting someone with clear ties to the Chinese Communist Party, suggesting that the university could have chosen someone with a less privileged background and no political ties to the CCP. The speaker feels that this choice was a political statement, but one that ultimately misrepresented the true struggles of Chinese students.

How does the speaker suggest Harvard could have chosen a more appropriate commencement speaker?

The speaker proposes that Harvard could have selected someone with a humble upbringing and no connections to the Chinese Communist Party, someone who could authentically represent the experiences of regular Chinese students, particularly those who are oppressed or struggling.

What is the irony in Jang Wiron’s speech, according to the speaker?

The irony lies in Jang’s speech about tolerance and forgiveness, given her previous involvement in suppressing pro-democracy protests. The speaker highlights that a message of forgiveness and shared humanity should come from someone who has been oppressed, not someone with elite privilege and ties to the Chinese government.

What does the speaker mean by the separation between the Chinese government and its people?

The speaker emphasizes that it is important to distinguish between the Chinese government and the Chinese people. The actions and policies of the Chinese government do not represent the beliefs and experiences of all Chinese citizens, particularly those who are oppressed or critical of the regime.

What concerns does the speaker express regarding the Chinese government’s manipulation of international perceptions?

The speaker is concerned that the Chinese government uses the kindness and tolerance of international communities to manipulate and shield itself from criticism. By sending individuals like Jang, who are sympathetic to the CCP, they attempt to frame themselves as victims and exploit international kindness for political gain.

How does the speaker explain the information gap between Chinese elites and ordinary citizens?

The speaker points out that Chinese elites, like Jang, often lack empathy and understanding for the majority of Chinese citizens due to the country's lack of press freedom and limited platforms for the oppressed to speak out. This results in a profound disconnect between elites and the realities of ordinary people in China.