The Emotional Response to China

So we’ve been back in South Africa for just over 3yrs following our family’s 5yr adventure in Beijing, and one thing that continues to surprise me is the extreme emotive response that the word ‘China’ conjures up in most South Africans. It has only increased over the last 3 years, with hot debate on both sides of the aisle.

Now some may think that because we run a trilingual preschool and are determined for our own children to learn Mandarin, that we are firmly planted in the ‘pro-China’ camp and have lost all our allegiance to Africa and our roots. This is far from the truth: we have not had the wool pulled over our eyes regarding China’s intentions for this continent, nor have we been brainwashed by Chinese propaganda during our 5years abroad. We have, however, been privy to attitudes in both countries and are in a unique position to identify and address some of the problems and opportunities that are intricately linked. We think so anyway.

The other side of the argument is to be anti-China because they are ‘taking over the world’ and are here to colonize Africa; as if we didn’t have enough to worry about in this country. It’s all too overwhelming and the default position from this camp is shut down mode. Do. Not. Let. Them. Enter: Enter our schools, our homes and our industries. If we keep them out we can somehow protect ourselves from being taken advantage of and being duped.

Well, in my opinion, you’re duped if you think that approach is going to work.

Whether you believe China is a threat or an opportunity not engaging with them isn’t an option, they are here anyway. I am not here to say that your emotions around China aren’t accurate: If you feel threatened by the fact that they have close ties to our current government, you are not wrong. If you are afraid because everything we make, they can make cheaper and faster, you are right. If you are overwhelmed by how many Chinese people there are globally, you are not alone. And if you feel threatened because they don’t play by the same rules, that they are just so different, then you would be right there too. This global superpower can be a bully. They have the foresight and the clout to come in and get what they need from us, but my question is why does that have to leave us feeling powerless? It only does because we’re not prepared to stand up and play hardball with them. It’s only lose-lose if you give up before you’ve even begun.

As a proud South African I am surprised at how the enormity of China leaves us trembling when as a nation we brought Apartheid to it’s knees. How can a country, and a people, that have triumphed over such adversity be overcome with fear when we see the Chinese flag flying. If we start acting like the entrepreneurial, possibility-seeking, creative thinking, challenge-driven nation that I know we are, we can squeeze the marrow out of China’s business in Africa.

Why do we cower at the announcement of Mandarin Chinese (alongside 14 other languages introduced in 2016) being brought into our schools? We should be encouraging our youth to tackle the challenge of this language, not because China is out to colonize us, but because their future is bright if they can leverage all their knowledge for the good of OUR People. OUR Nation. I am not arguing that Chinese should be taught instead of an African language – I advocate for both – with equal value and importance. But it is foolish to leave one’s head in the sand because of fear, and in turn disadvantage our nation’s children.

Our experience in China taught us a lot - one valuable lesson was that being exposed to other cultures different from your own makes you stronger in your patriotism not weaker. If you want the next generation to know they are African, show them how different they are from the Chinese and then help them to bridge that divide for the good of their own people. That is my own hope as a mother: to raise bold and brave leaders of this nation who will help us safely navigate the waters of China’s growth. I hope you will join me.