Author(s): David K. Herold
Year of publication: 2011
Keywords: Expatriate bloggers, China, Digital narratives, Media influence
Methodology/Sample: _/_
Reference: Herold, D. K. (2011). Imagining China. Online expatriates as “bridge bloggers” on the Chinese Internet. In L. Fortunati, R. Pertierra, & J. Vincent (Eds.), Migration, Diaspora and Information Technology in Global Societies (pp. 243-256). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203148600-22/imagining-china-david-kurt-herold
Abstract
In 2006, the China Daily reported over 150,000 foreigners legally working in China, with many more in-country long-term as frequent business
travelers, students, spouses, etc. (Wang 2006). Among these over 500,000
long-term residents in China, there are many who write about their experiences in online blogs or similar Web sites.1 Motivations for these blogs
diff er widely, and among the bloggers are language students wishing to
share their knowledge of Chinese; lawyers working in China; journalists
who want to write about stories they cannot publish with their employers; individuals or groups who vent their anger and frustration with life in
China, etc.
Despite the large number of expatriates blogging about China, they have
so far been ignored by the academic community. There are many studies of Chinese cyberspace and its relationship with real events in China
(e.g. Goldsmith and Wu 2006; Guo 2007; Herold 2008, 2009; MacKinnon
2008), but nothing on the opinions and attitudes of expatriate bloggers in
China, despite their demonstrable influence on the opinions of, for example, foreign journalists publishing news stories in European and American
media outlets.
> Summary
- The paper discusses various online platforms that facilitate discussions about China and its government censorship efforts.
- It highlights the role of expatriate communities in sharing and comparing information about China.
- Blogs and websites like “Chinasmack” and “China Digital Times” provide insights into Chinese netizens’ reactions and political developments.
- The research emphasizes the importance of these platforms in understanding the dynamics of Chinese internet discourse.
> Problem statement
- The paper discusses misconceptions about China and its citizens, particularly the oversimplified views held by expatriates and foreigners.
- It highlights the need for better understanding between Chinese netizens and the expatriate community.
- The paper addresses the challenges of identity perception among expatriates in China due to cultural differences.
- It critiques the portrayal of China in expatriate discussions, emphasizing the complexity of its society.
> Methods used
Not addressed in the paper.
> Practical implications
- The paper highlights the need for further study on expatriate communities’ online habits and their interactions with Chinese netizens.
- It suggests that understanding these dynamics can provide insights into national differences and community formation.
- The findings may inform how expatriates perceive their identity in relation to Chinese culture and other expatriates.
- The paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse backgrounds among expatriates for better community engagement.
- It indicates that the “HaoHao Report” can serve as a model for gauging community reactions to online content.
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