Contents:
Kung Fu Panda2 drawn the controversy of cultural invasion
Definition of cultural invasion
The reason for against
Comments on this issue in the internet
Conclusion
Kung Fu Panda 2, a Hollywood animated movie, has drawn mixed responses in China since its release. While fans are waiting in long queues for a ticket, some artists and scholars have launched a boycott of the movie, saying it is a cultural invasion. Is Kung Fu Panda 2 a cultural invasion?
In order to address this argument, we had better figure out the exact definition about the cultural invasion. Via look up various references, it indicates intentional and systematic actions to replace one country 's cultural habits with those of another. It differs from military invasion, the purpose of the cultural invasion is to brainwash the people so that they would become followers of the invader.
And then we should take view on the basic reason why opponents resist it and reckon that Kung Fu Panda 2 is a cultural invasion. In the first place, this movie has distorted Chinese culture and served as a tool of brainwashing(i21st.cn, 2011, para.3) . For instance, shadow play and lion dancing , etc. which fraught with traditional Chinese features are added in the movie.
Additionally, “Children`s Day should be pure. Don`t turn it into a money-making day for Hollywood, and don` t fool our next generation with American `fast food`,"( i21st.cn, 2011, para.4) according to an open letter to Chinese cinema managers written by Zhao Bandi, an avant-garde artist hoping to boycott the "Americanized" movie.
His idea was backed by Kong Qingdong, a renowned professor of the Chinese language with the Peking University. He said that Chinese elements have become advertising products to advocate American culture. The major character called "Po," a panda, is talkative, humorous, lovely and charmingly naive, but is also widely believed to be a typical American figure( i21st.cn, 2011, para.9). Based on all above, Kung Fu Panda 2 is defined as a cultural invasion.
However, the panda has won million of fans in China. On China`s most popular microblog website--weibo.com, comments on the movie reached nearly 270 million entries. Most of the netizens post questions such as "Why can`t we produce such brilliant movies by ourselves?"
"I won`t call it a cultural invasion," said Li Jiayi, a Beijing university student. "I see nothing bad for others to use our cultural elements to make a movie."
“I don 't think so. Even we make no full use of the cultural elements, why not let others make more people know them and remember them. I think it 's better than being forgotten.” from a forum by an anonymous person.
“I think this movie is really wonderful one. And it is not necessary to discuss whether it is cultural invasion or not, for we have’t made one like this. It is not only the technological gap ( which is narrowing gradually), but other factors like market management, advertising and the concepts. One of my friends said why she liked the Kong Fu Panda is that there were many details which were moving or funny. That is why it success.” said Lavender, a young Shanghai girl.
As far as I’m concerned, it is barely a culture exchange. As China joined in the WTO, the market of China has opened to the world and so does Chinese culture. Under this international circumstances, diverse cultures in different countries exchange their own splendid thoughts, religion, literature and art with each other more frequently. And this become an inexorable and overwhelming tendency. As one of the most famous film-producing area, Hollywood, pouring its films into China, has no ground for blame. Furthermore, the deep meaning and simple values that underlie the series, the inspirational and optimistic spirits it carries, and the technical prowess with which it was produced all contributed to its great success(china.org.cn, 2011, para.7) not just because it features a panda. These elements are also needed in China 's domestic films. Film producer should focuse more on how to make full use of Chinese elementary better, just like this one, rather than boycott. "Technically, Kung Fu Panda is not more advanced than Chinese movies, but as for story telling skills, Chinese movies have a long way to go," ( i21st.cn, 2011, para.16) said Cao Hui, deputy general manager with Shenzhen Global Digital Creations company .
To sum up, I personally do not believe in the expression of cultural invasion. It is a reflection of uncertainty and lack of confidence in one 's own national culture(britishcouncil.org, n.d., para.1). Hollywood 's launch of "Kung Fu Panda 2" implies us with a practical problem: how to improve China 's soft power. As we all know that China only export a few movie abroad annual years. Therefore, our historical culture heritage can not be spread far-raging. In order to enhance our soft power, China ought to be confident and learn from other country. With long-tem endeavor cultivated by lessons drawn from other countries, the overall quality and level will be improved. We should zero in on our self-confidence and do not blame for other stuff.
References:
Qin Huaichuan, June 9, 2011, Boycotting 'Kung Fu Panda ' is narrow-minded.Retrieved from http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2011-06/09/content_22747865.htm Duan Yuntian & Aaron, May 31,2011, American "Panda" movie stirs controversy. Retrieved from http://www.i21st.cn/story/1149.html Dr Morsi Saad El Din, (n.d.), Cultural Invasion? Retrieved from http://www.britishcouncil.org/zh/history-why-cultural-invasion.htm Hofstede, Geert (1984). Culture 's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN 080391444X. Geert Hofstede’s academic website Retrieved from http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ Hofstede, Geert (2001). Culture 's Consequences: comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN 9780803973237. OCLC 45093960.
References: Qin Huaichuan, June 9, 2011, Boycotting 'Kung Fu Panda ' is narrow-minded.Retrieved from http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2011-06/09/content_22747865.htm Duan Yuntian & Aaron, May 31,2011, American "Panda" movie stirs controversy. Retrieved from http://www.i21st.cn/story/1149.html Dr Morsi Saad El Din, (n.d.), Cultural Invasion? Retrieved from http://www.britishcouncil.org/zh/history-why-cultural-invasion.htm Hofstede, Geert (1984). Culture 's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN 080391444X. Geert Hofstede’s academic website Retrieved from http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ Hofstede, Geert (2001). Culture 's Consequences: comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications. ISBN 9780803973237. OCLC 45093960.
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