Let Only Red Flowers Bloom with NPR Correspondent Emily Feng

Barbarians at the Gate

#Society #Travel #History #Barbarians At The Gate

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

24 days ago 27:59

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In this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, we talk with Emily Feng about her new book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China. Drawing on years of on-the-ground reporting for NPR, Emily paints a picture of how state control has intensified over recent years, reshaping Chinese society, politics, and culture.

Emily explains how she wove together personal stories into the historical, cultural, and political contexts, offering insights into the lives of Uyghurs separated by detention camps, human rights lawyers battling censorship, Mongolian educators struggling to preserve their language, and ordinary citizens whose acts of remembrance have become quiet forms of resistance.

91 episodes

Barbarians at the Gate

Let Only Red Flowers Bloom with NPR Correspondent Emily Feng

Barbarians at the Gate

17 subscribers

published 24 days ago

MP3•Episode home

91 episodes

#Society #Travel #History #Barbarians At The Gate

All episodes

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Dealing with Culture Shock when Studying and Living in China 31:34

8 days ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Jeremiah and David explore a topic drawn from their many years of experience with American study abroad programs: culture shock. Students studying in China often go through a challenging and transformative process of adjusting to a new cultural environment. In this episode, they explore key questions: Are there predictable stages of culture shock? How much does language proficiency influence adaptation? And are some students naturally better at navigating the difficulties of cultural adjustment? The experience of culture shock can lead not only to a deeper understanding of Chinese society but also to new insights into students' own cultural defaults. In today's post-COVID era—when fewer American students are going to China—the value of immersive, first-hand experience is more crucial than ever for building meaningful cross-cultural understanding. Jeremiah's review of Peking Picnic (1932) at China Books Review.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Let Only Red Flowers Bloom with NPR Correspondent Emily Feng 27:59

24 days ago27:59

27:59

In this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, we talk with Emily Feng about her new book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping’s China . Drawing on years of on-the-ground reporting for NPR , Emily paints a picture of how state control has intensified over recent years, reshaping Chinese society, politics, and culture. Emily explains how she wove together personal stories into the historical, cultural, and political contexts, offering insights into the lives of Uyghurs separated by detention camps, human rights lawyers battling censorship, Mongolian educators struggling to preserve their language, and ordinary citizens whose acts of remembrance have become quiet forms of resistance.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Curating Chinese Internet Culture for Global Audiences with What's on Weibo founder Manya Koetse 27:39

5 weeks ago27:39

27:39

This week, we catch up with Dutch sinologist Manya Koetse, the creator of " What's on Weibo ," a platform offering in-depth insights into trends, events, memes, and social phenomena on Weibo, one of China's largest social media platforms, often referred to as the "Chinese Twitter." As a bridge for non-Chinese speaking audiences to understand the dynamics of Chinese digital culture, "What's on Weibo" has evolved over the years, recently expanding to include a premium newsletter while maintaining its mission to decode Chinese social media for a global audience. Manya explains Weibo's role in the increasingly fragmented Chinese online environment, discussing the evolving gender and class demographics of Weibo alongside other platforms such as Bilibili, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu (Red Book). She also talks about how Weibo functions as a social barometer reflecting the changing tides of Chinese nationalism, commercialism, social unrest, and anti-Western sentiment.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Is this America's Cultural Revolution Moment? with Chris Stewart of the History of China Podcast 34:08

7 weeks ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of Barbarians at the Gate, Jeremiah speaks with Chris Stewart, the creator of The History of China podcast . They discuss Chris's transition from living in Shanghai to returning to Bozeman, Montana, his journey into Chinese history, and the challenges of podcasting. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19, the cultural revolution, and the importance of historical context in understanding current events. Chris shares insights on audience engagement and the evolution of his podcast over the years.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Experiencing the World of Jazz in China 36:55

9 weeks ago36:55

36:55

This week, we explore a topic close to our hearts: the world of jazz in China. Jeremiah and David bring their respective musical experience to the table—Jeremiah as a rock and blues keyboardist, and David as an active pianist in Beijing's jazz scene. David takes us back to his experiences in the 1980s, a period of renaissance for jazz in Beijing, when Chinese rock musicians began to discover—or rediscover—this intricate Western genre. During China's early "Reform and Opening Up" era, musicians with little prior exposure to jazz and scarce recordings embarked on the challenging journey of mastering its fundamentals: the elusive "swing" rhythm, the art of improvisation over complex harmonies, and the pursuit of a unique musical "voice." For them, jazz represented a liberating contrast to the structured pop music of their youth, offering a sense of artistic freedom and boundless creativity. David reports that a new generation of post-millennial jazz musicians has emerged who, having grown up with the genre, are quickly ascending to world-class status, gracing stages at prestigious international festivals. In a previous podcast, we covered the origins of the jazz scene in 1920s Shanghai in our interview with Marketus Presswood about his award-winning documentary "Yellow Jazz, Black Music." David's article on Jazz in Beijing: The Book of Changes: Twenty-five Years in Chinese Jazz Spotify Playlist of Contemporary Chinese Jazz…

Barbarians at the Gate

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The Challenges of Foreign Reporting in China: An In-Depth Discussion with Jane Perlez 34:56

12 weeks ago34:56

34:56

In this episode of 'Barbarians at the Gate,' hosts Jeremiah Jenne and David welcome Jane Perlez, former Beijing bureau chief for the New York Times, to discuss the evolving challenges of reporting from China. Jane shares her experiences from her tenure in Beijing (2012-2019), where she served as bureau chief for the New York Times. She describes the gradual erosion of press freedom, the increasing difficulties foreign journalists face under Xi's leadership, including the expulsion of journalists in 2018, and the ongoing obstacles that news assistants working for foreign media encounter in China. The conversation explores how reporters have had to adopt creative strategies to conduct investigative journalism, given the current lack of direct reporting from within the country. Additionally, Jane discusses her latest podcast project, 'Face Off: The US vs. China,' which examines the dramatic deterioration of U.S.-China relations in the 21st century. FACE-OFF: The US vs. CHINA The Great Wager On the Trail of Xi Jinping China Books Review, Graham Peck: Two Kinds of Time reviewed by Jeremiah…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
From the Archives: Xi Built This City 38:41

14 weeks ago38:41

38:41

Happy Year of the Snake! In this archive episode from January 2024, we chat with Andrew Stokols, who is researching varieties of digital urbanism globally, with an emphasis on China. We briefly compare notes on the urban development of Beijing in the 21st century, including the contradictions between Beijing as a technologically advanced urban center and an ancient capital city. Andrew also provides updates on the progress of Xiong’an, the digital “smart city” being constructed in Hebei province, as a showcase for Xi Jinping’s vision for urban development. The urban plan was initially unveiled in 2017 to relieve pressure on Beijing and promote the coordinated regional development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, but what Xi has called a “thousand-year plan of national significance” has run into numerous setbacks and controversy. We also hear from Andrew about how the Party is merging Marxist ideology with traditional Chinese culture in recent urban architectural projects, particularly the mammoth National Archives of Publications and Culture ( Zhongguo guojia banbenguan 中国国家版本馆), described as a “seed bank” of Chinese civilization. These mammoth archives, being constructed in the four geographically significant locations of Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Guangzhou, will house original and digitized editions of imperial archives such as the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries (the Siku quanshu 四库全书), as well as historical artifacts, music, and literature from the Mao era, thus effecting the goal of “two combines” ( liangge jiehe 两个结合), Xi Jinping’s goal of “combining Marxist theory with China’s outstanding traditional culture.” Andrew's own online archive: https://www.andrewstokols.com/…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Shalama: An Epic Story of Family, Community, and Survival in Republican-era China 33:32

16 weeks ago33:32

33:32

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Jean Hoffman Lewanda back to the podcast to discuss her new book, Shalama: My 96 Seasons in China , published by Earnshaw Books. Listeners may recall Jean's previous appearance, where she shared insights about her father, Paul Hoffman's memoir, Witness to History: From Vienna to Shanghai—A Memoir of Escape, Survival, and Resilience . That captivating memoir details how Paul fled Vienna at the age of 18 to escape the rise of Nazism, arrived in Shanghai in 1938, and became part of the historic wave of Jewish refugees who found a safe haven in China during World War II. Jean's new book enriches this family saga by recounting events from her mother Shalama's perspective but presented as historical fiction. Drawing on firsthand accounts, including her mother's, Jean tells the story in Shalama's voice, tracing the family's journey from Harbin to Shanghai during the war-torn decades of the mid-20th century. The book interweaves the family's history with major historical events, including the Sungari River flood of 1932, the Japanese occupation, and the Communist takeover of China. Links: Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum Historic Shanghai (Host of the Shanghai Book Club) Dan Ben-Canaan, Tombstone Histories: Tales of Jewish Life in Harbin Dara Horn, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present Dara Horn, " Cities of Ice: A dispatch from frozen Harbin, where Jews once flourished—and melted away ," Tablet , April 19, 2019…

Barbarians at the Gate

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Where have all the American China Experts Gone? 37:45

20 weeks ago37:45

37:45

In this episode, we invite Rory Truex, an associate professor at Princeton University, to discuss a recurring issue on the podcast: the plight of the US-China academic exchange and the urgent need to attract more American scholars to do research in China. Despite the recent revival of several American academic programs in China, the post-COVID number of US students in the PRC is still woefully inadequate. Professor Truex gives an overview of some reasons for this deterioration of interest by American scholars and the challenges of doing meaningful research in the current Chinese academic environment. We also discuss predictions about the new Trump administration’s possible effects on US-China relations, the implications for government support and funding of educational exchange programs, and the perception of Chinese and American exchange students as security risks. Rory also describes his path of development as a China scholar during the so-called "Golden Age" of the early 2000s in China, and the current difficulties of carrying out unfettered academic research in a new era of tightening restrictions. Rory Truex is Associate Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. His research focuses on Chinese politics and authoritarian systems. He regularly contributes to major publications such as The Atlantic , Washington Post , and New York Times . Mentioned on the podcast: “Where have all the American China experts gone?" Washington Post, January 3, 2024…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Laws of the Land: Feng Shui in Chinese History 41:34

23 weeks ago41:34

41:34

In this episode, hosts Jeremiah Jenne and David Moser speak with MIT professor Tristan Brown about his award-winning book Laws of the Land: Feng Shui and the State in Qing Dynasty China . Brown reveals how Feng Shui was far more than just the art of furniture arrangement or grave placement - it was a sophisticated system of environmental management and social control in imperial China. Drawing from rare county archives in Sichuan province, Brown shows how Feng Shui served multiple functions: regulating urban development, managing environmental resources, and mediating social conflicts. Through fascinating examples, he explains how both elite families and common people used Feng Shui in legal disputes, from establishing ancestral claims through strategic grave placement to fighting against disruptive mining operations. Brown's book challenges common Western misconceptions about Feng Shui, presenting it instead as a complex system of environmental regulation and social organization that shaped Chinese society for centuries. It's a fascinating look at how cosmological beliefs, environmental management, and state power intersected in imperial China. Topics Covered The Power of Archives : Using rare Qing dynasty court records from Sichuan to uncover how Feng Shui shaped legal and social life Graves and Identity : How burial sites and ancient trees established claims to belonging Environmental Management : Feng Shui as an early system of zoning and environmental protection Foreign Architecture : The clash between traditional Chinese urban planning and Western religious buildings Notable Quotes "Legal cases involving feng shui could be completely nakedly self-interested... or it could be something that's really talking about environmental ethics. It hugs that whole spectrum, which is why it's real, which is why the state had to engage with it." — Tristan Brown on Feng Shui's dual nature "It's not the number of relatives you have living there. It's the number of relatives you have in the local graveyard that ties you to a place." — On the importance of graves in establishing local identity "The thing about gravesites... what is the element of the landscape that you can't lie about? The trees. Old trees are legitimately old. Everyone knows it." — On how families proved their ancestral claims Brown reveals how Feng Shui served as more than just spiritual practice – it was a sophisticated system of environmental management and social control. From regulating building heights to controlling industrial development, Feng Shui provided the legal framework for managing space in imperial China. The discussion illuminates how different groups engaged with these practices: elite families used them to establish ancestral claims, poor families adapted them for survival, and foreign religious groups either successfully navigated them (like Sufi Muslims) or created conflict by ignoring them (like Christian missionaries).…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
What can the end of the Ming Dynasty tell us about the election of Donald Trump and what comes next 34:30

25 weeks ago34:30

34:30

Last week’s election of Donald Trump to a second term as U.S. President disappointed half of the American electorate and much of the world (outside the Kremlin). To help Jeremiah and David process what’s next, they’re joined by Brendan O’Kane — writer, translator, expert in the literature of the late Ming Dynasty, and a Pennsylvania voter. Brendan explores the works of Zhang Dai (張岱 1597-1634), the Jin Ping Mei 金瓶梅, and other literary examples from the twilight of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). What was it like to witness the end of an era and the collapse of an entire state? Was the Obama era an American "restoration" (中興)? What do people do when the political order is overturned and the dynasty falls? We delve into Chinese history and literature, searching for insights to ease the pain and make sense of what lies ahead. David also shares reactions from his students in Beijing on the election results—as well as rumors of a surprising (and unsettling) prank their peers in the U.S. may have pulled at campus polling stations. Brendan O'Kane on substack The Southern Ming by Lynn Struve, 1984 The Great Enterprise: The Manchu Reconstruction of Imperial Order in Seventeenth-Century China by Frederic Wakeman, 1986 Voices from the Ming-Qing Cataclysm: China in the Tiger's Jaws . Edited and translated by Lynn A. Struve, 1993…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Historical Battles: Rewriting China's Past to Shape the Future 44:01

29 weeks ago44:01

44:01

"We can overestimate and underestimate how much things changed when Xi Jinping took power, but the intensity of concern over historical narratives has definitely grown under his leadership." - Jeffrey Wasserstrom In this episode, Jeremiah and David are joined by Jeffrey Wasserstrom , Chancellor's Professor of History at the University of California, Irvine, and a leading expert in modern Chinese history. We discuss the legacies of the Hong Kong protests, the rise of Xi Jinping's historical narrative control, and how academic engagement with China is evolving amidst growing geopolitical tensions. Professor Wasserstrom delves into the shifts in how history is managed in China, particularly the tightening control under Xi Jinping’s regime. He elaborates on Xi’s new patriotic education law, which codifies the regime's control over historical narratives to align with national security. We also examine the challenges academics face when giving talks on sensitive topics and the growing restrictions on public discourse in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security law. Further Reading/Links: Jeffrey Wasserstrom, Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink Maura Cunnigham and Jeffrey Wasserstrom, China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know Follow Jeffrey Wasserstrom on Twitter @jwassers…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Back to School 2: The View from the EU 29:01

33 weeks ago29:01

29:01

In this episode of Barbarian at the Gate , hosts Jeremiah Jenne and David Moser are joined by special guest Karlis Rokpelnis, China country representative for the European Union's Euraxess Research Mobility Initiative. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of international education in China, discussing the factors influencing the decline in student exchanges and the varying approaches of American and European institutions. Karlis offers his unique perspective on the changes he's observed over the past decade, from a gradual decline in short-term exchanges to a rise in long-term study programs at top universities. The conversation also explores the differing cultural and political dynamics between the U.S. and Europe when it comes to studying in China, including the impact of xenophobia, political rhetoric, and international relations on academic exchanges. The trio reflects on what motivates students to come to China, how they engage with their studies, and the future of China-related scholarship. With a blend of humor and insight, this episode captures the complexities of navigating education and politics across borders, offering listeners a thoughtful and engaging look into the current state of studying China from abroad.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Back to School? 39:37

36 weeks ago39:37

39:37

As David at least gets set for another semester, he and Jeremiah reconnect to catch up on a mix of timely topics from China and the US. They explore the declining number of Chinese students studying in the US and the cautious return of American students to China, offering insights and practical advice on how to introduce China to American students in nuanced ways. They discuss the difference between fostering an appreciation for Chinese culture and people versus endorsing government policies. The conversation also delves into the current US presidential race and how it’s being portrayed on Chinese platforms like Weibo, focusing on reactions to Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s China ties. Finally, they wrap up with a lively discussion on Beijing’s North-South axis being added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, considering what it means for the city’s identity and global recognition.…

Barbarians at the Gate

1
Edge of Empire with author and journalist Edward Wong 36:10

42 weeks ago36:10