Still pointing your finger at China for the lead toy recalls? Not so fast…
I wrote several weeks ago about a case for Mattel apologizing to the Chinese manufacturers. In particular, I highlighted the fact that US companies often share some of the responsibility for negligence. Today, an article in the New York Times titled Lessons Even Thomas Could Learn really hits that point home. After all of the […]
Ten ways to make your college/university more welcoming to Asian (and other international) students
We just finished off our first workshop on Asian Awareness for Northeast Ohio organizations — this time, we focused on higher education. Many schools are faced with a decline in international applicants. Some of that may be tied to post-911 policies in immigration and general international relations. Other reasons, however, can be traced back to […]
One big happy family — on paper: how the one-China policy affects your writing in China
I’ve never been to Macau, but I have visited Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Spain. What’s wrong with that sentence? Well, if you were publishing something in writing in China, you’d be in violation of the one-China policy. The one-China policy is where politics meets publishing. It’s one of those odd rules in China that […]
Northeast Ohio Workshops: How you can benefit from better outreach to the Asian community
Are you a university/college, business, or nonprofit? Based in Northeast Ohio — Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and all points in between? Interested in expanding your student/customer base and doing something positive for economic development? Consider making outreach to the Northeast Ohio Asian community a part of your plan. We’ll show you how in three educational […]
A case for Mattel apologizing to Chinese manufacturers
There’s been a great brouhaha in the press over Mattel’s apology to China — particularly over the allegations that Mattel apologized directly to its Chinese manufacturing partners. It’s not a surprising reaction. This supposedly “Golden” year of the Pig is turning out to be more porcine than prosperous, thanks to the slew of recalls — […]
Don’t let your Chinese translation become a pain in the you-know-where
While searching for Chinese Jujubes on the internet, this seller stopped me in my tracks — and not because she’s offering a great product. I scratched my head, wondering if anyone would ever buy her “Chinese Jujube with Ass Glue.” We may laugh — but the real laugh is on the seller, whose unintentionally vulgar […]
Lingering anxiety and lost talent: the college-entrance exam economy in China
College entrance exams in China usually end in June and a new term starts at the beginning of September. But the anxiety among students and parents from college entrance exams is still lingering. Students and parents not only care about whether they can enter college, but also whether they can enter a prestigious school. Anxiety, […]
Up in smoke: the role of tobacco in Chinese culture
As an avid nonsmoker, I was determined to have a smoke-free wedding in China. But my brother-in-law, Hao, had already bought one of the finest Chinese cigarette brands, and everyone in the family — even my mother-in-law — insisted on distributing them at the banquet. How can you ask your guests to refrain when you’re […]