Treading the Waters of Nationalism
France seems to be everyone's favorite easy target. Just a few years ago, "freedom fries" were giving "french fries" a run for their money in the U.S. Today, they seem like a distant memory, and Americans seem to be eating as much french bread and as many croissants as ever.
Now it seems much of the anger and frustration with France has crossed the Pacific. After a less-than-perfect torch relay, France has been the subject of China's rage. France is a unique target for China, since it would be hard to argue that the relays in either London or San Francisco were a smashing success.
On the other hand, a picture is worth 1,000 words, and the image of Jin Jing in her wheelchair, desperately trying to defend the flame from being stolen, has been broadcast nationwide. Here's a link to the CCTV report and a YouTube video on "Jin Jing: The Girl Who Touched Us."
Jin Jing, a paralympic fencer who lost her leg to cancer as a child, could not be a better poster girl for China and its Olympic plight. Her photogenic smile and touching story thus creates a perfect media firestorm for France.
Pro-China protesters took to the streets of Paris over the weekend, standing in solidarity with about 50 protesting the French Embassy in Beijing.
Boycotts and demonstrations outside French-based Carrefour retail stores have become widespread. This Saturday, Carrefour stores in Hebei, Qingdao, and Wuhan had to close because of the protests.
Interestingly, Jin Jing herself, is not in favor with the French boycott, and has been condemned by some of the protesters by statements defending the French people. Even French President Nicholas Sarkozy's personal apology to Jin Jing has not softened any anti-French sentiment.
While his ambivalence on boycotting the Olympic Opening Ceremonies doesn't help French public relations in China, the depth and passions against several Western countries and media outlets remains strong.
The increased nationalism presents a challenge for China when it comes to welcoming hundreds of thousands of overseas visitors for the Olympics this August.
It's one thing to defend your country's reputation and honor abroad. It's another to boycott companies like Carrefour, which is being boycotted because of alleged ties to Tibet. Carrefour's main shareholder, LVMH, has vehemently denied these accusations, expressing its support of China.
A healthy dose of nationalism or patriotism can be a positive influence, especially right before the Olympic Games. There's little doubt that foreign criticisms of China have ignited national passions, but if some of the most extreme don't simmer down, foreign tourists could get a painfully scorching reception this August.