5. Chinese Hatred of Japan- Real or Government-Created?

In this article Liz Carter, a writer and translator for The Atlantic, comments on the Chinese internet culture. Specifically, Carter looks at the tension between China and Japan created by World War II and the role of the Chinese government in creating misconceptions about Japan. She discusses how the negative feelings shown towards their former occupiers no longer dictates support for the Communist Party in China, but has become something interwound in their culture. She begins by outlining the reminiscence of these events over the media, which took place on the day of the Japanese surrender, in order to remember those who fell under the Japanese. Carter expressly states the role of the media in the transmission of this information, which took place through Weibo, a prominent social network in China. Carter then deliberates the response the masses have to these statements, that of anger, humiliation, and confusion. She then goes over the role the government has had in the instigation of anti-Japanese feelings. She states that at this  point, although it is promoted by the government to distract the population from domestic issues, the people themselves have increasingly grown a cultural grudge against the Japanese. This tension has only grown because of the increasing amount of Japanese visits to a shrine in China, honoring the fallen Japanese there. Furthermore, tension has further increased as Japan has declared that it will nationalize a chain of islands common to both Japanese and China. This hatred is also reciprocated by the Japanese, where studies included in the article have shown the great percentage of both populations holding grudges against the other. The hatred between the two countries has been fueled both by international incidents and the antagonization of Japanese in the Chinese education system. Carter states, "But this anti-Japanese sentiment is not simply an expression of regret for the past." As she later states, it has become a tool to avoid domestic issues and as an initiative for the government to promote unity within China. She  ends her article by showing the need for change in this view, she quotes a blogger who states that China must let go of this grudge and turn to self-restoration before talking about war with Japan.          

In this article, Carter is trying to inform the reader of the situation in China, using different pieces of evidence to portray the mind of the Chinese and their hatred for Japan. She argues that, although there is the involvement of the government, this hatred for the Japanese has escalated and has been integrated into Chinese culture. Carter relies on posts from a Chinese social network published by both those pro-government and those who disagree with the government, creating an unbiased essay.The image and caption used in the article further underlines the friction between the two countries and how deeply the Chinese have been affected both culturally and emotionally because of the Japanese. The image transmits an image of pain and the growing passion of the Chinese. Carter is convincing with her arguments and establishes her foundations on research which give her more credibility. Furthermore, her language is deliberate, expressing a serious and emphatic tone, which highlight the situation China faces. She is articulate in conveying her information, using an image which both moves the reader but also creates an awareness of the attitude the Chinese have when attacking Japan. Moreover, Carter is effective in using her quotes and is able to develop her points based on these quotes. Her information is complemented by previous clashes and friction between the two nations. Thus, she establishes a well argued statement, which sticks to the point and is able to convey an image of the Chinese grudge with Japan.          

http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/08/chinese-hatred-of-japan-real-or-government-created/278763/