MATT KIRSCHNER discusses the impact of the DOJ’s China Initiative on Chinese Professors in the U.S. and the mass return of Chinese talent to China. On January 14, 2021 at 6:30am, federal agents stormed the home of Mechanical Engineering Professor Gang Chen at MIT. The agents woke his wife and daughter, handcuffed him and put Chen in jail. What crime could Chen—an esteemed professor who hopes … Continue reading Reverse Brain Drain – U.S. to China
ZILING CHEN discusses her original research into the tradition of funeral mourners in China. Professional wailers, or funeral mourners, are performers paid to present the eulogy at a funeral and lament the deceased through weeping and singing. Surprisingly, this seemingly out-of-no-where career has a history dating back 2000 years to the Han dynasty and is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. On one hand, wailers … Continue reading Paid to Cry: Chinese Professional Wailers at Funeral
FIKAYO AKEREDOLU discusses the differences in US and Chinese cultural attitudes towards abortion. Almost two years into the spread of COVID-19, it is clear that the pandemic has disrupted global health systems. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reports that the fallout from the pandemic has potentially setback international health efforts, especially when sexual and reproductive health is considered. For women and child-bearing people worldwide, … Continue reading An Analysis of US & Chinese Attitudes to Abortion
MATT KIRSCHNER discusses the history and development of philanthropy in China. Philanthropy is not new to China. Fan Li (范蠡) served as an advisor to King Gou Jian (勾践) of the state of Yue during China’s Spring and Autumn period (771 – 476 BC). Generations of Chinese remember Fan Li for his work streamlining administration in the state of Yue, building a formidable army, and … Continue reading Yes, China Has Philanthropy and It’s Growing
