Cultural Conversion

Michael Berry, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, explores Chinese perceptions of America through cultural products. His research examines how China has portrayed the US in media, such as comic books, films, and novels, from post-1949 to the present. Berry highlights the integration of cultural industries between China and the US, noting how Chinese films have internalized aspects of Hollywood. He discusses films from the late '70s and early '80s that depict Sino-US relations, emphasizing patriotism over American temptations. Despite these films' messages, many actors emigrated to the US, illustrating the high stakes involved.

What is the primary focus of Michael Berry's research project?

• Chinese perceptions of America through cultural products

• American stereotypes in Chinese films

• The history of Chinese cinema post-1949

• The impact of Hollywood on global cinema

How does Berry describe the interaction between Chinese and American cultural industries?

• As a one-sided influence of Hollywood on Chinese cinema

• As a complex integration where both industries influence each other

• As a declining relationship due to political tensions

• As a competition between two distinct cultural entities

What does Berry suggest is necessary to fully understand the cultural interactions between China and the US?

• Focusing solely on the films produced

• Analyzing both the content and the industry dynamics

• Studying the political relations between the two countries

• Examining the economic impact of the film industry

What is a common theme in the films from the late '70s and early '80s discussed by Berry?

• The exploration of Chinese traditional values

• The depiction of American technological advancements

• The glorification of American culture

• The rejection of American temptations in favor of Chinese patriotism

What irony does Berry highlight about the actors in the films promoting Chinese patriotism?

• They emigrated to the United States

• They became famous in Hollywood

• They retired from acting shortly after

• They were banned from working in China