Strangers in China features voices from the edges of an emergent new China.
We talk to people with unique perspectives on Chinese society: dissident voices, queer voices, marginalized voices. Some belong to those who push boundaries creatively, while others are just fighting to be seen. All are uniquely Chinese.
All too often, stories about China fail to navigate the many nuances of Chinese society, and overlook those who think or live differently. We’re here to listen closely and illuminate their stories.
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In part 1 of this two-part series, Clay and guest host Maggie follow Li and Suyi — two young Chinese individuals — and their stories of how they grew up and came to Shanghai. This episode explores what it’s like growing up on China’s economic periphery, removed from the ever-growing metropolitan areas along the coast, as well as some familiar stresses of growing up, how these experiences shape who we become, and the unfamiliarity of living in a new place.
12:09: Growing up in Guiyang
19:02: Respect through education
26:03: Pressures from the hukou system
35:22: The gaokao
Music credits:
“Analytical Skeletons,” “Vaporize Me,” and “Crumbling Chia Pets,” by csus; “Wait What,” “Fake Mustache,” “Road Trip,” and “Sad Ending,” by Purrple Cat; “Hi,” by Dovi; “#001 - Free Chilled Lofi Beat - 70bpm,” by PATENT; “Me 2,” by LAKEY INSPIRED; and “cool nights,” by Dixxy.
Works consulted:
A tourism video of Guiyang; The origins and social consequences of China’s hukou system, by Tiejun Cheng and Mark Seldon; China’s Hukou system creating barriers to real urbanization, by Chong Koh Ping; Why are China’s little emperors getting so fat? Blame the grandparents, study says, by Ariana Eunjung Cha; One-child policy, by Kenneth Pletcher; and White and beautiful: An examination of skin whitening practices and female empowerment in China, by Evelyn Yueng.
Thanks to Mike and Nowness Shanghai for letting me use their recording studio.
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