A Chinese Harvard graduate's speech calling for unity in a divided world, delivered days after the US vowed to"aggressively" revoke Chinese students' visas, has sparked mixed reactions in the US and her home country. "We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go," Jiang Yurong said on Thursday, the same day a US federal judgeblocked the Trump administration's banon foreign students at Harvard. Her speech went viral on the Chinese internet, with some saying it moved them to tears. However, others said her elite background is not representative of Chinese students. In the US, some have flagged her alleged links with the Chinese Communist Party. In their efforts to restrict Harvard from enrolling foreign students, US authorities had accused the institution of "co-ordinating with the Chinese Communist Party". Ms Jiang, who studied international development, was the first Chinese woman to speak at a Harvard graduation ceremony. In her address, Ms Jiang emphasised the value of Harvard's international classrooms, noting how that taught her and her classmates to "dance through each other's traditions" and "carry the weight of each other's worlds". "If we still believe in a shared future, let us not forget: those we label as enemies - they, too, are human. In seeing their humanity, we find our own," said Ms Jiang, who spent her final two years of school at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Wales before going to Duke University in the US for her undergraduate degree. A conservative X account, with the handle @amuse, criticised Harvard for choosing a graduation speaker who is "a representative of a CCP-funded and monitored non-government organisation", alleging that her father works for a non-government organisation that "serves as a quasi-diplomatic agent for the [party]". The account, which has 639,000 followers, has previously posted pro-Donald Trump content, such as the US leader fighting Darth Vader and sexualised imagery of former Vice-President Kamala Harris. Some Chinese social media users, on the other hand, allege that the organisation Ms Jiang's father works for is backed by prominent American companies and foundations. The BBC has not independently verified these allegations. "This is why she could get a scholarship to go to the UK for high school, and later also to Harvard," wrote a user on China's X-like platform, Weibo. Others called for her to stay on in the US, with comments that reeked with sarcasm. "Such talent should be left to the United States," one wrote. "I hope she will continue to glow abroad and stay away from us!" read another. But Ms Jiang's vision of a "shared humanity" also struck a chord. "That she is able to stand on an international stage and speak the heart of Chinese students has moved me to tears," wrote a user on Red Note, another Chinese social media platform. Another user defended Jiang by hitting back at those who criticised her: "You may not have changed them, but they've heard you... As more and more people speak out like you, you will eventually move and change others." There are around 6,800 international students at Harvard, who make up more than 27% of its enrolments in the past academic year. About a third of these foreign students are from China, and more than 700 are Indian.
Harvard Chinese grad speech draws praise and ire
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Harvard Graduate Jiang Yurong's Speech on Unity Sparks Diverse Reactions"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jiang Yurong, a Chinese graduate from Harvard University, delivered a poignant speech at the university's graduation ceremony, advocating for unity in a world marked by division. Her remarks came shortly after the U.S. government announced plans to revoke Chinese students' visas, which added a layer of complexity to her message. In her speech, Jiang emphasized that rising together requires acknowledging each other's humanity, stating, 'We don't rise by proving each other wrong. We rise by refusing to let one another go.' Her address resonated with many, particularly on Chinese social media, where it garnered praise for its emotional depth and call for compassion. However, the speech also drew criticism, particularly regarding Jiang's elite background, which some argued does not reflect the experiences of the average Chinese student. Furthermore, allegations emerged about her connections to the Chinese Communist Party, which fueled debates among U.S. commentators about the appropriateness of her selection as a speaker at such a prestigious event.
The mixed reactions to Jiang's speech reveal broader tensions surrounding Chinese students in the U.S. and the perception of elite educational institutions. While some users on Chinese platforms expressed pride in her accomplishments and her ability to articulate the sentiments of her peers, others were skeptical of her ties to organizations perceived as aligned with the Chinese government. In the U.S., critics pointed to her background as indicative of a larger issue, questioning the motivations behind her invitation to speak. Despite the backlash, many supporters celebrated her vision of shared humanity and the importance of international dialogue. Jiang's speech highlighted the complexities of identity and representation for Chinese students in a polarized global landscape, and her call for empathy and understanding resonated with those who believe in the potential for unity across cultural divides. As the conversation continues, it underscores the challenges faced by international students navigating their identities in both their host countries and their homelands.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the mixed reactions to Jiang Yurong's graduation speech at Harvard, which emphasized unity amid division. This speech took place shortly after the U.S. announced stricter visa regulations for Chinese students, creating a complex backdrop for the address. Jiang's message resonated with many, particularly within China, while also drawing criticism from various quarters in the U.S.
Reactions and Implications
The reactions to Jiang's speech reveal a significant divide in perceptions. On one hand, many in China found her words inspiring, highlighting a yearning for connection and understanding across cultures. Conversely, her elite background and alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have led some in the U.S. to dismiss her message, suggesting that it does not represent the broader Chinese student experience. This dichotomy reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the context of international education and diplomacy.
Contextual Background
Jiang's speech coincided with a critical moment in U.S.-China relations, particularly concerning academic exchanges. Her address underscores the importance of international collaboration and understanding, countering the narrative of division that has been prevalent in U.S. policy discussions. The timing of her speech, alongside legal challenges to the Trump administration's policies, adds layers to the interpretation of her message and its reception.
Media and Political Landscape
The article highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion, especially in China, where Jiang's speech went viral. This suggests that narratives can rapidly gain traction, influencing perceptions both domestically and internationally. The criticism from conservative U.S. commentators illustrates the polarized media landscape, where individuals are often scrutinized for their affiliations and backgrounds, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations.
Potential Societal Impact
In terms of societal influence, Jiang's speech could foster dialogue around the experiences of international students and the value of diverse perspectives. However, it also risks deepening existing divides, as narratives around loyalty and identity are increasingly politicized. The responses to her speech might affect future policies concerning international students and academic exchanges, potentially impacting the educational landscape in the U.S.
Analysis of Credibility
Regarding the credibility of the article, it presents factual information about Jiang's speech and the surrounding controversy. However, the framing of reactions and the emphasis on certain viewpoints may indicate a bias, particularly in how it portrays the response from U.S. commentators. The article effectively captures the complexity of the situation but may also reflect the underlying tensions in U.S.-China relations.
In summary, the article provides a nuanced view of Jiang Yurong's speech while illustrating the broader implications for international relations and cultural exchange. It opens up discussions about representation, identity, and the role of education in bridging divides.