China Demands 'Sincere Apology' From CNN

I. Citation:

China Demands 'Sincere Apology' From CNN
April 17, 2008
The Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/17/AR2008041701599.html?hpid=moreheadlines

II. Summary:

Following a remark made by CNN commentator Jack Cafferty saying that Chinese people are “goons and thugs” and that Chinese exports are "junk with the lead paint on them", the Chinese government demanded a formal apology from them. Although CNN already offered an apology on Tuesday, (saying that their commentators "provide robust opinions that generate debate", and Cafferty saying that he was talking about the Chinese government, not the people) the Chinese did not accept it, because it not only didn’t sound sincere, but also took aim on the Chinese government. This argument against US media, called the “Western media bias”, has been going on for some time now. In March, when CNN posted a picture of a Tibetan riot, it cut out the part with Tibetans throwing rocks at Chinese trucks, which the Chinese considered bias because the picture only made the Chinese seem bad and unmoral.

III. Reactions:

a. This article relates to the AP theme of Impact of interaction among and within major societies. Because of the interactions of China and the US (specifically CNN) through media, they have started a conflict that impacts both societies greatly.

b. On March 14, CNN.com launched a photo of a riot in Tibet’s capital. However, it was cropped so that the part of the photo with several Tibetans pelting rocks at Chinese trucks, which caused anger with the Chinese government. Although CNN defended the photo by saying that it was clear as to what was happening, many people think that might not be the case. Also, these conflicts are caused by a bigger conflict, which is the one with Tibet and how news such as CNN are reporting it.

c. The writer, Jill Drew, is an American writer.

d. Because the writer is American, it’s obvious that she would be on the side of CNN. But although it should be that way, it seems that she is able to look at both sides of the conflict rather reasonably. She did use words when talking about the Chinese like “demanded” and “ratcheting”. Also, I do not agree with her saying that “if there were a poll taken in China, [House Speaker Nancy Pelosi] would be voted the most disgusting figure." Most of the people in China probably don’t even know who that is, so it is pretty bias to say that the people would vote to say that a person is a “disgusting figure”.

e. The point of view missing is CNN news. Although all their responses to China’s demands were stated, their opinions on the matter were not expressed. Why did Jack Cafferty say those things about China, and how does he feel about apologizing? Why didn’t CNN just outright give a sincere apology, but defend themselves instead?

f. Some of the things that Jack Cafferty said were really offensive, so the Chinese can’t be blamed for standing up and demanding apology. He said that Chinese exports "junk with the lead paint on them" and that the Chinese are "basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years”. Although the US is a free country and people are allowed to say things like this, it’s still wrong and unmoral, especially on TV. It’s also strange that CNN doesn’t just outright apologize. Instead, they try to explain what they did, and make up an excuse to defend themselves.