I Really Really Like Us Too, and I Want Others to Add Another Really

Dan Harris at China Law Blog reports on a Pew Study which finds that more Chinese, 41%, have a favorable view of the US than Germans, 31%. For comment Dan writes, “Call me Careyesque, but I think that is pretty good.” I ask: why can’t it be gooder?

Sure, the arguments for the economy are familiar: give out more H-1Bs, let in more students, eliminate home stay requirements on J’s, make it easier to bring in strong brains and skilled workers to the US and our economy will grow stronger not weaker with immigrant talent. But, the other positive of bringing foreigners to America is that it improves our image around the world. This too is probably an old argument, but I’m gonna give you a new story.

A few weeks ago after a few liters at the Shanghai French Concession Paulaner Brauhaus*, a German buddy told me about the history of his relationship with America. The conversation began after some of his German friends told me that Americans are only superficially friendly. As a young man the relationship was hostile, indeed. He hated America and what it stood for, and admittedly not knowing exactly why. Internally I reckoned that it had something to do with America being an occupying force in Germany. Though I think America is pretty dang swell, I’ve watched Braveheart too many times to not realize that a young man is liable to bear a heavy grudge against an occupier no matter how benign. Nor did I voice my confusion in my friend’s decision to come to Florida for a study abroad program despite his grudge against us. But, I was certainly not confused by what he found in America.

He found a significant disconnect between America’s foreign policy and image or his perception of America’s foreign and image, and the American people. He was surprised by how friendly his host family and classmates were. He was surprised by the eagerness Americans demonstrated in learning about his culture, his family, and him. He was not sure that this hospitality would be found in Europe. I had a feeling that his story was only aimed partially at me, and largely at his friends. And, I’m pretty sure that this is a common story.

So, dangit, let’s get more Chinese people over here! Sure, some of ‘em might be spies, but the evidence seems to show that they’re not very good at spying so the bad apples shouldn’t cause a very big tummy ache.

And the story doesn’t begin and end with getting Chinese into America. You American students, and not just the ABCs, need to get over to China for some reciprocal cultural learning. Most colleges and law schools will allow you to cross enroll in their study abroad programs, so you don’t even need to go to the school to use their study abroad and get the credits transferred. I have no recommendations if you’re an undergrad, but I highly recommend Santa Clara Law School’s China study abroad program which consists of 4 weeks in the classroom and 4 weeks applying your knowledge at a Chinese law firm.

For those who want to keep track, that’s 4 Paulaner Brauhauses in the past year. I’d rank the French Concession Paulaner second to Nockherberg, beating out The Paulaner Brauhaus by the superior ambiance of the garden and the rocking house band.