And for another perspective on the “globalized class” …
We present for your analysis one Mr. Li Hongzhang as an exemplar of China’s first globalized class. Li was a brilliant scholar, prominent official, and noted diplomat who handled most of the Qing empire’s foreign policy in the later half of the 19th century. He was held in high esteem among the globalized circles of the time — indeed one of the leading proponents of 19th century globalization, Queen Victoria, knighted in the highest grade of the Royal Victorian Order.
If the average American is aware of him at all, it is through the Abercrombie racist T-shirt scandal of 2002. Why would the name “Li Hongzhang” be offensive? Because in the People’s Republic, he is vilified as a traitor who signed unequal and humiliating treaties with Europe, the U.S., and Japan, selling out the national interest for his own personal gain.
Perhaps this judgment is unfair. Some historians would argue that the good Marquis was a pragmatist who made the best of China’s unfavorable situation. But the message it sends to the rest of the world is clear: globalization is for suckers, unless it’s under your terms. 🙂
And I note it’s not just the Tea Party crowd that looks askance upon globalization … they’re not the ones who riot in the streets every time the G-8 or G-20 meets somewhere. 🙂
