| As the motion picture industry expanded in the early part of the twentieth century, films soon were recognized as a medium of unparalleled capacity for potentially influencing their audiences. The belief that public opinion could be swayed by on-screen images prompted the rigorous examination of movie content. For China, embroiled in internal upheaval and contending with external prejudice, motion picture characterizations and imagery acquired tremendous importance. Because American productions dominated the world market during this period, Sino-American relations necessarily were influenced by Chinese interest in this area.; This dissertation examines the consequences of film depictions some Chinese found to be derogatory and inaccurate to assess not only the nature of the relationship between China and the United States prior to 1949, but also to reveal the intensity of Chinese convictions regarding the status due their nation during this period of history.; Chinese evaluations of Hollywood movies felt to insult China and the official steps taken by the Chinese government to punish or persuade the producing studios and others to refrain from making similar motion pictures are discussed to examine the Chinese agenda. The numerous and concentrated attempts to reverse Hollywood's cinematic presentation of the Chinese as sinister and coarse people and China as a backward and lawless nation fundamentally were motivated by a desire to project internationally a positive image of China in a bid to secure respect and equality on the world stage.; Critical analysis of these issues serves as a effective next step in the scholarly examination of the American understanding of China and Chinese. Additionally, this dissertation contributes to an improved comprehension of Chinese attitudes and expectations, fueled by intensifying feelings of nationalism during a time of tremendous change in China.; This dissertation strives to illustrate the basis for Chinese reactions to the certain images found in American motion pictures. These concerns reflected a natural disdain for what were unquestionably disparaging and fallacious characterizations. Moreover, there existed an intense desire to provide the world with a portrait of the country and its people that would advance, rather than detract from, their status in the international realm. |
