In the beginning of China on the Palouse Speaker Series, Dr. Marta Hanson from John Hopkins University gave a speech about how such perspectives of China are rooted in a form of bias in, “From Sick Man of Asia to Sick Uncle Sam: The Case of Traditional Chinese Medicine and COVID-19.”
The term “Sick Man of Asia” is not what it seems. In her talk, Hanson explains that the term “Sick Man” came from the Crimean War and was used as a way to critique a country. It was first coined to describe Turkey by Tsar Nicolas I of Russia.
Eventually, this term was applied to China European countries saw this country as another “Sick Man” that could cause problems.
“We have to look over a century,” Hanson said. “The 19th and 20th century experience of dealing with cholera pandemics and especially the third plague pandemic which carried out on Chinese soil.”
This, combined with wars and corruption, caused European countries to look at China as problematic. And the only solution was to change it. It had worked for Turkey, who adopted more western ideals, and may work for China.
“The best way to treat the Sick Man of the Far East, China is by complete transformation of the education system, overhaul the justice system, and purging all the corrupt officials,” Hanson said in her lecture, citing an article written in the 1890s about China.
Hanson then explained that the “Sick Man” trope had a lasting impact on China. They were concerned about this stereotype and its effects, so much it haunted them. However, at the same time it encouraged them to rebuild their healthcare structure and strengthen it. This of course, led to an increase in the use of traditional Chinese medicine and combining it with western medicine as well. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to herbs and as Hanson explained it has helped alleviate some of the symptoms of COVID-19 patients.
Because of their overhaul in their healthcare system, it was what led to them having a strong recovery with COVID-19. She explained that other factors contributed as well, such as respect to authority, little rights to privacy , and a culture of communication.
It was in this part where Hanson talked about how the United States is now facing the “Sick Man” trope. This is due to its struggle to contain COVID-19. Hanson argued that now, the “Sick Man” trope applies to the U.S. due to leaders failing to contain the virus, its economic impact and how the virus is overwhelming the healthcare industry in the U.S.
For those that want to see the entire seminar, go to the East Asian Studies at the University of Idaho’s Facebook page. The entire Zoom talk is available on their page.
Ryan Hill can be reached at [email protected]