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Sinica: A Goodbye to the Magistad

Can it have been merely a few weeks ago that we sequestered Evan "the turncoat" Osnos in our studio and grilled the celebrated writer on his decision to leave China for what must have myopically seemed like greener pastures? At the time, we intended our podcast to act as a deterrent against further defections among the Beijing literati and set a forceful example of why journalists should love China and stop hurting the feelings of the Chinese people.

Sadly, recent developments indicate that further intimidation tactics may be necessary, as it has now come to our attention that none other than Mary Kay Magistad is also leaving China. One of the legends in Beijing journalism, Mary Kay got her start in 1993 when she began work as National Public Radio's full-time Southeast Asia correspondent. She later took charge of opening NPR's Beijing Bureau in 1996 before starting her decade-long involvement with The World. So clearly, we have quite a bit of debriefing to do....

Note: please feel invited to download this show as a standalone mp3 file.

malcs.lakey

said on

September 7, 2013

So clearly, we have quite a bit of debriefing to do....???!

舒雅

said on

September 9, 2013

I think Beijing might be quite a bit different from the area I was living in - most likely due to the severe disparity in income. The disparity existed where I stayed for a year, but it was a little more subdued; that is to say it wealth was still displayed and enjoyed but not by Ferrari's but by Lexus, etc.

At any rate, I thought the very positive but extremely cautious views of the Chinese people I encountered and befriended quite ironic. One of the things I enjoyed most about China was the prevailing attitude of optimism and the expectation that life is just getting better; in the US it always seems people are jaded and think that the US's "golden age" is already over, so it was pleasant to encounter the more happy "mood" of China. At the same time, I often went on my own to explore local towns and places, finding my way and negotiating purchases, etc. Even after having done this 10 or more times, I would have Chinese colleagues and friends caution me to be careful or warn me or suggest that I just not go. This was not just do to my ethnicity and status as an American, but also due to their overall belief that something bad WILL happen. Many of the girls would not go out after nightfall even if they were in a group.

However, whenever something actually DID happen, they would act like it was no big deal. For example, if someone got in a car accident, they would ask if they died, and if not, say "okay" essentially and disregard it. If someone sprained or broke a bone, or someone else had something stolen, as long as they didn't die, it seemed like no big deal. I thought they were often quite cavalier about others' misfortune.

huyilin

said on

September 13, 2013

Recommendations?

Thanks!

testpopupchinese

said on

September 13, 2013

Just when you think Jeremy's meds are nicely calibrated he comes up with a F*#@ the Communist Party rant. Classic stuff. I love you man! Kaiser, great job too. Go Tucson!

Really sad to hear Mary Kay is leaving. It reminded me to double-check that my WUNC susbcription is up-to-date. C'mon listeners, support your public radio station and the talent that depends on it!