Jane Hayward of King's College on Teaching China through YouTube
Sinica Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Jane Hayward start her YouTube channel?
Jane started her channel to address the disconnect between academic discussions and public discourse on China, which often repeats misleading or inaccurate information. The lockdown period and the experience of recording lectures also inspired her to explore video content as a medium.
Who was Jane Hayward's intended audience for her YouTube channel?
Initially, Jane aimed to reach a left-leaning audience in the UK interested in British and international politics, particularly those who wanted to learn more about China but weren't sure where to look.
What has Jane learned about her actual YouTube audience?
Her audience has been more diverse than expected, including overseas Chinese and Chinese nationals who resonate with her content. The YouTube algorithm has also introduced her videos to different groups, leading to varied engagement.
What is the 'new Qing history' and why does Jane advocate for it?
The new Qing history challenges the traditional narrative of China as a static, unchanging entity by highlighting the martial aspects of Qing culture and the idea that China was one part of a larger Manchu empire. Jane advocates for it as it provides a more nuanced understanding of Chinese history.
Which of Jane Hayward's videos has been the most popular?
One of the most popular videos is 'Xi Jinping is NOT like an Emperor,' which resonated particularly with an overseas Chinese audience who appreciated her historical debunking of essentialist ideas.
What challenges does Jane face in the current media environment?
Jane faces criticism from both sides of the political spectrum for her nuanced analysis. She navigates this by staying true to her academic background and presenting factual, grounded content, even if it offends polarized viewpoints.
Why did Jane choose a U.S. PhD program over a UK one?
Jane chose a U.S. program because of the longer training period, which allowed for extensive coursework and language studies. She was also funded in the U.S., unlike in the UK, where funding is harder to secure.
What is Jane's take on the reporting of China in British media?
Jane believes that British media reporting on China is influenced by a set of assumptions and normative judgments, leading to a skewed portrayal. She suggests that journalists may not be fully aware of these biases, which are structural rather than malicious.
What topics does Jane plan to cover next on her YouTube channel?
Jane is considering topics like debt trap diplomacy, the social credit system, and environmental issues. She is still planning her next videos and wants to explore subjects that challenge common misconceptions about China.
What book does Jane recommend for understanding communism?
Jane recommends David Priestland's 'The Red Flag,' which provides a nuanced framework for understanding communism beyond the simplistic idea of top-down control.
- Disconnect between academic discussions and public discourse on China motivated channel creation.
- Initial target audience was left-leaning, but viewership expanded to include overseas Chinese.
- YouTube algorithm played a significant role in audience reach.
Shownotes Transcript