On Point | Podcast
What does one owe their country? A family's 'reckoning on China'
Sep 20, 2024
Edward Wong, a New York Times correspondent, shares his father's remarkable journey from a devoted Communist in China to an immigrant in America. He discusses the emotional turmoil of confronting patriotic loyalty versus political disillusionment, and reveals the weight of his father's experiences during tumultuous historical events like the Korean War and the Japanese invasion. Wong’s insights paint a vivid picture of immigrant life, the complex family dynamics shaped by historical traumas, and the haunting echoes of authoritarian repression.
47:28
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Quick takeaways
- Edward Wong's memoir delves into the complexities of loyalty, illustrating the struggle between loving one's homeland and disillusionment with its governing party.
- The poignant letter from Wong's father exemplifies the emotional ties of patriotism amidst political ideology, reflecting personal sacrifices in a turbulent historical context.
Deep dives
A Personal and Historical Narrative
The memoir 'At the Edge of Empire' provides a deeply personal exploration of Edward Wong's father, who grew up in Mao's China and initially believed in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His father's journey, from being a soldier in the CCP to ultimately fleeing to America, is framed against the backdrop of significant historical events such as the Great Leap Forward and the Chinese Civil War. The narrative highlights the complexities of loyalty, as his father wrestled with his love for his homeland versus the party that led to his disillusionment. This duality raises profound questions about the nature of patriotism in a state where personal sacrifice is often dictated by political allegiance.
