The Honest Drink 177 - Cyrus Janssen: A Break In The Wall
Aug 19, 2025
Cyrus Janssen, a YouTuber and self-proclaimed US-China ambassador, delves into the evolving relationship between the two nations. He explores cultural exchanges, highlighting the experiences of bilingual families balancing American and Chinese values. Janssen discusses the narratives shaped by travel vloggers and the rise of Chinese soft power in influencing American youth. The conversation also touches on economic realities, the contrasting cost of living, and the potential for collaboration between the US and China amid geopolitical complexities.
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On-Ground Presence Changes Perception
- Western media often reports on China without recent on-the-ground experience, creating misleading narratives.
- Cyrus argues visiting China at least yearly is vital to understand fast changes and avoid outdated views.
Personal Family Cross-Cultural Contrast
- Cyrus lived in Richmond, Vancouver where his daughter's kindergarten class was 19/20 children from mainland China.
- He later moved to the U.S. and experienced the opposite as the token Asian family at his kids' academy.
Make Language Real With Travel
- Make bilingual and bicultural exposure a priority when raising mixed-heritage children.
- Take them to the country of origin so language learning becomes practical and rewarding.
