Byrd, K: In the Wake of the Sleeping Dragon

Inspired by China‘s rapid economic growth, the hosting of the 2008 Olympics, and an increase of American businesses moving to China, this study qualitatively explores the U.S. audience‘s perception of China and the role the media play in constructing those views. The results of this study show a close relationship between U.S. news headlines and the vocabulary used by Americans when describing China. As the world continues to become a more global society, research shows that Americans are dependent upon the media for their looking glass to the world. It is through this scratched lens that the U.S. audience is handicapped by a distorted view. This project initiates a much larger study, illustrating the need for fair and balanced international reporting. Basic concepts of audience reception studies are reviewed, which provide useful information for those involved in globalization, journalism, world economics, sociology, international affairs, and cultural studies. This book is for those interested in taking theory one step further and proposing solutions - creating a paradigm where news is facts and understanding the world is an international standard.