One of the downsides of the Pandemic, which is still in full stride in Ireland, is we don't get to travel as much or at all.
I haven't been outside my country since March 2020. I think my passport has even expired.

Last night I settled down to watch another Netflix Movie before getting back to work today for the new year. American Factory came up in my feed, an award winning documentary about a Chinese Glass Company opening a factory in America.

What does this have to do with Travel?

I like to immerse myself in the local culture. Learning a few words of the local language, learning about and celebrating traditions, hearing stories and folklore, eating local delicacies. Sometimes I am lucky enough to attend local festivals.
Experiencing cultural differences often provide a deep insight into historical influences on a culture. Who a people are and what makes them tick. I love hearing and really understanding peoples stories and perspectives.

American Factory (美国工厂)

American Factory (美国工厂) (A Barak Obama Backed Production) is an interesting documentary in this respect.

(Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Factory)

The Story

• In 2012 a General Motors Factory in Dayton Ohio closed its doors putting 10,000 people out of work.
• In 2015 the Fuyao glass company led by Billionarre Chairman Cao Dewang chose the GM plant as the site for its first factory in America.

This documentary follows the story behind the scenes as the Chinese and Americans find a way to work together and produce glass to the standard of Chairman Cao Dewang and his customers.

Needless to say there are ups and downs, and lots of drama ...

I have little experience of Chinese Culture, some of American but I thought the documentary seemed quite impartial and what it really managed to highlight were core aspects of the Chinese and American Culture and values. It was interesting perspective to me, the contrast really was highlighted in the documentary.

I was left with an unusual feeling after the movie. I didnt really know what to think. There was no right or wrong. No good guys or bad guys, just what appeared on the face of it an honest account of good people working together but coming from two different worlds and all their personal struggles to make it work.
Interestingly Barak and Michele Obamas production company backed this documentary and there is also an interview with them on netflix about it.

• I would love to hear your thoughts if you have seen this movie and what you feel about its characterization of Chinese and American Culture?
• What are your thoughts about Cao Dewang. I had not heard of him before, is he well known and liked?
• What are your thoughts about the differences in approach of Chinese and American Workers as portrayed in the Documentary?

Link to American Factory (美国工厂) on Netflix

• https://www.netflix.com/title/81090071

January Streak Challenge

This post is part of #januarystreak by @dragosroua. I dont usually post to the Chinese Community but during this month I am visiting different communities virtually on Hive to see where I get the most engagement, and which inspire me most to write. Where I get the biggest welcome I might stick around :)

I hope you enjoyed this post to the Chinese Community and will follow me. I write mainly about Blockchain and Crypto but this month I am really going to explore different communities on Hive so my posts will be quite varied.