The Boxer Rebellion and Xenophobia: an RASBJ online discussion with Lars Ulrik Thom

March 25, 19:00-20:00

WHAT: An RASBJ online discussion with Beijing Postcards co-founder Lars Ulrik Thom on how the 1900 Boxer Rebellion promoted xenophobic stereotypes that remain in the news today, followed by Q&A.

WHEN: March 25, Wednesday, 19:00-20:00 China time

WHERE: Online via Zoom. RASBJ members and associates have been sent login details.

HOW MUCH: free for RASBJ members and associates worldwide

HOW TO BECOME AN RASB MEMBER OR ASSOCIATE: If you’re a non-member but wish to attend this online event, here’s how to become a member  (or, for PRC passport-holders, to become an associate): befriend Treasurer John Olbrich on Wechat at johnobeijing and send him your name, nationality, mobile number and email address plus the annual subscription amount (or, for aspiring associates, the suggested donation) of RMB 300 for those resident in China, RMB 200 for those resident overseas, and RMB 100 for students. You will be sent Zoom login details.

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT: In the year 1900 sectarian rebels assisted by the Chinese government sought to rid China of foreign influence. The German Head of Legation Clemens Von Ketteler was assassinated by an Imperial Chinese officer. Beijing’s expatriate community was besieged for 55 days.  Governments wavered. Rumors were rampant. The tumult dominated international headlines for a year and left an indelible impact on Beijing.

At this Zoom talk produced exclusively for the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing, Lars Ulrik Thom of Beijing Postcards will discuss how Western newspaper reporting and perceptions of the Boxer Rebellion helped create stereotypes that remain in the news today – for example, during the current coronavirus crisis. He will mention Diana Preston’s book on the incident – which is based on diaries, contemporary newspapers and other available archival material in English – and how such information kept the topic alive in the Western imagination. Many new ideas and concepts emerged as a result of the Boxer Rebellion. During this incident Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany promoted the expression “The Yellow Peril” as a means of urging the German nation to take revenge.

MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Lars Ulrik Thom is the co-founder of Beijing Postcards, a company that specializes in archival research and strives to make people relate to Beijing through city walks, talks and exhibitions.

Learn more about Beijing Postcards through their website , Facebook or check out their public events on WeChat