Politicization of the Nobel Prize again

 

Mo Yan picked up the Nobel Prize for Literature on Monday, and it was a joyful and glorious time for him and for the whole country as he brings Chinese literature into the world spotlight.

Mo is in the limelight in Stockholm, as he is chased by reporters from all over the world. However, while reading the Western coverage of Mo’s award, I’m astonished to see politics rather than literature dominate the interviews.

Mo, a literature devotee, may have felt frustrated as he was submerged by questions on China's freedom of speech or human rights and took on criticism for not being a political dissident.

Mo reiterates that he is a storyteller, the award is a personal thing, “The award goes to the writer, not the country.” It turned out that all his efforts to minimize the political influence of the award are in vain.

The Nobel Prize has long been singled out for politicization to confront China; before Mo, only those who are opposed to China’s current system would win the prize.

This time is supposed to be different. Mo is recognized for his great works. Chinese hail his victory for it is a good opportunity for Western readers to better understand China. After all, we are now in the 21st century, China is engaged in integrating into the international society, the Cold War now a distant memory.

It turns out I am over-optimistic. The West is still trying to use the laureate as a pawn against China, though it is doomed to fail.

joyful and glorious time for him and for the whole country as he brings Chinese literature into the world spotlight.

Mo is in the limelight in Stockholm, as he is chased by reporters from all over the world. However, while reading the Western coverage of Mo’s award, I’m astonished to see politics rather than literature dominate the interviews.

Mo, a literature devotee, may have felt frustrated as he was submerged by questions on China's freedom of speech or human rights and took on criticism for not being a political dissident.

Mo reiterates that he is a storyteller, the award is a personal thing, “The award goes to the writer, not the country.” It turned out that all his efforts to minimize the political influence of the award are in vain.

The Nobel Prize has long been singled out for politicization to confront China; before Mo, only those who are opposed to China’s current system would win the prize.

This time is supposed to be different. Mo is recognized for his great works. Chinese hail his victory for it is a good opportunity for Western readers to better understand China. After all, we are now in the 21st century, China is engaged in integrating into the international society, the Cold War now a distant memory.

It turns out I am over-optimistic. The West is still trying to use the laureate as a pawn against China, though it is doomed to fail.