This is mostly true for nationalistic American liberals. China is the opposing empire to America, while many see Japan as this “country uplifted by America.” This attitude isn’t new and isn’t consciously held by most people that parrot it. Most don’t know any better and many would accept the nuances if presented respectfully.
Empires occasionally do good when it serves their interests, while every country has serious issues they need to deal with. You can still oppose authoritarians or be a weeb without needing to ignore reality.
There are things that are cool if they are voluntary but not cool when forced.
People in china make things with love too. Electronics, games, movies, shows, comedy, art, software etc.
Fuck the government but the hate for the people in china is disgusting. I do get it. I do. The government is absolutely fucked and very oppressive.
But i feel like a lot of people don’t see that a TON of american and european products are made in china too. And think “oh i don’t buy a chinese phone! Its made by abused workers!”.
And then buy an iPhone. Completely forgetting that phone is made in the same factory but with an american logo on it.
We need to be more focused. We can’t let people forget that the government and the people are not the same.
I know people say the “chinese” or the “russians” or the “americans”. But we should say the government instead when talking about political conflicts. A lot of people read the “chinese” or the “americans” and see it as that ENTIRE country. People, government etc. As if it is all one singular thing.
Its just sad and wrong to see them as one and the same.