A Chinese TV drama is gaining attention on social media for its depiction of a school shooting in the US.
The show, 带着爸爸去留下, which literally translates as ‘taking dad to study abroad,’ centres around father and son Huang Chengdong and Huang Xiaodong on their journey to the fictional town of El Angus, where the son will begin his studies.
“Some Chinese students are treated like emperors or princesses by their families”
In one episode, the father finds himself caught up in a school shooting, which has lead to a discussion on social media about how the US is depicted in the series.
The Chinese government recently issued a warning to US-bound students citing potential risks they may encounter if they plan to study in America.
In the biggest ever tv drama about a chinese student going to America released on 爱奇艺 this spring, the first day of class features a random school shooter. The powers that be want fewer students going to the US. pic.twitter.com/8uL7KWNiVf
— Jordan Schneider 司马乔丹 (@jordanschnyc) July 6, 2019
However, viewers have questioned the accuracy of the show’s portrayal of studying abroad.
“Some Chinese students are treated like emperors or princesses by their families,” said former international student in London Ellen Zhang, who is now based in Beijing. Language can be a barrier, as can assimilation into local society, she explained.
“Even in the show, we can see Chinese students clinging to themselves and forming groups instead of making friends with foreign people,” she said.
“But I also think that this is not just a Chinese phenomenon… it’s a global issue. Although I still encourage Chinese students to make friends with people from different countries,” Zhang added.
Around 600,000 Chinese citizens headed abroad last year to study, with the US being the most popular destination.
