Latest News

A kinder, gentler USA on display

By Wang Zhenghua (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-07 07:54

Student ambassadors from various colleges from the United States take an oath during the official opening ceremony of the USA Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo on May 3. Eugene Hoshiko / associated press

Those expecting a display of superpower machismo will be disappointed.

Instead, we get concepts and images of a country determined to show its human side, Wang Zhenghua reports.

When Huang Ya-li visited the USA Pavilion at the Expo 2010 Shanghai, she, like many others, was expecting a lot - but left disappointed.

The public servant from Taiwan was looking forward to the latest in high technology from the world's superpower. But rather than flexing its muscles, the pavilion puts on a more human face, encapsulated in "American spirit of perseverance, innovation and community".

"People will be disappointed if they were hoping for cutting-edge technology or any influential artwork from the USA Pavilion," said Huang. "But the country successfully tells a story about optimism and collaboration, and shows its warm side."

Under the banner "Rising to the Challenge", the USA Pavilion opens the door to the US, inviting guests on a journey to four distinct exhibitions.

As guests enter the eagle-shaped pavilion, they embark on a virtual visit to the country, which is celebrated as a place of cultural, ethnic and geographic wonder, as well as beauty and diversity.

Inside the entrance to the pavilion, NBA star Kobe Bryant and Chinese-American figure skater Michelle Kwan, extend the hand of friendship (albeit on a video screen) with a welcome in Mandarin. Chuckles ring out from time to time at the celebrities' pronunciation efforts.

The presentation concludes with the US commissioner general for the Expo, Jose H. Villarreal, thanking visitors for coming.

In the next exhibition, the spirit of the US is personified in the diverse faces and positive actions of its people, and in their infectious optimism that anything is possible when we set our minds to it.

Across three large media screens, Americans remind guests of the power of imagination and collaboration.

From young children and university professors, to community activists and leaders from fields of science, technology and industry, the exhibit shows Americans from all walks of life working to make the world a better place.

Together, this comes with a powerful message: "The spirit to change our world for the better binds us all - regardless of country or nationality."

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a real-life action movie called The Garden. In this moving urban fairy tale, a young girl with imagination and resolve moves her neighborhood to reinvent itself. Looking out at a vacant lot, the girl envisions a flourishing garden. Her passion and determination inspire her neighbors.

The story is projected on five "urban towers", or giant screens turned to stand upright and fancifully shaped like tall buildings. By projecting different images and graphic patterns on them they become buildings, windows, bus stops, traditional movie screens and many other objects.

At the last exhibit, opportunity and innovation feature in five themed areas, highlighting what Americans are doing to help their community become healthier, more sustainable and culturally vibrant places.

(China Daily 05/07/2010 page34)