On December 4, Madeleine Yue Dong, Professor in the History Department and the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington, delivered a lecture titled “Feeding Socialist Beijing, 1956.” This was the sixth lecture in the China Studies Lecture Series for the 2024‒2025 academic year, hosted by Brent Haas, Associate Dean of Yenching Academy. Prof. Dong has held the Vincent Y.C. Shih Endowed Professorship in China Studies since 2017.
Before the lecture, Prof Dong participated in an interview with us. She elaborated on the concept of “recycling of tradition,” a central idea in her book Republican Beijing. Through this lens, it’s possible to appreciate the uniqueness of in Beijing’s modernization; that is, how the city entered modernity by integrating it into its traditional fabric. Prof. Dong observed the behaviors and cultural expressions of Beijing’s residents during the economic downturn of the 1930s, illustrating how people reinterpreted traditional values and assigned new meanings to them. This “recycling of tradition” reflects a nostalgia-based redefinition and a renewed appreciation of culture within its historical context.
Prof. Dong also discussed her perspective on historiography, referencing Joseph R. Levenson’s approaches while developing her own idea of “historiography in dialogue.” She emphasized the importance of equal, open dialogue in studying Chinese history, both from within and without. According to Prof. Dong, viewing historical figures as equals to ourselves enables historians to establish new narratives and deeper understandings of history. She advocated for treating historical figures as dialogical partners, fostering a richer engagement with the past and contributing to a more equal and inclusive worldview.
In addition, Prof. Dong shared her thoughts on cross-cultural research, describing it as a rare and valuable opportunity to challenge one’s assumptions and expand one’s mindset. She acknowledged the difficulty of remaining open to new perspectives and questioning established beliefs but highlighted its significance. Drawing on her own experiences in the United States, she recalled intense debates over social and historical issues with fellow students. These discussions, rooted in open-mindedness, ultimately led to mutual understanding. Prof. Dong stressed the importance of maintaining faith in one another and remaining receptive to different viewpoints in cross-cultural learning, as this encourages critical thinking and a deeper comprehension of diverse cultural backgrounds.
