What’s the first news event or viral video that comes to mind when you think back to China in 2024? For many, it’s the story of American social media influencer and pawnshop owner, Evan Kail, and his unexpected journey towards fostering understanding between the United States and China.
In November, Kail, a recipient of China’s national gift porcelain, visited China to experience the country firsthand. His story began two years prior, when a customer brought a World War II-era photo album to his coins and collectibles shop in Minnesota. The album documented Japan’s invasion of China, a period marked by severe atrocities.
Kail shared the album on TikTok, and the video quickly went viral, garnering worldwide attention and sparking extensive online discussions. “At first, I was hailed as a hero after claiming to have uncovered unseen evidence of the Nanjing Massacre, an event in 1937 that historians have rightly dubbed a ‘forgotten holocaust.’ But within 48 hours, the tide turned, and I found myself branded as a hoaxer,” Kail recounted. “Speculation about my ‘sinister’ intentions ran rampant. People said I was using a war crime to fuel my own fame.”
Despite the backlash, Kail was determined to contribute positively to the historical narrative and enhance cross-cultural understanding. Two months later, he donated the album to the Consulate General of China in Chicago. In recognition of his gesture, he was gifted state porcelain as a token of appreciation—a rare honor shared only by a select few foreigners, including Henry Norman Bethune and John Rabe.
Kail’s actions have made a significant contribution to exchanges between young Chinese and American people. By confronting history and promoting dialogue, he has helped bridge gaps and break biases between the two nations. His story highlights the powerful role that individuals can play in fostering mutual understanding and building bridges across cultures.
Reference(s):
Youth as a link: Bridging gaps, breaking bias between China, U.S.
cgtn.com
