Chinese student who praised US fresh air and freedom apologises after backlash in China
Yang Shuping’s graduate speech at the University of Maryland drew vitriol from Chinese internet users
A Chinese student in the US who praised America’s fresh air and freedom of speech in her graduation speech has apologized after Chinese internet users accused her of belittling her own country and told her never to return to China.
Yang Shuping studied at the University of Maryland and delivered her speech on Sunday celebrating the freedom of speech and democracy she enjoyed in the United States.
“People often ask me, why did you come to the University of Maryland. I always answer, fresh air,” she began, prompting laughter.
“I grew up in a city in China where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside, otherwise I might get sick. However the moment I inhaled and exhaled outside the airport, I felt free … at the University of Maryland.”
Yang, who graduated with dual degrees in psychology and theatre studies with a minor in German, continued: “I would soon feel another kind of fresh air for which I will be forever grateful. The fresh air of free speech. Democracy and free speech should not be taken for granted. Democracy and freedom are the fresh air that is worth fighting for.