A Study on the Appropriation of Chinese Culture in Western Narratives in the Context of Global Communication: Taking the “Chinese” Images in Western Film and Television Works as an Example

Abstract

In the context of globalized communication, the phenomenon of cultural appropriation in Western narratives has increasingly become a focal issue for all sectors of society. In-depth exploration of this phenomenon holds significant value for breaking through Western discursive monopolies, reconstructing China's international image, promoting equal dialogue among diverse cultures, and enhancing national cultural confidence. This study employs research methods such as literature review, case analysis, and questionnaire surveys, taking the portrayal of “Chinese people” in Western film and television works as an entry point to delve into the phenomenon of Chinese cultural appropriation. The research reveals that the images of “Chinese people” in Western cinema and television exhibit complex and diverse configurations across different eras. When appropriating Chinese culture, the West often uses specific narrative strategies to borrow and reconstruct cultural symbols, with these practices implicitly shaped by the dual forces of cultural power games and audience perception. Chinese college students' cognitive understanding of cultural appropriation remains in the initial development stage, with the popularization of academic concepts still needing improvement and significant differentiation in group attitudes. The study argues that Western cultural appropriation reflects cultural power inequality, exerting a profound impact on the international communication of Chinese culture and the shaping of its global image. This research contributes to understanding the laws of cross-cultural communication, provides strategic references for addressing issues arising from cultural appropriation, and holds positive significance for strengthening China's cultural confidence and promoting the equal global dissemination of Chinese culture.