Our Hero Wang Can’t Be Wrong! A Case Study of Collectivistic Image Repair in Taiwan

• In Event: Top Papers in Association For Chinese Communication Studies

Abstract

This study analyzes Taiwan’s news reports of Taiwan-born MLB pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, styled by Taiwanese media as Taiwan Zhi-guang, “the pride and glory of Taiwan.” Taiwan’s major media engage in collective efforts to repair Wang’s image when the national hero loses a game. The most common strategies in the press are evading responsibility and reducing offensiveness. The Chinese concept of guang (meaning pride, glory, honor, and face) and the implications of third party apologies are discussed.

Authors

• William Benoit, Ohio University

• Wei-Chun Wen, null

• Tzu hsiang Yu, Shih Hsin University