Tag: asia

Society and Culture

How Sinophobia and Excessive Nationalism Screws Us All in the End, Especially Women

macongolia

Sinophobia - literally, the fear or hatred of China and Chinese people - is common within Mongolian culture. Even the more liberal-minded aunts, uncles, grannies and grandpas will tell you: “You can marry whoever you want, just not a Chinese.” Sinophobia seems to be deeply ingrained into Mongolian culture, with some citing centuries of ill-will. Others also cite a radical difference between the two cultures, often with the best qualities falling on home turf and the worst qualities in enemy territory. But why? Why is Sinophobia such a big deal in Mongolia? We’ll explore this idea for the next weeks, starting with Sinophobia and its effect on Mongolian women.  

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Economics and Business, Environment

Will ‘Made in Mongolia’ Take Off Globally? The Cashmere Story

macongolia

If we look at the movement of cashmere, it goes like this: about ⅓ of the global cashmere supply originates from Mongolia. Mongolia’s raw cashmere is transported to China to be made into garments and then sold to the rest of the world. The United States, a huge consumer economy, buys nearly all of their… Continue reading Will ‘Made in Mongolia’ Take Off Globally? The Cashmere Story

Society and Culture

To You, the Driver: Crossing a Road in Ulaanbaatar

macongolia

As I finished crossing the busy Ulaanbaatar street and breathed a sigh of relief, the driver stuck his head out of his window and started yelling at me, calling me names and angrily asking (commenting?) on whether I knew how to cross the street with another sprinkle of cuss words.

Society and Culture

Coming Home: A Reflection on Gers

macongolia

Looking at the Mongolian countryside, it is hard not to notice the white specks by hills, rivers, or in the middle of what seems like nowhere. Getting even closer you may hear the loud barks of the dog to alert their owners of the visitor. By the ruckus of the bark, the owners will bow their heads through the doorway of the white speck, which is of course a ger, and call his dog closer.

Environment, The Greenhouse Project - 2014

A Greenhouse in Mongolia – Our Project for Peace, Sustainability and Development

macongolia

To increase access to vegetables for the students of Khongor, Mongolia, we established a greenhouse. We are happy to report that it is still alive and operational four years later.