In Saving Faces, Ariella Gibson delves into the complexities of Chinese culture from an American expat’s perspective. Through her time living in Nanjing during the pandemic, she experienced the profound contrast between collectivism and individualism in the country and reflects on her unique relationship with it. As the pandemic brought global attention to China, Gibson offers a firsthand perspective that challenges the misunderstandings and racist narratives presented by western media. With her outsider’s viewpoint, Gibson celebrates the differences between China and the West while also emphasizing their similarities. She invites viewers to consider the emotional impact of the pandemic, the isolation and fear felt by both sides, and the idea that even on opposite sides of the world, people are more alike than often recognized.
