SOONG MEI-LING: BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

Abstract

The article examines the problems of Song Mei-ling's formation as an influential social, political, and military figure not only in Eastern, but also in Western culture. The relevance of this study is justified by the fact that gender stereotypes still exist in the world community, and the PRC is in 107th place out of 156 in the list of countries in the global ranking in terms of the gender gap in 2021, which certainly needs to be addressed, for example, by referring to such personalities like Madame Chiang. The search for common ground and experience of interaction in the past between Eastern and Western cultures in the era of the spread of enmity between China and the West in the 21st century is also relevant. The article examines the actions of Mei-ling, which were able to unite different nations, destroy outdated gender traditions and allowed women to participate in political and military activities. The article examines not only the rise of Song Mei-ling as an influential figure at an early age, but also assesses the influence of Mei-ling herself on the youth of China and the United States. In the course of writing the work, the author comes to the conclusion that Mei-ling was able to become an influential person; inspire many people, especially Chinese and American girls, to fight against the Japanese conquerors, poverty and ignorance of Chinese people, and exploitation of women; achieve a break in gender stereotypes, both in the political and military spheres; receive large monetary donations from the peoples of Western states and the support of the United States and its political elite. The study uses historiographic information and video materials that allow to draw objective conclusions.