A regular reader alerted me to the fact that OI-C Bowl, a restaurant specializing in fresh, “gourmet” Chinese food on North Main Street in Walnut Creek, displays a big, red People’s Republic of China flag hanging outside.
I’d love for the reader to explain his objections some more, because I don’t want to put words in his mouth.
It sounds like he wasn’t happy that a flag representing a government founded on Marxist, communist, and/or Maoist principles was flying so prominently in downtown Walnut Creek—and so close to City Hall.
The reader referred to it as a “communist China flag,” then said, “Yeah, I understand it’s Chinese food, but come on! How ‘bout an American flag next to it at least?”
What do you think? I know a flag with such strong associations with communism pushes some people’s buttons. Even though communism as a political ideology is rather passé–not including occasional retro commie blasts from Nepal, where communists have made themselves the nation’s leading party, or from Peru, where the Maoist Shining Path guerrillas continue their sporadic terrorists attacks.
But isn’t communism—the kind we associate with Marx, Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, or other 20th century utopian ideologues—so last century? Okay, sure the People’s Republic of China—better known as mainland China—is the most populous nation on earth (1.2 billion people), and it is ruled by the Communist Party of China under a single-party, authoritarian system.
But how “communist” is the Communist Party of China, or the People’s Republic of China? Only about 5 percent of people in mainland China belong to the Party. Then there was the rule of Deng Xiaoping (de facto leader of China from 1978 to the early 1990s). He introduced a social and economic philosophy termed “socialism with Chinese characteristics” that merges a market economy with a socialist political system.
In terms of discussing contemporary Chinese political systems, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m flying without a net, and it would be nice if some expert on modern China or communist theory weighed in. But, it it sounds to me like China is more capitalist than stereotypically communist. At the same time, I understand that China’s government, with its single-party system, is not as democratic as many of us would like.
Back to OI-C Bowl? Does any of this high-falutin’ political economy/ideology stuff have any bearing on how we should react to the People’s Republic of China flag flying hanging outside this restaurant?
On a somewhat related topic, it is common to go into an Italian, French, or Mexican restaurant, and see the colors of those country’s flags, or the actual flags themselves, flying as part of the restaurant’s décor. I’m a big fan of Thai food. Any Thai restaurant worth its fish sauce will display photos of the Thai royal family, a display—like that of the Italian, French and Mexican flags—that is an exercise in nationalist pride. (And, yes, technically, Thailand enjoys democratic rule, so, by that measure, we Americans like Thailand. But how democratic is a country like Thailand that continues to be plagued by rampant vote buying, corruption, and regularly military-backed coups?)
And, compared with the Italian, French, and Mexican flags, is there something different about a display of Chinese flag–a bright red sheet with its five bright yellow stars–on WC’s popular North Main Street? In terms of color scheme and design, this flag is reminiscent of the red-and-yellow hammer-and-sickle flag of the Soviet Union. Of course, both the flags of the USSR and of the People’s Republic of China were and are controversial symbols of the communist ideology with which we Americans were so long at war. Cold War-wise, that is.
For many people, seeing this Chinese flag won’t provoke the same sentimental reaction they might get from seeing an Italian, French, or Mexican flag. Suburbanites of mainland Chinese origin might have a different reaction.
Also, you might have a more open and welcoming attitude towards the PRC, following the Beijing Olympics and in light of our complicated relationship with that country in the midst of the global economic crisis–with that country emerging as the United State’s largest creditor.
Is China our new economic BFF on the world stage? Should we therefore show its red-and-gold-star flag some respect? Or is China our new big, bad superpower enemy, and should we treat that country, and its flag, with wariness?
Crazy in Suburbia 
Ate a wonderful dinner there tonight!Since they own a tremendous amount of our national debt, I’d say they get to waive a few flags…it’s the least we should do.We are all very interconnected now, and need to get over these kinds of nationalistic and semantic differences.
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Who cares about the flag they waive. It’s their restaurant. And, if they are communist, it’s their business. People who don’t like it shouldn’t patronize their establishment. As long as there is no ordinance that prevents flags from being flown in front of restaurants, I’m all good with it. Let these people pursue their happiness, please!!
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The food there is over-rated. As for those who think anyone can hang anything they wish, well, what if it were a nazi flag? How about a confederate flag?
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Does La Fogata have to paint over their Mexican Flag also?This guy sounds like and insecure douchebag.
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get rid of it. It is like spitting in america’s face.
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Yes, you are right. There should be an American flag right next to it. To only show the communist flag is an insult. I like OI-C, but will not go there until this is addressed.
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DumbasBricks,You sir are a dumbass douchebag. Grow a pair.
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Soccer Mom,Your blog is becoming more of an extremist rant or place to rant. Are you fueling this on purpose?
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They will not be getting my custom but they can fly what they wish.
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So what. Those complaining probably have a garage full of crap/junk/stuff made in China. So who is really supporting Communist China?????
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nice story SM. GET RID OF THE UGLY FLAG!
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That is the Flag of there country and NOBODY should complain or have any problems of them representing there home. It is rude and un-American. Is this not the land of the free?
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Careful folks, your xenophobia is showing.
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How dare anyone exercise their first amendment right to display a symbol to which some people might object? This is America, after all, where liberty means free speech only applies to statements that no one may object to.
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March 24, 2009 10:47 PM People and business do still fly the confederate flag in this country. Matter of fact a few states fly it over their capital…..so what’s your point?People would disagree with it like you disagree with this. Those that don’t agree can not eat there and if the owner feels like it’s harming their business they will take it down.
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These type of racist remarks are what cause hatred towards white people. After the assination of Oscar Grant many minorities felt that it was a racially motivated murder and hatred grew towards the Oakland Police. Altough I do not condone the murder of the 4 officers, there are many people that find hapinness in this event…You people that are writing flamatory comments are the same as the people that are happy that the 4 officers were killed.
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do you also refuse to eat chinese food because you disagree with chinese communist politics?this restaurant flying the chinese flag is a cultural statement, not a political one.
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The owners are Chinese and whether they agree with the present regime or not it’s their homeland. I appreciate this blog and the opportunity for discussion. Don’t let the personal attacks discourage you.
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America is a CONTINENT, get it straight! Ignorance is bliss!
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are the china flag haters also target/kmart/walmart shoppers? they should take a look in the mirror. symbolic outrage doesn’t disguise their consumer addiction to chinese products.
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Wow – you First Amendment fighters could be helpful in the Anonymous blog of a couple days ago re the Sufism Sanctuary… same argument diff topic
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Now, I can’t wait to try this restaurant, being unfairly singled out by this blog and by all the racists and xenophobes on this blog and Claycord.
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This reads like the paranoid 1950’s McCarthy communist witch-hunt’s looking for commies under every rock. A world flag signifies a COUNTRY, not a political party or ideology. This is the flag of China, not the communist party. Question: because a flag is hanging outside a business (close to City Hall) do we remove all other flags just because the political system is not to our liking?, or perhaps take it a step further and not allow foreign people or businesses because of their mother country. Granted the Republic of China is controlled by the communist party, but every day the country is becoming more Capitalistic. Today in 2009, one would have a hard time telling the difference between Shanghai rush hour traffic jams and Highway 24 jams, or shopping areas with designer clothes, or 1000’s of new China made Buicks and Audi’s hitting the road every month. The thought process of the blogger is off base and wrong.
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What annoys the crap out of me is that the restaurant name is an obvious play on a Japanese word (OI-C = oishii = delicious), but is a Chinese restaurant.They can use their own language to look for a cutesy restaurant title, TYVM.
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all this about a japannesed name a white american owned chineese restaurant
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If your going to hang a flag of a different country other than the American. It needs to fly below the American flag period. Look into that as a Iraqi bet it needs to come down. Who cares what the food taste like. I can care less if their country is caring our debt. Maybe we shouldn’t out source to that country. Like I said if you want to fly the flag put the American flag up too, and make sure it flys higher. Thank you
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Does’nt bother me , the vibe in Walnut Creek is what does bother me.
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Anon 4:22 Flying both flags is only required on Federal and State properties. Think post offices, schools, courthouses. It would be nice to see an American flag there as well, but not required.
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I think they should take down the flag and soccer mom should take down that photo that doesn’t look even remotely like her.
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There are some of us who still consider our country’s flag something to be honored. I understand the compulsion to hang onto reminders of one’s homeland when transplanted to another land, but, may I remind you all, these people come here willingly. Why is it that those people are revered for loving their homeland while I am reviled for loving mine? (BTW, I was born in Australia). How dare you call those of us who love our country xenophobic. Your government education is showing.
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If there was a Chinese restaurant over in China that served American food, do you really think that the Chinese Govn’t would allow them to fly an American Flag outside of their restaurant??? Hell no! In fact, they would probably be arrested for doing so. In that case, they shouldn’t be flying the Chinese flag out here.
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Speaking of Flags being put up in front of businesses, check this out video!VIDEO LINK American Veteran Removes US Flag from beneath Mexican Flag in Renohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ6cCPbA8jo
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All I see is a Chinese flag in front of a Chinese restaurant.Is that really such a big deal? All cultures have the right to be celebrated and treated equally.
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As opposed to worrying about an inanimate object; people should be focused and concerned on the real events occurring closer to home. Oakland is in jeopardy of being completely burned by street thugs when the BART officer's charges are reduced. And conversely, Channel 7 news is examining if the cop killer received a bad shake from the probation & parole system. I really urge people to focus on the real issues and real events in our society and community that impact our lives today and tomorrow.
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What the hell. you people have been dumbed down by the eduaction system and the medias. Communism has been responsible for more deaths than Hitler was! How about Tianinamun(however the spell it)square. They killed millions of their own people in the 60’s and 70’s, They invaded Tabet and ran the Della Lama out. If you want to see smog go there! People are dying from river water it is so polluted. If they demonstrate they get thrown in jail. There were over 5000 demonstrations last year alone because of the dirty air and water. This is a never ending story but you get the picture. So you turn your backs and find a place for your heads, up your asses as usual!
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The Confederate Flag does not fly on any State Capital, the last place was in South Carolina and it came down some 5 years ago or so. In fact the state flag which had it on 1/3 part of it was reworked so that it is displayed with a series of small flags that flew in the state as I recall. Forget which one.The Chinese flag is… well the Chinese flag. It would be kind of interesting if they flew the flag of Nationalist China (Taiwan) and then they would stir up protests from Chinese mainlanders who see the Taiwanese as breakaway rebels etc. International politics is such fun.
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This is America isn’t it? The land of the free and the home of the brave. Who are we to tell people what flags they can and can’t fly. They are supporting their country that they are from. Now Iam not saying that it’s right, and I certainely don’t agree with the flying of this flag but as an American citizen they have every right to do so. If you don’t like it, look the other way as you walk or drive by, hell don’t eat at their restaurant if you don’t agree. As for the la fogata mexican flag goes, half of contra costa county is full of mexicans, they should be able to have their flag painted on the side of their building.
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USA stands for freedom. We should show the meaning of that. Snibbling wieners, tell me where you can be found. I’ll be right over Chinese Hot peppers to ram up your arse
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Sure doesn’t stop anyone from buying everything from China. I bet most American flags are made in China. This whole discussion is foolish.
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To all those who feel they have every right to fly whatever they want, well, what if they decide to not serve African-Americans next? Is that ok? According to your logic it is because they should be able to do whatever they wish as a private business.
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what do i think well i think you need to get a real life and stop looking for things to complain about, you’ve obviously got too much time on your hands
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12:04,Refusing to serve people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, etc., is illegal. These laws are meant to protect minority groups. How on earth do you figure flying a flag has any correlation at all to minority protections? If you don’t like it, don’t patronize their establishment. It’s simple. You’re all so offended by eating at an establishment flying a Chinese flag, yet you’ll all eat on plates and with utensils that have been manufactured in China. What kind of car do you drive? Where are your clothes manufactured?You’re a useless parody of a patriot.If you really want to be patriotic, buy only American-made products. Who cares if someone flies a Confederate flag. Nazi flags might fall under racial-hatred laws, which is different than flying a flag because you’re proud of your country.No person should have to become white to live in this country.I have never seen so much bigotry and racial hatred as I have in Contra Costa County.
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I never eat in Walnut Creek because all of their restaurants are crappy, expensive, and overrated.I will, however, make an exception. I intend to eat at this restaurant just to give them some support.
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