Summary of the Core Content
This is an in-depth conversation between experienced foreign correspondent Liu Xiaojian and media professional Wang Xiao, focusing on Liu Xiaojian’s 15 years of working abroad (from Brazil to the United States). The discussion covers various aspects of his work, from reporting on dangerous locations such as Brazilian drug dens and Colombian guerrilla camps, to his book *Outside the Door*, which uses football as a lens to examine American society. It also explores his thoughts on being a journalist, cross-cultural observations, news creativity, as well as identity issues in Chinese and American societies, narrative differences, and the information challenges of the social media era. The conversation illustrates how a “dedicated” journalist can uncover real stories amidst uncertainty, balancing professionalism with creativity from an outsider’s perspective.
Detailed Interpretation
1. Delving into Dangerous Scenes: Trust Built Over Time
Liu Xiaojian’s “hardcore” reporting—such as on Brazilian drug dens and Colombian guerrillas—is not the result of sheer bravery but of years of preparation. For example, when interviewing at a Brazilian drug den, he contacted his informant two years in advance. The process started with the informant wanting to sell photos, and over time, they developed trust. During the interview, he had to wait for the cocaine to arrive and the traffickers to start their activities, while also dealing with resistance from the locals (some refused to let him take photos, others doubted his intentions). At one point, he even rode in a trafficker’s car with a AK-47 held out of the window by the passenger. This seemingly dangerous situation was the result of meticulous planning and patience: carefully selecting informants, adapting to on-site circumstances, and forming a “brotherly” relationship with his cameraman (who later admitted he might not dare to ride in that car again). Liu Xiaojian said, “Two-thirds of the interview time is spent waiting; when the right moment comes, the story unfolds suddenly.”
2. Using Football as a Lens to See America: Breaking the Perfect Narrative
*Outside the Door* is not just about football; it uses the sport as a tool to reveal the nuances of American life. For instance, he describes how residents on the US-Mexico border deal with everyday challenges (like renting safety helmets to cross the border). The team owner wanted to play against a Mexican team not because he wanted to integrate into American culture but because “this is just the reality of Brownsville.” He also noticed changes in the use of the American flag: it was ubiquitous in 2019, disappeared during the BLM protests in 2020, reappeared during Asian protests in 2021 (as a way to show “I am American”), and in 2025, people were displaying flags combining both the American and Mexican flags (indicating a refusal to take sides). These details challenge the stereotype that America has a single narrative and highlight the complexity of identity.
3. Journalists Are Not Messengers but Storytellers
Liu Xiaojian avoids covering hot news topics; instead, he prefers to explore less well-known subjects from scratch. For example, when investigating the impact of US steel tariffs, he didn’t just report on the policy’s announcement but went to an Arkansas steel training camp as a “trainee”—filling out forms, chatting with the trainees, and eventually revealing his identity to interview the supervisor. This immersive approach allowed him to capture real details (some trainees wanted certificates to get jobs at steel mills with annual salaries of $100,000). He emphasizes that journalism requires creativity: “The same material can have completely different effects depending on how it’s presented.” His short videos (such as about the Los Angeles wildfires and Oscar judges) have millions of views because they use a narrative structure similar to that of novels, creating suspense and momentum.
4. An Outsider with Multiple Accents: Keeping a Distance for Clearer Perspectives
Liu Xiaojian has a unique accent blend that makes it difficult for him to fully integrate into any community. He speaks Mandarin with a Southern Fujian accent, Spanish like a Brazilian, and English like a Latin American. This diversity prevents him from completely assimilating, which in turn gives him an objective perspective. For instance, in Los Angeles, he may not like the city but finds inspiration for his writing in its conflicts; in Brazil, he avoids mainstream topics (like bus speeds) and instead explores the Amazon rainforest or drug dens. He says, “If I became completely American or Brazilian, I might have to change my career—being an outsider is my advantage.”
5. Social Media Makes Us Think We Understand the World, but Books Confuse Us
Liu Xiaojian points out that social media (like REDnote) gives people the illusion of understanding the world, but it often presents a simplified version of reality. The value of books, like his *Outside the Door*, lies in their ability to confuse and provoke reflection—after reading them, you realize there are still many aspects of society you don’t understand. He notes that the publishing industry in both the US and China is struggling with sales of academic books, as people prefer easily consumed content like short videos. He worries that social media, by highlighting others’ problems, can lead to arrogance, similar to the ignorance of Americans in the past.
This conversation highlights that great journalists are not those who chase trends but those who dig deep into stories; great observers are not those who blend in but those who maintain a critical distance from the subject matter. In an era of information overload, the ability to slow down and focus on details becomes even more valuable.