Meaning: The quote "We send missionaries to China so the Chinese can get to heaven, but we won't let them into our country" by Pearl Buck, a renowned American novelist, captures the dilemma of contradictory attitudes and actions towards people of different cultures and nationalities. This thought-provoking statement sheds light on the paradox of offering spiritual salvation while denying basic human rights and opportunities to individuals based on their nationality or ethnicity.

Pearl Buck was a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights, drawing from her experiences growing up in China as the daughter of missionaries and later living through the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. Her deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures allowed her to critique the hypocrisy and inconsistency of imposing religious beliefs on one hand while perpetuating discrimination and exclusion on the other.

The quote reflects the historical context of the early to mid-20th century, a time when missionary work was often associated with Western imperialism and attempts to "civilize" or convert non-Western populations. In this context, the quote highlights the patronizing and ethnocentric attitudes that prevailed, as missionaries were sent to "save" the Chinese people while the same individuals were not welcomed in Western countries due to discriminatory immigration policies and xenophobia.

The juxtaposition of "sending missionaries to China" and "not letting them into our country" underscores the inherent contradiction in such actions. On one hand, there is a display of goodwill and a desire to impart spiritual beliefs, yet on the other hand, there is a clear exclusion and refusal to embrace the very people whom these missionaries seek to help. This dissonance exposes the underlying prejudices and double standards that often underpin international relations and interactions between different cultures.

Furthermore, the quote raises questions about the motivations behind missionary work and the broader dynamics of cultural and religious imperialism. It challenges the sincerity of the mission to "save" others when the same individuals are marginalized and excluded in Western societies. It also prompts reflection on the power dynamics at play, where one group assumes the authority to dictate spiritual salvation while denying equal treatment and opportunities to those deemed as "other."

In a contemporary context, the quote remains relevant in the ongoing discussions about immigration policies, refugee rights, and global solidarity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning actions with professed values and the need to address systemic inequalities and prejudices that continue to shape international relations.

Overall, Pearl Buck's quote encapsulates a powerful critique of the hypocrisy and inconsistency in attitudes towards different cultures and nationalities. It invites introspection on the underlying motivations and implications of missionary work, while also highlighting the broader issues of discrimination and exclusion that persist in our interconnected world.