Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 316 Pulitzer Prize! For the Chinese?

1930 years.

United States.

Columbia University.

Thirteen years ago, the first Pulitzer Prize was awarded here.

Joseph Pulitzer was an iconic figure in American newspapers and magazines at the time, and was also one of the founders of the Columbia University School of Journalism.

He made a will before his death and used his assets of up to $500,000 to establish the Pulitzer Prize.

The purpose is to reward and recognize individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions in a specific field.

In fact, in May, the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism, Music and other awards had basically been announced.

But for some reason, now that it is the end of July, a group of judges have gathered in the College of Arts and Sciences of Columbia University and started a heated discussion about that year's Pulitzer Prize.

"I have always held the view that this award is in accordance with Mr. Pulitzer's original intention of establishing this award, which is to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the American press and literary circles. I think the judges will not forget this principle, right?

Since there are so many dissenting voices here, let me say something unpleasant. According to the above criteria, in my opinion, these three works can all win the Pulitzer Prize, one for poetry, one for literature, and one for history!"

Eugene O'Neill looked particularly energetic today. He had a small mustache. Even though his eye circles were deeply sunken due to long-term work and he had dark circles around his eye sockets, it did not affect the spirit and energy he exuded.

Upon hearing this, all the judges present were immediately shocked.

Brandon Burns, a professor of history at Columbia University, suddenly slammed the table and spoke angrily to Eugene O'Neill.

"Mr. O'Neill, your evaluation is too subjective. Please do not bring your personal feelings into the selection process. When the Pulitzer Prize was established, it was already made clear that the creative award must be an American citizen, and the journalism award must have published works in the American media. Only the history award can barely be counted."

He took a deep breath and continued, "I have always maintained my point of view. Mr. Bao is a Chinese. He has never even set foot on American soil, nor has he published articles in American newspapers. The book Guns, Germs, and Steel also refers to the entire American continent. It is really inappropriate to award him the Pulitzer Prize. The impact it will have is immeasurable."

O'Neill narrowed his eyes and asked, "Hasn't Mr. Burns read The Godfather? Hasn't he read Reply? You should have heard of To Live, right?"

There was a mocking look on his face.

"As far as I know, much of what Mr. Burns taught in class was taken from Guns, Germs, and Steel. Doesn't he need to pay some copyright fees to Mr. Bao Guowei?"

"I"

Facing the master O'Neal, Burns naturally couldn't refute and was rendered speechless in a few words.

But he was obviously not the only opponent in the field.

At this moment, there were not only history judges in the conference room, but also literature judges. Thirty or forty professors and scholars gathered together, and they were arguing about this matter like a vegetable market.

A literature professor jumped out and said.

"I think this Pulitzer Prize cannot be given to a Chinese. In a sense, it will definitely cause great controversy."

Someone else said.

"Throughout 1930, American newspapers were basically occupied by two Chinese people. Did Bao Guowei and Mei Lanfang, two Chinese people, want to dominate the entire American academic community?"

Some people sighed and lamented.

"Is it possible for a Chinese person to win three Pulitzer Prizes in one go? This has never happened before. The influence is too great. It is difficult to make a decision."

At this moment, an old man sitting in the upper seat finally couldn't bear it anymore.

Let out a low roar.

"Okay!" Everyone looked over there. It was a bald old man.

Nicholas Murray Butler, then president of Columbia University, served as an adviser to seven US presidents during his lifetime. He had considerable influence in academia, literature and art, and politics.

But facing this group of unruly professors, he still had no way to deal with them.

Butler covered his bald head and couldn't help but sigh.

"Gentlemen, we'd better put aside the dispute. The issue of Mr. Bao Guowei's award has been going on for several months. I think it's time for us to come up with an answer today."

He drummed his fingers on the table.

The English versions of the three works "Answer", "To Live" and "Guns, Germs, and Steel" were neatly spread out on the table.

These three works are the focus of controversy among professors these days.

O'Neal stood up again and spoke to Butler.

"Mr. Principal, I think the situation has always been clear, but some people always have arrogant prejudices. These people have racial prejudices against the Chinese in their bones, and regard them as slaves and backward people."

He glanced at the people who had just spoken and said without fear.

"This is obviously not true. In my correspondence with Mr. Bao Guowei, I found him to be a young man full of wisdom and intelligence, well-spoken and knowledgeable. Every letter gave me new understandings."

He took a deep breath and continued speaking righteously.

"I also ask all judges to be aware of your responsibilities. The Pulitzer Prize is for works and individuals that have made contributions to the United States. There is no doubt that Mr. Bao's three works have met this standard!"

All the judges present were silent.

In fact, O'Neill was right.

"Answer" became an instant hit in the United States, and during the Great Depression, it aroused the hopes of countless middle-class people.

Then he wrote "To Live", a stunning realistic work that made Americans feel the spiritual power of Oriental people!
The last book, "Guns, Germs, and Steel," has topped the charts at major American universities and has become a must-read for college students.

Even an American professor like Burns who hates Chinese people would include the content of "Guns, Germs, and Steel" in his lectures.

Its influence can be imagined.

It is reasonable and just that Bao Guowei deserves this award!
just
Bao Guowei's identity is really too embarrassing. A Chinese has won so many Pulitzer Prizes in one go. If Butler really makes this decision, it will undoubtedly be a bombshell to the Western world.

After much hesitation, Butler turned his eyes to a man in the corner.

"Mr. Robinson, perhaps you have any comments?"

James Harvey Robinson took off his monocle and looked intently at President Butler, then at the professors who were arguing fiercely.

After thinking for a while, he spoke.

"Mr. Principal, my meaning is different from that of you gentlemen."

He paused, then made an even more shocking statement.

"I think we should just recommend Mr. Bao to the Nobel Committee as a candidate for the next Nobel Prize in Literature and History, right?"

"What?!!"

There was another explosion in the conference room.

(End of this chapter)