Things that are frustrating to write about, but let's get this over with
I've had my head stuck in the sand throughout medical school, so I haven't had time or patience to comment on a growing phenomenon: a lot of Chinese people, worldwide, have expressed frustrations towards the Western media for its biasedness and criticisms. I'll just list them out one by one, with a brief retort over each idea.
Tainted Chinese imports: Well, what did you expect from a country would've been considered 3rd world only 30 years ago? As if Western companies are MUCH more trustworthy?
A Free Tibet: Not that simple. Like any government, the exiled Tibetian administration (which has been exiled since the 50s) has its own demons and would not be able to handle the current infrastructure developed by the Chinese government. Better cooperation and harmony between Tibetians and traditional "Han" Chinese people, yes. Independent Tibet, no. An age-old parallel - should all non-native Americans evacuate most of the US and give it back to the native Americans? Doesn't work like that.
Sudan: As if China is the only country that "supports genocide." And while I like Indiana Jones, it's a little egotistical for Spielberg to boycott the Olympics production. He alone can save the world, by inconveniencing a few fireworks and dance routines!
Crazy Olympic relays around the world: Chinese body guards that beat up protestors = assholes. Protestors that try to ruin Olympic run, including blowing out the torch or knocking over handicapped runners = assholes.
Now I'm sourly writing all of this, because I can't paint an entire image of what I feel. The recent Sichuan earthquakes in some ways parallels the events of 9-11 in America - There is surge of national and cultural pride that's been hovering around Hong Kong and the rest of China, ever since the Chinese race has been "attacked" by this natural tragedy. For the first time in a long while, Chinese people are proud to be Chinese, they are united. I don't feel that way. I feel sympathetic towards the lives lost in the earthquake, but I don't weigh their lives any more importantly then those lost in Burma. And yet, I can't take in all the BS that has been plaguing China either.
It really sucks to be living on the fence. This is one of those days where I wished that the ideals in Star Trek existed.
Tainted Chinese imports: Well, what did you expect from a country would've been considered 3rd world only 30 years ago? As if Western companies are MUCH more trustworthy?
A Free Tibet: Not that simple. Like any government, the exiled Tibetian administration (which has been exiled since the 50s) has its own demons and would not be able to handle the current infrastructure developed by the Chinese government. Better cooperation and harmony between Tibetians and traditional "Han" Chinese people, yes. Independent Tibet, no. An age-old parallel - should all non-native Americans evacuate most of the US and give it back to the native Americans? Doesn't work like that.
Sudan: As if China is the only country that "supports genocide." And while I like Indiana Jones, it's a little egotistical for Spielberg to boycott the Olympics production. He alone can save the world, by inconveniencing a few fireworks and dance routines!
Crazy Olympic relays around the world: Chinese body guards that beat up protestors = assholes. Protestors that try to ruin Olympic run, including blowing out the torch or knocking over handicapped runners = assholes.
Now I'm sourly writing all of this, because I can't paint an entire image of what I feel. The recent Sichuan earthquakes in some ways parallels the events of 9-11 in America - There is surge of national and cultural pride that's been hovering around Hong Kong and the rest of China, ever since the Chinese race has been "attacked" by this natural tragedy. For the first time in a long while, Chinese people are proud to be Chinese, they are united. I don't feel that way. I feel sympathetic towards the lives lost in the earthquake, but I don't weigh their lives any more importantly then those lost in Burma. And yet, I can't take in all the BS that has been plaguing China either.
It really sucks to be living on the fence. This is one of those days where I wished that the ideals in Star Trek existed.