2008 Woodie Awards
Great wall of Chinese thought
Chris Amorosi, Collegian columnist
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Editorial / Opinion
Imagine a college campus without political debate. A campus where attitudes towards the government's policies are not merely a passive acceptance without question but enthusiastic support. A campus where not only the Republican Club is a relevant institution, but so popular that you yourself are a member.
You may find all these horrors on a Chinese campus, according to Matthew Forney of the International Herald Tribune. "Educated young Chinese, far from being embarrassed or upset by their government's human rights record, rank among the most patriotic, establishment-supporting people you'll meet," he said.
It's debatable to even say that these youth are "educated," given Forney's description of their education system, "which can accurately be described as indoctrination … Students learn the neat calculation that Chairman Mao's tyranny was '30 percent wrong,' then the subject is declared closed."
It disturbs me that the pro-PRC protestors on campus exhibit a similar love for Big Brother without such a syllabus. Not because my last name is McCarthy or that my precious bodily fluids may be infiltrated, but because such idiotic nationalists conflate economic progress with a successful society.
Forney quotes a Beijing human rights lawyer who said "Young Chinese have no sympathy for Tibet."
The People's Republic's phenomenal economic growth has often been at the expense of the people. Relatively primitive coal power provides 80 percent of China's electricity, belching pollution so severe that the International Olympic Committee voiced concern over the health risk to athletes in Beijing.
Power plants and factories in the area have been shut down in an attempt to clear the air, but only for the temporary benefit of their international guests.
Such are the consequences of a government run by the jingoistic morons their education system raises. At least the aging current generation of Chinese leadership has some awareness of Mao's worst excesses and the millions who died in consequence.
You may find all these horrors on a Chinese campus, according to Matthew Forney of the International Herald Tribune. "Educated young Chinese, far from being embarrassed or upset by their government's human rights record, rank among the most patriotic, establishment-supporting people you'll meet," he said.
It's debatable to even say that these youth are "educated," given Forney's description of their education system, "which can accurately be described as indoctrination … Students learn the neat calculation that Chairman Mao's tyranny was '30 percent wrong,' then the subject is declared closed."
It disturbs me that the pro-PRC protestors on campus exhibit a similar love for Big Brother without such a syllabus. Not because my last name is McCarthy or that my precious bodily fluids may be infiltrated, but because such idiotic nationalists conflate economic progress with a successful society.
Forney quotes a Beijing human rights lawyer who said "Young Chinese have no sympathy for Tibet."
The People's Republic's phenomenal economic growth has often been at the expense of the people. Relatively primitive coal power provides 80 percent of China's electricity, belching pollution so severe that the International Olympic Committee voiced concern over the health risk to athletes in Beijing.
Power plants and factories in the area have been shut down in an attempt to clear the air, but only for the temporary benefit of their international guests.
Such are the consequences of a government run by the jingoistic morons their education system raises. At least the aging current generation of Chinese leadership has some awareness of Mao's worst excesses and the millions who died in consequence.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 30
Tongluren
posted 4/22/08 @ 2:11 AM EST
The biggest "crime" of the Beijing government in Tibet was to allow young native Tibetans to be brainwashed in the monasteries, from age as young as 5. (Continued…)
novera
posted 4/23/08 @ 2:02 AM EST
aha
someone just got scared
kiddingme
posted 4/23/08 @ 2:18 AM EST
This "columnist" is qualified to be a columnist? Does he or she make money from writing? If it is free, I should make some comments. If it is not free, I just say it is a shame on COLLEGIAN, on UMASS. (Continued…)
kiddingme
posted 4/23/08 @ 2:45 AM EST
the biggest mistake made by the stupid Chinese government is they didn't kill all the Tibetan, especially the Dalai Lamar and his followers when the army "invaded" Tibetan. (Continued…)
kiddingme
posted 4/23/08 @ 3:16 AM EST
more comments on some issues related to this article.
I just want to ask the people who support pro-Tibetan, why you always have such bias? Do you know it will represent your personality, your soul?
when you use such arrogant words to Chinese, do you have human nature or human soul?
Please use your even soul to think, whatever Chinese are, please just look at yourself. (Continued…)
kiddingme again
posted 4/23/08 @ 4:53 AM EST
I am upset about American education system, not just the columnist.
What the hell kind of young generation does the system raise?
idiots? I don't like this words. (Continued…)
kiddingme more
posted 4/23/08 @ 5:51 AM EST
I am thinking more.
How well do you know China?
How well do you know Tibet?
How well do you know Dalai?
How well do you know America?
How well do you know the world?
. (Continued…)
no kidding
posted 4/23/08 @ 1:08 PM EST
This columnist must come from Mars.
Sigh, the distortion of media created a distorted environment and a distorted world for the young Americans. They have used to talk like a politician liar. (Continued…)
Feathers McGraw
posted 4/23/08 @ 4:31 PM EST
To "no kidding": If you believe history will tell the truth, you are foolish beyond repair.
To "kiddingme": You have provided no facts. You have provided no reason. (Continued…)
kiddingme
posted 4/23/08 @ 5:18 PM EST
I am student right here. Don't be upset and embrassed. UMass is proud of me. Anyway, I show my respect to everyone.
I disagree any words of yours, and dislike your attitude and irresponsible comments without any investigation in person on site. (Continued…)
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