Teaching Comparative

The 8 Glories and the 8 Shames

A Brit who lives and works in southern China has a blog titled, Liuzhou Laowai. He recently posted the following skeptical observations about the latest mass campaign (which is a lot less "mass" than those campaigns were in days gone by).

"6,000 years of history. A rich and varied culture. Some of the world's greatest literature, art and philosophy. Home to Confucius and LaoZi and the Teracotta Warriors. And what does the leader of the largest population on the planet come up with to seal his reputation as a great and wise leader? This trite, simplistic bollocks, now displayed on a billion public buildings throughout the country."



"Love the country; do it no harm Serve the people; do no disservice. Follow science; leave ignorance behind. Be diligent; not indolent. Be united, help each other; make no gains at other's expense Be honest and trustworthy; do not spend ethics for profits Be disciplined and law-abiding; not chaotic and lawless. Live plainly, struggle hard; do not wallow in luxuries and pleasures."

"He must have been up all night thinking that lot up! Now I could understand if he was addressing a kindergarten class, but this is aimed at the whole population and especially party members. But then the arrogant drunks who run this place always treat the populace as if they were kindergarten kids.

"Still, it beats his predecessor's 'Three Represents'. Not only does he have eight instead of three, but, trite as it is, it is understandable. There is not a single person on the planet who understands 'three represents'.

"According to The People's Daily 'a number of songs have even been composed with lyrics straight from the new slogan'. Can't wait to hear them!

"As well, central government departments, some schools and even the China Disabled Persons' Federation have put together plans to study and carry out the new socialist ethical standards as set by the president. Study? Study? How long for? Three seconds would cover it all!"

The Washington Post article about these "new socialist ethical standards," said that the Chinese president, " having risen through the ranks in the Communist Youth League, with its Boy Scout-like code, Hu, 63, seems to have turned naturally toward a campaign appealing for cleaner living as part of the answer to corruption and cynicism.."

posted by Ken Wedding @ 11:32 AM