Si fueris Romae - When in Rome…
I have been struggling with a story for some time now. It is a story about a brief encounter I had with a North Korean in Shanghai. We had a short, but telling exchange.
The reason why I cannot write has nothing to do with being lost for words. It is more about where I live – China.
Freedom of speech is a liberty many take for granted. I don’t suppose there is anything written in stone on what I can or cannot write, but common sense dictates that I should avoid subjects that are “sensitive”.
Does that bug me?
Not in the slightest, and here is why –
I am a guest in this country and as a guest I want to play by their rules. Whether or not I agree with the rules is irrelevant. In fact, as far as censorship is concerned, I actually agree with the need for censorship during this delicate high growth stage. The last thing China needs right now is social instability. The whole country is benefitting from a strong central government that is transforming China into an economic powerhouse. Since I have been here, China has brought almost half a billion people out of poverty, built infrastructure that should be the envy of any industrialised nation, and climbed to become the second largest economy in the World. Despite what you might hear through the media, things are going pretty well for China. So whatever you feel about the territorial disputes in the South China Seas, or Tibet, or human rights issues related to freedom of speech, China is acting in the best interests of the majority. Those are issues that need to be discussed, and China will no doubt address every issue in time. If a pro-democracy movement took hold here, it could quite easily derail growth. There will be a time to discuss democracy, but it is not now.
But even if I strongly disagreed with censorship rules, I would still abide by them. As I said, I am a guest in this country, and it is a country I have come to love. But I would abide by any countries laws no matter how I felt. Do I have an issue with Singapore’s censorship of pornography? Absolutely not. Would I drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia? No way! Every country has laws we might not agree with, even Western countries. Does being a law-abiding guest in a foreign country make me gutless? Who cares? I certainly don’t.
I have had the privilege of being a guest citizen in 4 incredible countries. I have also volunteered for postings in the Dubai, India, Kuwait and others. Every country I lived in has welcomed me with open arms.
I recently saw a new Tom Hanks movie, A Hologram for the King. In it, Alan Clay (Hanks) is tasked with doing an IT presentation to the King of Saudi Arabia. In one scene, he touches a woman’s hand in public only to be publicly lambasted (slapped) by a passerby. Now despite the cultural differences, which might be hard to accept, by the end of the movie, Clay falls in love with the country. It’s a spin on a story that has been told over and over yes, but there is a reason for that.
There are some countries that deserve criticism for an oppressive regime. China has had oppressive regimes in the past. China has also experienced social instability that has resulted in absolute chaos. Fortunately, and in my humble opinion, China now has a government that has good intent. For many in the West, it is easy to criticize. I would expect nothing less in the comments below. But take it from me and the many others who have experienced living and breathing China, you are better off focusing on truly oppressive regimes (like North Korea).
OK so once in a while I do break the rules. This is my illegal parking outside The Forbidden City.
(Title picture taken at Jiuzhaigou National Park, China)
Dean Owen is Co-Founder of Quimojo, a revolutionary new concept in Global Campus Recruitment.
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评论
Dean Owen
7年前 #31
Spot on Irene Hackett. It is the people. And I especially noticed it talking to the North Korean. She offered glimpses of her true feelings, behind the facade. I do hope and pray for a Korean reunification during my lifetime, more so than being a human on Mars if that makes sense. I would love to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar one day. I've gotten close a couple of times. You must have some amazing memories of your time there. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Dean Owen
7年前 #30
Totally agree with you Sarah Elkins. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. I have witnessed first hand how living abroad changes a person's perspective, and nearly everyone I meet who has, is grateful for the experience. I am all for more exchange student programs, gap year working abroad. When I have the time to travel, I base my destination choice with a focus on countries that speak little English. I also strongly believe that everyone should visit a country like India once in their life. Nearly all I have met fall in love with India. Thanks once again Sarah.
Sarah Elkins
7年前 #29
Lisa Gallagher
7年前 #28
Great points Dean Owen. I agree, Hilton or a Kardashian makes the first page of the news, yet so many relevant things happen and we never hear anything about them. I would love to see true fair, and balanced news- that went out the door many years ago. I think politics plays a large role behind the scenes with many of our US news stations, Fox being the worst. They don't even hide their agenda anymore. You just reminded me of something, my Japanese friend has a sister who has always lived in Japan. Her sister has only visited the US once and Terika told me her sister was terrified of coming here. I was also told she was afraid due to not knowing English too. Wow, that's really sad about your colleague who did have a very bad experience.
Dean Owen
7年前 #27
I do not blame media for bringing to our attention news that captures our attention although it has always been sad to me that Paris Hilton or whoever can feature on Page 1, but a train derailment in India killing hundreds might be lucky to have a small section in the back pages. But what I really want from media is a balanced view, from both sides, and not, for example, FOX News which appears to me a channel dedicated to ensuring the democrats are ousted from power. On the other thing, a lot of Japanese are scared of going to the US primarily because of the constant stream of violence seen on the news and in Hollywood movies. Often, they go and realise that their fear was unfounded. But I did have a Japanese colleague who arrived in Chicago, first time ever visiting the States, and on his first day he was held up and gunpoint and asked to fork out all his money. The next day we had a big conference and he did not show, preferring to stay in his hotel room. He was visibly shaken. Thanks Lisa Gallagher
Dean Owen
7年前 #26
Thanks for stopping by Franci Eugenia Hoffman. I love that we can discuss these things in a civil manner on beBee. The international flavour appears to keep everyone in check!
Lisa Gallagher
7年前 #25
It's sad that the media sensationalizes so much, people are left with a distorted sense of reality. What do they fear the most about visiting the US Dean Owen just expressed some views I have too. I think it's great that we can discuss topics civilly and I'm finding that of all the networks I've ever used that beBee is by far the most open yet much more civil.
Dean Owen
7年前 #24
No kidding Kevin Pashuk Imagine these discussions on Facebook, Youtube or other! Thanks Kevin-san.
Dean Owen
7年前 #23
lol, I think I did Italy a few posts back (well, more like the tale of Mussolini's lover). It is a delicate situation and perhaps the Chinese are overly cautious, but as you mentioned, lessons from the past. Thanks Pascal.
Dean Owen
7年前 #22
I think we had a similar discussion in the "Nones" article . We all have to learn not to pass judgement so readily, and that's what I love about beBee. We can have these conversations, like when Qamar chipped in on his perspective of what is happening in Pakistan. #ILovebeBee
Kevin Pashuk
7年前 #21
Dean Owen
7年前 #20
I wish I could give 5 stars to that comment Phil Friedman. That is the type of constructive rhetoric that the Chinese govt has been seeking from Western experts. I wrote an article for Futures and Options World titled "The Chinese are right to be cautious" all about their careful approach to financial reform. They do things in baby steps, pilot programs measuring the impact. Many call it market manipulation, but I draw parallels with the measured approach to censorship. Too cautious? Perhaps. But we have seen dramatic moves have dramatic consequences. Social stability and steady (not runaway) economic growth are a priority. In time I have no doubt China will allow some measure of freedom of political expression.
Pascal Derrien
7年前 #19
Phil Friedman
7年前 #18
Dean Owen
7年前 #17
It didn't come across that way. I was just typing as I thought. So often I am put in a position where I am defending countries. You are quite rare in that you are open to understanding different cultures and are more willing to delve into problems at home than be quick to pass judgement on others. Thanks Pamela.
Dean Owen
7年前 #16
You've been to the Hermit Kingdom? Wow! You must have some interesting stories to tell. Of course South Korea is just cool. I love Seoul and would happily live there. It got a little hairy for Japanese in China when one guy decided to plant a Japanese flag on a barren island in dispute, but that didn't last long. My Japanese number did get keyed once in Western China. No idea who the culprits were or their motives and will not hazard assumptions. Getting keyed happens everywhere I guess. Thanks Brian-san.
Dean Owen
7年前 #15
I think the media tends to spook us into believing situations are a lot more dangerous than they are. It works both ways. Many Asians I know are frightened of visiting the US. The World is a lot safer and far more amicable than anyone could possibly believe. Thanks Lisa Gallagher
Lisa Gallagher
7年前 #14
Dean Owen
7年前 #13
Totally Phil Friedman rightly points out. A strong central govt can be a good thing only if it has the interests of the citizens at heart and is free of corruption. As you know, China has been clamping down strongly on corruption and some high profile figures have suffered the consequences. I am not saying China is any better than Western countries. I just wanted to point out that peoples negative perceptions of China are undeserved and they should focus their criticism on countries with brutal regimes. I totally agree that censorship exists in one form or another in every country. Reasons to censor vary, but I believe that China currently has a valid and well intentioned reason for censorship. Thanks Pamela.
Dean Owen
7年前 #12
Think of it this way Phil Friedman. Imagine China did censor anything related to "Arab Springs" or "Jasmine Revolution". The pro-democracy movement then spread to HK with the "Umbrella movement" which was also largely censored. Imagine that the movement then did spread throughout China. I can't imagine the ensuing mess, and how many years that would have set back China had a revolution taken hold. That said, I am doubtful as to the likelihood a pro-democracy movement would gain traction here since the majority of Chinese are extremely happy and better off each year. Freedom of speech will no doubt be on the agenda, but now is not the time. China has a history of dissent causing chaos. A strong central govt can be argued to be more effective than a democratically elected govt so long as it is the right one (as was the case in Singapore, and currently is the case in China).
Phil Friedman
7年前 #11
David B. Grinberg
7年前 #10
Dean Owen
7年前 #9
I doubt many would agree with me on censorship. Maybe I am becoming too Asian. But don't we all censor content that our children see? Aren't we glad that beheading videos on YouTube/Facebook are censored? I see no issue with censorship if the intent is to protect.
Paul Walters
7年前 #8
Dean Owen
7年前 #7
I think we have a lot in common. Next buzz is on an activity you mentioned you like to do.
Laurent Boscherini
7年前 #6
Dean Owen
7年前 #5
Thanks Laurent. I started reading the first chapter and it looks extremely compelling but I would want to work through the formulas and that is hard to do as it is almost midnight. How did you come across this thesis?
Dean Owen
7年前 #4
I look forward to it!
Laurent Boscherini
7年前 #3
Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸
7年前 #2
Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸
7年前 #1