The Problem with Articles on China

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8141867.stm

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/06/content_11661325.htm

The riots in Xinjiang seem to be disproving the idea of a harmonious society in China. This image is very important to the people of China, but more importantly to the government of China. Though the western media often likes to portray everything that happens in China negatively... but that's namely because China likes to portray everything in a good fashion due to the whole concept of face. It's pride and China doesn't want to lose any of it. The idea of ethnic separatism is prayed upon by the western media to try and show what's wrong with other places instead of what's going on in their own country. It tends to be a battle between the medias on projecting image. For example, China wanted to keep a perfect image so that they could hold the perfect Olympics, but by creating the perfect image, they covered up the story of the milk scandal which hurt them in the long run. Thus comes the issue with the harmonious society. I tend to side with China, but that's just my biased opinion. You can read the articles and see the videos of the issues. To get a balanced opinion, I read both sides, Xinhua and BBC/NYT. Thus arises the problem, "Who is right?" That's up to the reader to decide, and the Chinese government to solve.

(not for those with a weak stomach)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Z8UDjpNfY&feature=related

Mack Hall 4th Floor Corridor

Why yes, it is where I live. I spend most of my time in Mack hall in the hallways. I've even occasionally slept here. And though the hallways hold some secrets, it has become "home," if you will. I sat in the old, slightly tacky, multicolored armchairs in the far end of the hall, in what we call the "Reading Corner." Old issues of magazines litter the windowsill, surrounding the dim lamp that barely sheds light onto the windowsill that it's perched upon. Newsweek, National Geographic, The Economist among others from June 2008. A table that was lifted from the first floor for midnight root beer floats and pancake making sits out of place in the reading corner. Posters that were lovingly placed on the walls on the first week seem to feel out of place amidst the others that are strewn carelessly around them, occasionally the tape sticking out from behind the edges. the striped and diamond-ed carpet extends to the end of the hallway in different shades of dark green and dark amber that has faded from wear and age. The walls are cream colored and could be thought to suck the inspiration right from the students who walk the hallway. But the noise and cheery nature of everyone on the floor show that it leaves inspiration in the students. There's always at least one person in the hall... and they're always loud. When light stops coming through the lone window near the reading corner, the horde comes out to play, raid, loot, and/or pillage the rooms whose maroon doors are open. Our names are plastered on the doors. They were used to help us to get to know each other, but now serve as trophies the more we have. As I sat there in the middle of the hallway as a few people pass me by, they've come to know some of my antics, and I've come to know them all. All while I was in this hall.