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
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I like how you addressed the validity of both sides of the argument, in addition to giving your opinion. Also, I'm glad you provided the links to both pages- it makes your topic more accessible to the reader, which is good, because this is a subject not many people are most likely familiar with.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about the riots in China. It is something to read about, different from the popular posts about Christianity. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is impressive that, despite the bias you directly noted, you are able to keep an open mind to the fact that it is possible that China is in the wrong. Bringing the Olympics into the blog also helps make the issue of China’s pride more relevant for readers who are less qualified with Chinese society since the Olympics were covered recently in the United States news. Good post, very interesting.
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