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Saturday, December 20, 2008
Reflection (Chloe) :D Firstly, I have observed the fusion of eastern and western elements in one city like a temple situated beside a disco, showing how China wants to keep the balance between modernization and conservation. In addition, the state’s desire to retain, reconstruct, and renew historical sites is exceedingly obvious. We have learnt that the motivations for doing so are actually very simple as these sites serve not only as reminders of China’s majestic and glorious past but also as attractive tourist attractions, generating much profit for the government. This translates to greater economic growth in terms of GDP.
Secondly, the difference in service standards between private and state owned enterprises is drastic. We later found out that is due to the fact that private owned enterprises are profit driven while those that are state owned are not. When income is solely dependent on the quantity of goods sold by an individual to his/her customers for example, he/she will naturally be more motivated to perform. However, if that same individual is ensured of an iron rice bowl, I believe that a more complacent attitude may result. This certainly sheds some light on human nature and it is best witnessed in China.
Thirdly, after self-isolation for many years, the bamboo curtain is finally tearing down; we’re now witnessing the rising of a great nation, where rapid development is the norm. This also means that the phenomenon of the global youth in China is becoming increasingly significant. This may pose as a problem as when impressionable youths begin to embrace foreign cultures and lifestyles, they may potentially forsake their beliefs, like respect for authority for instance, which make up the Chinese identity. This further emphasizes the urgency to glorify Chinese tradition and heritage, conserving remnants of Chinese lavishness. In my opinion, the identity of a nation is formed through its history. If the youths of China are reminded that she was once the beacon of the ancient world and the master of ballistics, there will be the rousing of patriotism in them and thus the strengthening of their identity.
Lastly, I have observed the patriotism and determination of the Chinese people, which is simply remarkable. I was taken aback by the lengths the Chinese people will go to maintain her reputation and regain her standing in the world. For example, the world, mostly the west, was apprehensive about China playing host to the Olympics, criticizing her terrible air quality, the measures she took to ease traffic congestion and so on. Nevertheless, her air quality miraculously returned to healthy standards just a few days before the event and traffic has no doubt improved.
I admire China for staying rooted in her beliefs, refusing to compromise to the ways of the West. I still remember what one lecturer at Ren Min university said, “One ideology may work for a country but not another.” China has been doing things her way and she has been successful albeit numerous flaws. Having to place Mao on a pedestal in order to secure a one party rule by the CCP may seem like utter propaganda to some people but it is effective isn’t it? So why is the West still criticizing her policies? I attribute this to the lack of understanding.
Hence, I have learnt that we should not blindly criticize without clear understanding for we will only end up as blabbering, indifferent fools.
I have noticed some similarities between China and Singapore in terms of our pragmatist approach to issues, the creation of our own set of ideology (Asian democracy) and the conservation of beliefs that are slowly eroding with westernization and efforts to protect the earth.
Also, must modernization be the equivalent to westernization or can there be “asianisation” decades later?
In addition, I think the majority Singaporean seemingly lack the sense of rooted ness and patriotism as do the Chinese mainly because of our short history. Sometimes, I wonder if that is the reason they thought of the merlion- a mystical lion which gave Singapore her name.
Is there a Singapore culture that is common among all Singaporeans or must it be artificially created? Is there more than ‘Singapore-A Garden City’? I mean it’s not as if other countries do not have trees or parks. They can even boast of natural scenery while we can only offer mangroves from Pulau Ubin. What actually makes Singaporean ‘Singaporean’? Is it good food or singlish?