With the Olympics only months away, the spotlight is definitely shining on China now. There have been many talks and documentaries on China and Chinese society like we mentioned. Here is another one. PBS's Frontline just released a new documentary called Young & Restless in China, which bills itself as An intimate look into the lives of nine young Chinese, coming of age in … [Read more...] about Young & Restless in China
culture
Maimaiti's 2008
Today's news is that the Olympic torch has arrived in Xinjiang province. As widely reported in the Western press, the Xinjiang government encouraged people to watch at home on TV due to security concerns. In addition to schools and offices that organized groups to support the torch, many private Chinese still chose to come on the streets. Tianya has reports from some excited … [Read more...] about Maimaiti's 2008
"Chocolate City" – Africans seek their dreams in China
This feature article (文章，published Jan 2008) from the Southern Metropolis Daily provides a candid, street-level view of the lives of African traders in China. I translate this article to provide some depth to the discussion of racism in China, as seen in this previous thread. In an era when China-Africa relations are making headlines in Western newspapers, it's time to hear the … [Read more...] about "Chocolate City" – Africans seek their dreams in China
"Running Fan": The freedom to be selfish
Here is how one of the most controversial Chinese blog posts in recent memory begins: "I have been engulfed in sadness that I was not born in a country like the United States, a country which respects freedom, democracy, and human rights! This is due to the pain I've suffered in the 10+ years since graduation, and it's also due to the 17 years of pathetic education that I … [Read more...] about "Running Fan": The freedom to be selfish
"I'm just here to buy soy sauce."
And the newest expression sweeping the Chinese internet: "I don't give a $@*&; I'm just here to buy soy sauce." (关我鸟事，我出来打酱油的) It comes to us from Guangzhou TV last December, when an average man on the street was asked his opinion about a pressing social issue (the Edison Chen photo scandal if you must know). He gave a very, uh, candid and straight response. This … [Read more...] about "I'm just here to buy soy sauce."