With its recent election of an African American president, the United States has continued to evolve into a more inclusive society. One of the reasons is that being “American” means buying into a set of ideas rather than belonging to a particular race, creed or color. What was once a society of European immigrants is now a culture with roots from around the world; a culture … [Read more...] about Is China An Inclusive Society?
politics
How Can China Learn from India?
Recently we have had several good, vigorous debates on the proper role of human rights in the International Order - including in China in particular. In a recent thread, I even got to argue in the comments that the Chinese government is right to focus on issues of general human welfare (as embodied by its calls for a "peaceful and harmonious" society) rather than ideologies … [Read more...] about How Can China Learn from India?
Why are Taiwanese so violent???
Recently, DPP protesters attacked a Chinese envoy visiting a Confucius temple in Southern Taiwan, causing not only great embarrassment for President Ma, but also the entire Taiwanese people. Fist fights, shouting matches, physical threats ... and now this. Are these signs of a vigorous democracy or an immature - perhaps violent society? … [Read more...] about Why are Taiwanese so violent???
On Human Rights, Intervention and the International Order
The idea of “human rights” is neither new nor did it suddenly sprang into existence after WWII. It has arguably existed since the dawn of human existence, as portrayed in human stories and mythologies and exemplified throughout human history in man’s struggle against the arbitrariness of a higher power, be they of gods, fortune, nature or tyrants. In Chinese society, such … [Read more...] about On Human Rights, Intervention and the International Order
Are Chinese racist or simply politically incorrect?
It's common knowledge that when it comes to racial remarks, Chinese people (and perhaps Asians in general) are not the most politically correct people in the world. We've had extended discussions about "racism" in China (see, e.g., Chocolate City post by Buxi). Recently, I came across an interesting article in Times Magazine (in relation to the U.S. Presidential politics) … [Read more...] about Are Chinese racist or simply politically incorrect?