China (and other economies in the same league) has been building good will and diplomatic relations with Africa for the past decade with great success never seen in the times when Europeans and Americans came for the 3Gs (gold, gold and glory) in the previous centuries.
The Africans receive aid bearing Chinese with open arms because they are generous, had few strings attached, and are types of infrastructure (such as roads, rail, power, communication, medical facilities, technology) that the poor nations really need badly in order to build capacity and take off economically.
This is not near but harks back the chapters in history when the Chinese build diplomacy through giving presents but did not colonise. The fleets of Admiral Zheng Ho (Cheng Ho) explored the coasts of Africa as early as the 15th Century with the help of fairly accurate maps. Some revisionist historians argued that Ming emperors were stupid not to have put the Chinese flag on African continents when they had the most advanced navy, wealth and influence well ahead of the Europeans.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0507/feature2/
US and western governments claim that China's sole purpose of facilitating transport of raw materials from the resource rich continent.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40361.pdf
Alarmists, this is not the new Cold War. China and other fast growing developing countries, emerging economies, transition economies, etc, are not interested in confrontation. They had endured more than fair share of hardships and only want to get on with economic development and enjoy the fruits of prosperity. Kudos to Chinese soft power, turning sniggers at the crude and poor Chinaman's demeanour to envy.
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/27/7/40378067.pdf
On criticisms that China and Russia (the former commis) are abetting corrupt and inefficient governments, we only need to look into the mirror. The scorecard shows that China's critics in western governments have more corrupt, genocidal and faltering governments sucking up taxpayers' money.
Nevertheless, there are critics in China who say that charity begins at home and that Beijing government should focus on redistributing wealth and improve infrastructure in the less developed regions and provinces before giving aid to foreigners.
The fact is that Africans themselves decide that unlike former white colonial masters, the new sponsors and aid donors are sincere in uplifting the economies and social development of the poor natives without attached exacting demands. As fellow developing countries who had suffered from plunder by imperialist supported companies and condescension, Africa's new sponsors treat them as equals and with respect. It is a relationship of cooperation and mutually beneficially for all sides and not a zero-sum game played by "investors" in the past.
After years of frustration with North-South trade getting no headway, perhaps South-South trade will provide the answer to eradicate poverty and share wealth equitably. Thus, the divine White Man's Burden is lifted.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
General Liu Yuan says : read Zhang Musheng's "Changing our cultural history perspective"
Critics who alleged that Liu Yuan is sabre rattling obviously did not bother to read his "preface" to the book published by his social commentator friend Zhang Musheng some four years ago. Nor do they have any knowledge, understanding or appreciation of Chinese history.
Liu has certainly caught international attention though not in a favourable light. Bold imagery indeed but it is meant to wake the Chinese people from their slumber, not to alarm the insecure countries that are always on the lookout for pretext to brand China as expansionist.
Interestingly, a few pages penned by Liu whose main intention was to encourage readers to "savour" Zhang's collection of essays by Chinese thinkers could send shockwaves worldwide and spin wild speculations of China's rising militarism and leadership split!
History has shown that American, Japanese and Soviet systems were detrimental and could egulf China. The examples of Yugoslavia, Singapore and Hungary are only quick-fix potions. China should continue evolving and reforming itself with courage.
Liu has certainly caught international attention though not in a favourable light. Bold imagery indeed but it is meant to wake the Chinese people from their slumber, not to alarm the insecure countries that are always on the lookout for pretext to brand China as expansionist.
Interestingly, a few pages penned by Liu whose main intention was to encourage readers to "savour" Zhang's collection of essays by Chinese thinkers could send shockwaves worldwide and spin wild speculations of China's rising militarism and leadership split!
A quick preview and gist of Liu Yuan's comments :
Liu rejects transplanting western democratic model into China as it will backfire. China should grow and embrace its unique and indigenous form of new democracy(similar to what his father Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping promoted). History has shown that American, Japanese and Soviet systems were detrimental and could egulf China. The examples of Yugoslavia, Singapore and Hungary are only quick-fix potions. China should continue evolving and reforming itself with courage.
Indeed, people of China or the world for that matter, should not forget thousands of years of history. The reasons why the communist revolution took place was to unify the country, get rid of inequality, corrupt officials and foreign invasion and plunder. Life for the poor Chinese masses was difficult and untenable.
China has succeeded in feeding and clothing the starving millions and poor. However, economic growth based on the capitalist model has also contributed to the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, the coastal cities and remote provinces. Lest the Chinese forget and throw away all the hardwon gains from bloodshed and sacrifices through the revolutionary and reform years, the book is a timely reminder and stimulus for positive national action.
Zhang is also known to be critical of corruption and ill discipline of some Chinese communist cadres. Does this mean that Liu implicitly or tacitly favours eradicating self-serving and bribe taking officials?
General Liu is a nationalist, like many Chinese. However, his outspoken style is not typical of Chinese leaders who are too polite and submissive.
So, before anyone gives their two cents worth, go read the originals.
I'll be back with the full translation and informed analysis.
China has succeeded in feeding and clothing the starving millions and poor. However, economic growth based on the capitalist model has also contributed to the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, the coastal cities and remote provinces. Lest the Chinese forget and throw away all the hardwon gains from bloodshed and sacrifices through the revolutionary and reform years, the book is a timely reminder and stimulus for positive national action.
Zhang is also known to be critical of corruption and ill discipline of some Chinese communist cadres. Does this mean that Liu implicitly or tacitly favours eradicating self-serving and bribe taking officials?
General Liu is a nationalist, like many Chinese. However, his outspoken style is not typical of Chinese leaders who are too polite and submissive.
So, before anyone gives their two cents worth, go read the originals.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Chinese speaking Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd (former PM) is no China expert?
The outgoing Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby has given some useful tips that unmasked the ignorance of China expert wannabes. Outward appearances such as ability to speak Mandarin are deceptive - these people usually have no clue about China.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/departing-ambassador-flays-rudd-20110518-1et6o.html
Two years ago, I had warned excited friends and online commentators to be more circumspect with the Prime Minister hopeful Kevin Rudd.
Indeed subsequent policies under Rudd's leadership showed he was antagonistic towards China. His failure to give face to the Chinese hosts by publicly chiding them of human rights violation without acknowledging the progress made was an immediate failure for China 101. Rudd's White Paper which identified China's growing influence in the region and naval buildup as a balance to the longstanding US presence was another thorn that strained bilateral relations.
Tough talking Kevin Rudd cares more about pleasing his xenophobic constituency and showing off to his western counterparts. Heed not his aggressive and confrontational advice or risk going to war in East Asia (after failures in Middle East, Vietnam and Africa). His personality and prejudices have hindered Australia's bid to make gains in its foreign policy objectives. Why would the USA and European leaders want to learn from Rudd?
People gave Rudd too much credit for being able to speak Chinese. Though he enunciates fairly accurate intonation, he sticks to the typical westernised reverse sentence strucutre, comprehensible but that's not Chinese.
There are many so-called Chinese experts commenting on China from their ivory tower or choosing to report on one apsect of the historically complex, multidimensional and multicultural nation only. There is much more to learn for everyone, including ethnic Chinese diaspora in the world who have often made summary erroreous judgements about China time and again.
The same maxim should apply to the writer of the report (John Garnaut) whose lack of understanding of his coverage is due not to his language handicap but tinted lenses.
Some cynical business commentators call for "long-term" planning. However, it one can't get pass the short-term, the long-term destination will be irrelevant. While Asia will face problems of ageing, the huge savings and market for aged is an area industrialised and advanced economies could target. Moreover, it does not look as if the US and Europe will get out of the doldrums anytime soon or if at all without revolutionary change in mindset and policies.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Japan-population-mining-BHP-pd20110519-GYSSD?opendocument&src=rss
http://www.theage.com.au/national/departing-ambassador-flays-rudd-20110518-1et6o.html
Two years ago, I had warned excited friends and online commentators to be more circumspect with the Prime Minister hopeful Kevin Rudd.
Indeed subsequent policies under Rudd's leadership showed he was antagonistic towards China. His failure to give face to the Chinese hosts by publicly chiding them of human rights violation without acknowledging the progress made was an immediate failure for China 101. Rudd's White Paper which identified China's growing influence in the region and naval buildup as a balance to the longstanding US presence was another thorn that strained bilateral relations.
Tough talking Kevin Rudd cares more about pleasing his xenophobic constituency and showing off to his western counterparts. Heed not his aggressive and confrontational advice or risk going to war in East Asia (after failures in Middle East, Vietnam and Africa). His personality and prejudices have hindered Australia's bid to make gains in its foreign policy objectives. Why would the USA and European leaders want to learn from Rudd?
People gave Rudd too much credit for being able to speak Chinese. Though he enunciates fairly accurate intonation, he sticks to the typical westernised reverse sentence strucutre, comprehensible but that's not Chinese.
There are many so-called Chinese experts commenting on China from their ivory tower or choosing to report on one apsect of the historically complex, multidimensional and multicultural nation only. There is much more to learn for everyone, including ethnic Chinese diaspora in the world who have often made summary erroreous judgements about China time and again.
The same maxim should apply to the writer of the report (John Garnaut) whose lack of understanding of his coverage is due not to his language handicap but tinted lenses.
Some cynical business commentators call for "long-term" planning. However, it one can't get pass the short-term, the long-term destination will be irrelevant. While Asia will face problems of ageing, the huge savings and market for aged is an area industrialised and advanced economies could target. Moreover, it does not look as if the US and Europe will get out of the doldrums anytime soon or if at all without revolutionary change in mindset and policies.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Japan-population-mining-BHP-pd20110519-GYSSD?opendocument&src=rss
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Anxiety about Ai Weiwei? Who is he?
Who is Ai Weiwei?
The Truths about Ai Wei Wei
1. He did not design the bird's nest Olympic Stadium. Claims somehow become truths after the media report and repeat them
2. He is an eccentric bum / hobo / illegal / gambler / beggar. His integrity and credibility are questionable.
3. He has an axe to grind with the Chinese authorities and would rather whip up a storm than to compromise. He only told half truths about the episode of his studio's demolition among others.
4. His support base is outside China. He has no regard for the Chinese motherland.
To the majority of the Chinese population, Ai Weiwei is not well known. Nor is he representative of their aspirations. Least of all, Chinese people would even regard him as a hero or a leader of their destiny. Certainly the media attention and frenzy have been disportionate and uncalled for.
Ai Weiwei may have some abstract artistic talents. His antics have thus far been tolerated by the authorities. While we await the investigations on Ai's economic crimes, shouldn't we civilised folks be patient and respectful.
The Truths about Ai Wei Wei
1. He did not design the bird's nest Olympic Stadium. Claims somehow become truths after the media report and repeat them
2. He is an eccentric bum / hobo / illegal / gambler / beggar. His integrity and credibility are questionable.
3. He has an axe to grind with the Chinese authorities and would rather whip up a storm than to compromise. He only told half truths about the episode of his studio's demolition among others.
4. His support base is outside China. He has no regard for the Chinese motherland.
To the majority of the Chinese population, Ai Weiwei is not well known. Nor is he representative of their aspirations. Least of all, Chinese people would even regard him as a hero or a leader of their destiny. Certainly the media attention and frenzy have been disportionate and uncalled for.
Ai Weiwei may have some abstract artistic talents. His antics have thus far been tolerated by the authorities. While we await the investigations on Ai's economic crimes, shouldn't we civilised folks be patient and respectful.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Who is Chinese defector / dissident / blogger / spy novelist Yang Hengjun?
Before anyone throw their weight behind dissidents who dared to stand up against the mighty Chinese government, ask if you really know who is this latest enigma who disappeared and reappeared : Yang Hengjun 杨恒均.
http://baike.baidu.com/view/1005189.htm
After the big uproar over secret police detaining Yang, he has emerged and appeared to have taken ill and was hospitalised. His mobile ran out of power. Many speculations have been thrown up, the most popular being the all powerful Chinese government bowing down and seeking compromise? More like journalists who built up a storm in the teacup trying to save face. Firstly, it is unlikely that the Chinese authorities would arrest and release a criminal so quickly. Don't they always plan and plot against the enemies? One possibility is some upstart in the police had overreacted and acted on the own accord. Yang's activities are indeed dubious and cause some concern. It is not suprising that it should come under scrutiny.
http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/03/30/mystery-deepens-as-missing-australian-writer-contacts-friends/
Yang Hengjun is no innocent retiree contented with writing spy novels. He has an axe to grind. He even has a website which churns out dozens of articles a week which are strident and harsh towards the Chinese government. In an interview conducted by danwei in 2008, Hengjun acknowledged that the Chinese authorities are less stringent and have not been as rigorous in censoring his blog articles.
http://www.danwei.org/blogs/cnbloggercon_2008_interview_se.php
http://yanghengjun.com/
Before becoming an Australian, Yang Hengjun worked for China's foreign affairs department. He "retired" from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and became a successful businessman. Yang is by all counts a part of the Chinese elite, having received his education in Fudan university and later worked as a senior government official, coveted position hankered by millions of educated Chinese. Yang had also earned two higher degrees from Wales and University of Technology Sydney.
Should we believe the words of people in the likes of Yang wholesale without questioning any more than we distrust and condemn the CCP so willingingly? We know some former Chinese officials who live among us who have conducted businesses on the sideline and accumulated wealth. The likely path was to empty their assets from China, a common figure of speech for planning an escape after one has dug enough gold and want to avoid being caught. Yet many of us in western countries and the free world admire these ex-Chinese officials who denounce their former governments even though they have much unexplained intrigues attached to their biodata. Those who are always inclined to point to the massive corruption of the Chinese bureaucracy and CCP are willing to forget Yang and the others' past. To give them the benefit of doubt, maybe Yang and others have reformed. But the bottomline is that these dissidents capitalising on their advantage of possessing a foreign passport have no right to claim moral high ground.
The backdrop of liberal democratic 'jasmine' revolutions in the Middle East would have caused many long reigning governments and regimes to take precautions. The jitters have rippled to the ordinary folks as well. Upheavals, no matter how one justifies it, would be disruptive in the short run. It is certainly difficult to rationalise one happening in China now. More unacceptable is when these are supported by external parties.
Yang is utterly irresponsible when he called on Chinese citizens to go to Tiananmen if they wanted to show patriotism. Must change necessarily accompany bloodshed? The TAM incident was a grave mistake on the part of the intransigent students and the government crackdow. It is not unique in the history of developing country and developed nations in the past. Like some so-called victims Tiananmen many of us may know personally, stories were often exaggerated or even concocted to gain a passport to a better life overseas. The true heroes stayed behind - some unfortunately sacrificed their lives, some were detained and many more are living a peaceful lives now. There are many channels Chinese citizens could express their views on social issues and complaints are taken seriously and do see the day of light.
When the populace and netizens rally behind the Chinese government, it is not considered democracy. It must be brainwashing based on the assumption that Chinese people have no minds or voices or their own at all. Freedom of speech does not work both ways. Pro-western idealists, activists and liberal commentators who criticise the CCP and Chinese patriotism are beyond reproach.
Thousands of years ago when Chinese historians first documented significant events, there have been numerous cases of insiders who either failed in their duty as gatekeepers or collaborated with foreigners to invade China. Some are deemed traitors who worked solely for their personal interests and gains while others' motivations and goals are less clearly defined or determinable when they claimed to save the populace from tyrants. The Chinese civilisation has lasted many centuries, longer than the glorious Romans and Greek could claim credit for. Surely, they must have got many things right.
http://baike.baidu.com/view/1005189.htm
After the big uproar over secret police detaining Yang, he has emerged and appeared to have taken ill and was hospitalised. His mobile ran out of power. Many speculations have been thrown up, the most popular being the all powerful Chinese government bowing down and seeking compromise? More like journalists who built up a storm in the teacup trying to save face. Firstly, it is unlikely that the Chinese authorities would arrest and release a criminal so quickly. Don't they always plan and plot against the enemies? One possibility is some upstart in the police had overreacted and acted on the own accord. Yang's activities are indeed dubious and cause some concern. It is not suprising that it should come under scrutiny.
http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/03/30/mystery-deepens-as-missing-australian-writer-contacts-friends/
Yang Hengjun is no innocent retiree contented with writing spy novels. He has an axe to grind. He even has a website which churns out dozens of articles a week which are strident and harsh towards the Chinese government. In an interview conducted by danwei in 2008, Hengjun acknowledged that the Chinese authorities are less stringent and have not been as rigorous in censoring his blog articles.
http://www.danwei.org/blogs/cnbloggercon_2008_interview_se.php
http://yanghengjun.com/
Before becoming an Australian, Yang Hengjun worked for China's foreign affairs department. He "retired" from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and became a successful businessman. Yang is by all counts a part of the Chinese elite, having received his education in Fudan university and later worked as a senior government official, coveted position hankered by millions of educated Chinese. Yang had also earned two higher degrees from Wales and University of Technology Sydney.
Should we believe the words of people in the likes of Yang wholesale without questioning any more than we distrust and condemn the CCP so willingingly? We know some former Chinese officials who live among us who have conducted businesses on the sideline and accumulated wealth. The likely path was to empty their assets from China, a common figure of speech for planning an escape after one has dug enough gold and want to avoid being caught. Yet many of us in western countries and the free world admire these ex-Chinese officials who denounce their former governments even though they have much unexplained intrigues attached to their biodata. Those who are always inclined to point to the massive corruption of the Chinese bureaucracy and CCP are willing to forget Yang and the others' past. To give them the benefit of doubt, maybe Yang and others have reformed. But the bottomline is that these dissidents capitalising on their advantage of possessing a foreign passport have no right to claim moral high ground.
The backdrop of liberal democratic 'jasmine' revolutions in the Middle East would have caused many long reigning governments and regimes to take precautions. The jitters have rippled to the ordinary folks as well. Upheavals, no matter how one justifies it, would be disruptive in the short run. It is certainly difficult to rationalise one happening in China now. More unacceptable is when these are supported by external parties.
Yang is utterly irresponsible when he called on Chinese citizens to go to Tiananmen if they wanted to show patriotism. Must change necessarily accompany bloodshed? The TAM incident was a grave mistake on the part of the intransigent students and the government crackdow. It is not unique in the history of developing country and developed nations in the past. Like some so-called victims Tiananmen many of us may know personally, stories were often exaggerated or even concocted to gain a passport to a better life overseas. The true heroes stayed behind - some unfortunately sacrificed their lives, some were detained and many more are living a peaceful lives now. There are many channels Chinese citizens could express their views on social issues and complaints are taken seriously and do see the day of light.
When the populace and netizens rally behind the Chinese government, it is not considered democracy. It must be brainwashing based on the assumption that Chinese people have no minds or voices or their own at all. Freedom of speech does not work both ways. Pro-western idealists, activists and liberal commentators who criticise the CCP and Chinese patriotism are beyond reproach.
Thousands of years ago when Chinese historians first documented significant events, there have been numerous cases of insiders who either failed in their duty as gatekeepers or collaborated with foreigners to invade China. Some are deemed traitors who worked solely for their personal interests and gains while others' motivations and goals are less clearly defined or determinable when they claimed to save the populace from tyrants. The Chinese civilisation has lasted many centuries, longer than the glorious Romans and Greek could claim credit for. Surely, they must have got many things right.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The meanings of kiasu and wide usage of a colloquial term - beyond the boundaries of Singapore
KIASU is not an English word. It's origins are probably Singapore - Malaysia. But it has been popularised and often misused over the years.
The term "kiasu" made waves when it was recognised as a "word" by the Oxford Dictionary a decade ago.
Comprised of two Minnan / Fujian / Hokkien words "kia" and "su", it is the literal translation from "fear of" ... "losing out". The abbreviation is K.S.
There is no clear definition or parameters of kiasu-ness. The exact meaning of kiasu is broad, versatile, ambiguous and controversial. There is no equivalent word in the English vocabulary, nor Mandarin Chinese for that matter, except to explain it with a string of adjectives.
Pronunciation: /ˈkiːəsuː/
Origin:
from Chinese, 'scared to lose' (SE Asian)
noun
a grasping, selfish attitude.
adjective
(of a person)very anxious not to miss an opportunity; grasping.
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/kiasu
For a start, perhaps taking the reverse perspective may help to explain the word more clearly. The opposite of kiasu would normally include complacent, slack, lackadaisical, languid, careless and uninitiated attitudes and behaviour. The list is inexhuastive and varies according to situations.
While "kiasu" is widely used in Singapore and Malaysia, it is not a common word in traditional Taiwanese lingo even though the dorminant local dialect is also Minnan / Fujian / Hokkien. That was before the usage of the word became popularised and internationalised in recent years.
Kiasu invariably imparts more negative than positive connotations especially when it is deliberate and excessive and engaged in the competitive sense. Nevertheless, the word could also be used in jest or viewed positively in certain cirumstances.
In Singapore and many Asian countries, kiasu-ness has become an identifiable and unique characteristic that people lament and laugh about at the same time. To appreciate the origins of kiasu, one has to trace the history of Singapore. The largely illiterate and poor migrant population under a strong leadership had to overcome many hurdles in order to achieve its present day economic success. Through sheer diligence, perseverance and competitiveness, Singaporeans have come a long way to excel in what it does best. The "kiasu" trait was a key element in the formula for success.
However, kiasu behaviour can undoubtedly be off putting and annoying to those who are not accustomed to such practices and culture. The followers or pursuers are usually individualistic, selfish and yearn to win at all costs. Too bad, if you lose out in the rat race!
Kiasuism comes across as uncouth and rude behaviour. Besides not wanting to lose an opportunity (or even create one if possible), the kiasu kings and queens would strive to take more than others, more than what he/she deserves by hook or by crook. But the methods employed are uncouth, crude and lack finesse.
Examples
Here are some real life examples from personal encounters, revelations by residents and foreign visitors, as well as surveys :
* Speculators and investors queue up overnight to purchase a condominum under development in the hope of making a quick profit by reselling or add another asset to bequeath to their children in view of the shortage of land in desirable areas and expected price increase. We see this happening in high growth areas throughout history around the world, don't we?
* Secure a place for your child in a reputable elite school at least two years before enrolment date by volunteering your skills and services to the school. Some are willing to contribute material and financial assistance just to get there.
* Secure a place for your child in a reputable elite school at least two years before enrolment date by volunteering your skills and services to the school. Some are willing to contribute material and financial assistance just to get there.
* Long waiting lines for tickets to special concerts, collection of vouchers for limited edition toys. Yes! Deprived folks they are!
* Parents pushing kids to excel in studies, force feed them with good food and additional tutoring classes. They also expect their kids to become well rounded in music, dance, sports without considering if they have the abilities or interest in such subjects. Forcing the kids to learn things that are ahead of his years even though there are signs that they are disinterested and could not cope.
* Queue jumpers who pretend to meet and chat with a friend in the waiting line and then cut and slip into the queue without any qualms are the worst of its kind.
* Reserving multiple seats or more than you really need at food centres, public places, classrooms, you name it. The proviso is that it is free and no deposit or financial cost is incurred in teh process. Singaporeans have even coined a term called "chope" for this sort of reservation system. Anything in their possesion or within reach can be used - tissue paper, pen, book, umbrella, sunglasses can be used to stake your claim or make a booking for later use.
* Going for buffet meals at posh restaurants and really eat all you can or more than what you can. The greedy ones have a strategy of waiting for refill of expensive seafood and delicacies and pile up their plates till they are overflowing from all sides.
* Adding features to your car, electronic gadgets and applications that are not required or hardly utilised. Improving the image of your house by renovating every few years, change cars, upgrade to a bigger house, and all other actions in line with "keeping up with the Joneses".
* Not sharing information on studies, work, or even where to get the best deals with classmates, casual friends or colleagues.
* Fear of the unknown probably make some kiasu people unfriendly and not want to talk to strangers or help someone in need.
* Fear of the unknown probably make some kiasu people unfriendly and not want to talk to strangers or help someone in need.
* Road hogging and deliberate prevention of others cars from overtaking for fear of losing face.
Most kiasu behaviours are easy to spot and quite predictable. Sad to say, they are not very creative or imaginative coming up with tricks to get ahead. Most of these actions are probably quite harmless. Besides, kiasu people like to play safe and do not want to break the law. They can look really staid and silly.
Positives
To be kiasu may not be all that bad. Sometimes it may be necessary to take intitiaves and extra precautions.
For instance, to take up insurance, spread one's risks, diversify investments / commitments, put in place security measures and safeguards against hazards and natural disasters, may be considered as kiasu acts by those who live by the day and do not plan ahead. More abhorent are those who do not work for their goals and try to find short cuts.
It would not be fair to say that kiasu behaviour is predominantly present in a single race, culture or country. There are traits of such behaviour everywhere. It depends on how keen or desperate people. They should learn to be cool, set priorities right and not let their greed get the better of them. To suppress the urge to be kiasu, there are some wise sayings admonishing people not to go overboard as the results can be counterproductive.
However, the liberal and extensive use of the term "kiasu" has led to its overusage. Anything associated with anti-social and competitive behaviour can be misinterpreted as "kiasu" though there many be other more appropriate adjectives to fit the description. Ponder. Do not be kiasu.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Evolution of the Chinese Terms for Foreigner -- Devil or Ghost? From Oldie to Friend
Quote :
(Posted by Fables)
* Acknowledgement : permission granted by oneworldtalk forum to publish the synopsis of the discussions.
Misunderstandings could have been avoided if people stop referring to ghost as devil. The literal translation of "gui3" is ghost. Since the last two centuries, Chinese have stuck with habit of calling "yang2 gui3zi" 洋鬼子 short form for ghost from western oceans. It is a similar to Cantonese version of "gweilo" 鬼老 (old ghost).
It is a serious mistake to use ghost and devil interchangeably. Devil is "mo2" or "yao1" in Chinese, not "gui". Such errors are unforgivable, not just a loss in translation but reinforces prejudice and misgiving among nationalities.
Is "gui" racist? It all depends on the context, intentions and expression of the speaker. Ghosts are not confined to Caucasians, Japanese and Africans. There are many ghosts among Chinese too - people who are out of the normal range, such as gambling ghost "du gui", lazy ghost, misery ghost and greedy ghost. Elderly people sometimes shake their heads and comment disapprovingly of the ghostly behaviour of youngsters. There are times when ghosts of the human and nonhuman dimensions mingle.
http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html
Nevertheless, it was true that historically, self sufficient Chinese civilisation saw the Middle Kingdom as the centre of the universe and other tribes and races were deemed barbaric. During the Opium War and unequal treaties which ensued, the term "ghost" was used with some degree bitterness by Chinese who were patriotic and suffered from mistreatment. For generations, the habit could not be discarded. Like all stereotypes and especially historical ones, the term has lost its meaning and purpose.
In the last half a century the term "lao3 wai4" 老外 was widely used in the USA and among some English speaking Chinese. It means a foreigner similar to 外国人. The word "lao" means old is an informal form of address, a reference to "that person" as in old pal. Among Chinese, it's often used with a surname like "lao Li" or "lao Wang". There are no racist connotations but some foreigners prefer to be called a Mr so-and-so, not a "lao".
The preferred term nowadays is "wai4 guo2 peng2 you3" 外国朋友 (foreign country friend / friends from another country), quite a mouthful but can help to avoid misunderstandings of people who are easily offended. A more common and popular term among the baby boomers is "xi ren" 西人 or western person.
It is a serious mistake to use ghost and devil interchangeably. Devil is "mo2" or "yao1" in Chinese, not "gui". Such errors are unforgivable, not just a loss in translation but reinforces prejudice and misgiving among nationalities.
Is "gui" racist? It all depends on the context, intentions and expression of the speaker. Ghosts are not confined to Caucasians, Japanese and Africans. There are many ghosts among Chinese too - people who are out of the normal range, such as gambling ghost "du gui", lazy ghost, misery ghost and greedy ghost. Elderly people sometimes shake their heads and comment disapprovingly of the ghostly behaviour of youngsters. There are times when ghosts of the human and nonhuman dimensions mingle.
http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/hungry_ghost_festival.html
Nevertheless, it was true that historically, self sufficient Chinese civilisation saw the Middle Kingdom as the centre of the universe and other tribes and races were deemed barbaric. During the Opium War and unequal treaties which ensued, the term "ghost" was used with some degree bitterness by Chinese who were patriotic and suffered from mistreatment. For generations, the habit could not be discarded. Like all stereotypes and especially historical ones, the term has lost its meaning and purpose.
In the last half a century the term "lao3 wai4" 老外 was widely used in the USA and among some English speaking Chinese. It means a foreigner similar to 外国人. The word "lao" means old is an informal form of address, a reference to "that person" as in old pal. Among Chinese, it's often used with a surname like "lao Li" or "lao Wang". There are no racist connotations but some foreigners prefer to be called a Mr so-and-so, not a "lao".
The preferred term nowadays is "wai4 guo2 peng2 you3" 外国朋友 (foreign country friend / friends from another country), quite a mouthful but can help to avoid misunderstandings of people who are easily offended. A more common and popular term among the baby boomers is "xi ren" 西人 or western person.
(Posted by Fables)
* Acknowledgement : permission granted by oneworldtalk forum to publish the synopsis of the discussions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)