Two thumbs up for "Portrait of a Changing China"

Response to NPR's Broadcast "Portrait of a Changing China"

This radiobroadcast medley reflects the massive revolution China has undertaken, on a personal level. The segmented program focuses on the perspectives of five unique individuals living in China. Henri Li is a successful bar owner who believes in stability and slow change as China tries to join the rest of the world. Li Hua is an unemployed worker who sees the revolutionary shift as a betrayal by the communist party. His only requests are to be paid the lowly pension plan he is owned and that his daughter have better life. The 20-year-old migrant “working little sister”, Wu Dongmei, labors all day in a sweatshop to send money more then 1,000 miles away to her parents. Dongmei trusts that hard work and a lucky break will give her the edge she needs to move up. She also expresses her hopes of a better life for her younger brother. Yin Mingshan has survived the plague of a negative stigma acquired during Mao’s era, to become one of China’s leading businessmen. With admiration for the likes of Thomas Jefferson and Margaret Thatcher, Mingshan seeks to join China’s communist party, and dreams of growing his business into a joint venture with Harley Davidson. Lastly, Joan Hinton, an American nuclear physicist turned dairy farmer, supported the communist movement which she feels withstood corruption and provided free health care and education. Hinton admits the communist movement has failed this time around, and will surely re-emerge in the future.

The wide range of perspectives and direct interviews were fascinating for multiple reasons. The panorama of varying opinions and views, which all coincide under one roof, gave a broad account of China’s evolution. Furthermore, hearing the interviews directly materialized the struggles and accomplishments. The segments nudged my awareness of life in China, each account revealing a different color of the big picture.

Personally, as a woman in my 20’s, I empathized with Wu Dongmei. I can only imagine working in such conditions with little hope of pushing ahead and achieving a preferable career. Furthering her education is a seemingly non-existent dream. It is even more captivating to learn that Dongmei’s upbringing represents some 80% of the Chinese population, many of which, like Dongmei, are shifting from an agricultural life to one of cities and industries. Joan Hinton’s segment surprised me. I thought I would relate to the fellow physicist more so then I did. It is intriguing to hear the perspective of communist advocates, in particular those who have experienced and endured the hardships of the communist era.

One Billion Customers

James McGregor’s One Billion Customers is an epistolary novel, escorting you through various facets of Chinese reforms and growth. McGregor infuses his knowledge, experience, and China’s history into each chapter. Each story centers around one of China’s economical breakthroughs, including investment houses, telecommunications, and the aerospace industry. McGregor’s ability to draw unique lessons distinguishes each account. Each chapter is concluded with a morsel of insight on the Chinese business culture. Furthermore, each chapter is concluded with a quick reference guide, “The Little Red Book of Business,” composed of lessons learned.

I found each story intriguing and well written. The lessons McGregor centered on carried a message which echoed in every story. The book left me with a greater understanding of China’s past history, political struggles, and accomplishments, all contributing to the vast emerging economy the country has become. I now view China’s growing industries and reform efforts with a different lens.

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published an editorial piece entitled “Low Costs, Plentiful Talent Make China a Global Magnet for R&D.” The article touched upon China’s current patent protection and intellectual-property rights obstacles, and went on to illustrate China’s R&D push forward in the global economy. Much like McGregor’s accounts, these investments most often are part of a compromise between Chinese and foreign companies, all dancing to the tune of China’s politics. McGregor has given me the insight to see beyond the article to the challenges China is overcoming. Efforts such as this push for R&D progress, often take patience and persistence. The essence of the R&D movement is the progress China is making. The Chinese government is recognizing the need for R&D and increasing the necessary budgets. These innovations fueled by a low cost pool of engineers and over a billion consumers are contributing to China’s success. I am excited to see more of China’s evolution over the next few years and even more so to experience it in part come June.

For more information on this book, please refer to my book review accessible through the "Assignments" link.

English Corner

Responce to reading Daniel Ikenson's article " Cornering Freedom in China"

Beijing University’s English Corner seems like a fascinating and yet not uncommon setting across the globe. A few years back I stumbled upon a similar gathering at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) in Mexico City. Similar to Azad’s experience at Tehran University, student attendance was more of an outlet and exchange of ideas then a direct search on how to improve one’s self.

The concept of hopping on a plane and experiencing a foreign culture remains a distant economical dream to many. In addition, with American politics and entertainment impacting media around the globe, it is no surprise foreign interest is drawn to gatherings such as the English Corner. I also agree that college campuses are a thriving garden of ideas and feelings. This social arboretum is ideal for political discussions.

The experience at UNAM was remarkably edifying. Surrounded by a multitude of curious minds, I found myself taking more away from the experience then I could give back. In light of that experience, I would embrace the opportunity to experience Beijing University’s English Corner.