I think the most interesting point about China bounder is the reaction that he is causing in some Chinese people.

Some Chinese people are very quick to jump on foreigners, but a bit slower to criticize issues those in their own house.

Why? Because it’s not safe.
It’s much easier to criticize someone if the party approves of your criticism.
Like Chinabounder, or Japan, or whoever…

For example, many people I know talk about how Japan doesn’t remember history, and they hate Japanese people because of that. But yet, if you mention 1989 to them, they aren’t too willing discuss that part of their own history.

I don’t agree with what Chinabounder is saying, by any means. The sex part is a bit retarded. But some of his political statements make sense.

If you criticize him based on certain principles, then you should be sure not to overlook the other injustices that you see.
Including those in China.

If you only criticize waiguoren, you yourself will likely be criticized.

I’m not saying that you do this, but a lot of people do.

As a wise man once said, “When you point your finger at someone else, pay attention to the other fingers which are pointing back at yoruself.”

If you don’t — if you criticize equally, I applaud you.

Thanks your your comments.
Also very interesting!

i agree–the Chinese response is often offensive, revealing, hypocritical, blinkered, but utterly predictable. It’s what happens when you stir a hornet’s nest. You can play this game with Muslim extremists/nationalists too–but it doesn’t help. It just pisses everyone off more and pushes them into a more polarized, unthinking, defensive, and antagonistic position. Basically, as a culture, they’re just beginning to liberalize. Many are undereducated both socially and in terms of schooling, and even the educated minority have not been through a Western educational system that fosters open-mindedness, liberalism, and critical thinking and debate. Besides, CB’s pick ups and targets are always bottom-rung in terms of education (as he likes to remind everyone). So it’s petty, small-minded, attention-grabbing, and a dumbing down of issues. You have to treat it like a generational gap (and in many ways, it is): try talking about masturbation with your grandparents–see how far that gets you. Then when they flip out, dump on them and berate them for being hypocritical, narrow-minded, etc.

If CB were some spotty angry teen (& maybe he is), then i’d understand this level of stupid bear-baiting. But if he’s 42, then that’s pathetic (asides from the fact that he’s a sleaze and a weaze).
All nations were built on barbarism, and all suffer from a certain degree of convenient amnesia. You’ve got to engage them slowly, tactically, gently, rationally, etc.

But on the other hand, I think if we talk about the majority of Chinese netizens, I don’t think that those who exhibit clearly stupid behaviour (or even Chinabounder, if you want to include him) should be excused.

If someone does something wrong, point out why, in a calm rational manner. Name calling, or plain old “Get out of China!” is not going to work. I’ve read some comments on his site, and I have yet to see any calm rational argument as to why he should not be allowed free speech.

It is after all, a website hosted outside China.
And he’s basically doing stuff not entirely different from Muzimei, who last I checked, was still in China. And still running her site.

Of course, Chinabounder’s manner is far different. A little more potent.
But even though I don’t agree with some of what he’s writing, I do cheer him on in pushing the limits of free-speech. And Muzimei too. And anyone else I might not be aware of.

After all, I write a blog too. And there are some subject that I feel I have a right to talk about, but I know better than to mention in China.

I found you when I googled your “entering st. shotts” video.

I’m a photographer at the stage of my life where I’ve stopped photographing and started organizing…thus I am putting together a website of my photographs.

I was in St. Shotts in 1968 and got some nice photos… I was very taken with the place…it was otherworldly, perfect in some ways…. I bet you will find some familiar scenes and maybe some relatives … check it out:

http://www.johnphillipsphotography.com/St%20Shottes/Index.html

There is more to come, so check again in a few weeks.

Best Regards, John Phillips

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