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Reply to comment from Falcolas: > Is it a racial comment when the leader of a country uses that exact quote to describe how they will deal with anyone who thr

by cyc116 7y ago

Reply to comment from Falcolas: > Is it a racial comment when the leader of a country uses that exact quote to describe how they will deal with anyone who threatens the harmony of China, including the situations that the grandparent was referring to? It is, when your message is an explicit commented on "I think that's the Chinese way of thing:[...]". Please understand that Xi does not speak for all Chinese (hence the protest and conflict) and having an idiom about crushing bones says next to nothing about how a culture or race is. There are plenty of idioms in English about idiots. Does that say anything about English speakers? I highly doubt it. --- Update Pardon my words. I said it too hastily and don't mean to accuse you. I am born in China and have lived 10 years there. I disagree with some of the actions of the current Chinese government but I am also frustrated with people commenting on things without spending enough time to self educate. The link that you have attached seem to be mostly anti-government and (IMO) provides a very limited view on a very complex problem.

falcolas 7y ago
I called it out as an idiom, because the non-idiomatic use is worse. And, while not qualified initially, I was speaking specifically about Xí Jìnpíng use of it. That said, when the leader of a country uses a phrase, it is going to reflect on the entire country. And yes, that includes various Trumpisms as well. I knew plenty of perfectly nice people who voted for Trump. Some regret it, others do not; but both are tainted unconsciously by their direct association with Trump. And even though I had no (practical) say in his election, his words taint my presence in the eyes of others. EDIT: Most things are complex. However, I can not come up with a scenario where China's actions against Hong Kong protesters can be considered to be "correct" and "good". At least no scenario that doesn't involve a lot of lying to others and to oneself. And Xí Jìnpíng's use of the idiom feels a bit literal when it comes to what is happening in HK.
bsder 7y ago
> Please understand that Xi does not speak for all Chinese That may be. But, unfortunately, the vast majority of mainland Chinese are perfectly fine with what the Chinese leadership are doing. Yes, it may be due to propaganda. Yes, they may not know any better. Yes, they may be being blackmailed. Tough. Justification doesn't help much when you are the one receiving pointy end of the stick.
cyc116 7y ago
Thanks for following up @falcolas and fair point to both of you (falcolas and bsder). Unfortunate that it is indeed the case.

by cyc116 7y ago

falcolas 7y ago

I called it out as an idiom, because the non-idiomatic use is worse. And, while not qualified initially, I was speaking specifically about Xí Jìnpíng use of it. That said, when the leader of a country uses a phrase, it is going to reflect on the entire country. And yes, that includes various Trumpisms as well. I knew plenty of perfectly nice people who voted for Trump. Some regret it, others do not; but both are tainted unconsciously by their direct association with Trump. And even though I had no (practical) say in his election, his words taint my presence in the eyes of others. EDIT: Most things are complex. However, I can not come up with a scenario where China's actions against Hong Kong protesters can be considered to be "correct" and "good". At least no scenario that doesn't involve a lot of lying to others and to oneself. And Xí Jìnpíng's use of the idiom feels a bit literal when it comes to what is happening in HK.

bsder 7y ago

> Please understand that Xi does not speak for all Chinese That may be. But, unfortunately, the vast majority of mainland Chinese are perfectly fine with what the Chinese leadership are doing. Yes, it may be due to propaganda. Yes, they may not know any better. Yes, they may be being blackmailed. Tough. Justification doesn't help much when you are the one receiving pointy end of the stick.

cyc116 7y ago

Thanks for following up @falcolas and fair point to both of you (falcolas and bsder). Unfortunate that it is indeed the case.