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The world have witnessed the decline of the American hegemony over the last few years, and especially during 2020. The 'gap' between American life and say, Chin

The world have witnessed the decline of the American hegemony over the last few years, and especially during 2020. The 'gap' between American life and say, Chinese life, for the average citizen has narrowed significantly. Assuming the current trend continues, I'm not sure that at some time in the future it would be a toss-up whether the one or the other provides a better or worse life for the average Joe or Bao.

Chris2048 6y ago
Joe or Bao? Isn't "Bao" a dumpling?
- momothereal 6y ago
  It's both a surname and can mean other things (mostly depends on tones). Bāo and Bào are surnames. The "bao" you're thinking of is short for bāo zi.
  - Chris2048 6y ago
    If Bāo and Bào are surnames, then it isn't similar to the forename "Joe"?
    - momothereal 6y ago
      You're technically right, but the comparison isn't completely far fetched considering: * Chinese surnames are monosyllabic, and given names are disyllabic. It'd be more awkward to say "average Joe or Xiùyīng". * Both Chinese given names and surnames are usually "real words". Just like how "Joe" is a descendant of the Hebrew "Yohanan" meaning "Graced by God", or even the many English given names that are real words: Carol, Eve, Jade, etc. It's just more common in Chinese names. * Given names are rarely used by themselves (much less than in Latin languages).
redis_mlc 6y ago
What you said is totally false: 1) China is facing a major famine, and millions could die in the next couple of years. Many farmers cannot afford to replant. 2) CCP officials, including Xi, have relocated family members to Canada and Australia because of expected political retaliation if they remain in China. 3) The "hegemony" you talk about is stealing from American capital markets to bribe BRI vassal states. We'll see how long that lasts. But hey, if you want to buy a one-way ticket to China, be my guest.

Chris2048 6y ago

Joe or Bao? Isn't "Bao" a dumpling?

momothereal 6y ago
It's both a surname and can mean other things (mostly depends on tones). Bāo and Bào are surnames. The "bao" you're thinking of is short for bāo zi.
- Chris2048 6y ago
  If Bāo and Bào are surnames, then it isn't similar to the forename "Joe"?
  - momothereal 6y ago
    You're technically right, but the comparison isn't completely far fetched considering: * Chinese surnames are monosyllabic, and given names are disyllabic. It'd be more awkward to say "average Joe or Xiùyīng". * Both Chinese given names and surnames are usually "real words". Just like how "Joe" is a descendant of the Hebrew "Yohanan" meaning "Graced by God", or even the many English given names that are real words: Carol, Eve, Jade, etc. It's just more common in Chinese names. * Given names are rarely used by themselves (much less than in Latin languages).

redis_mlc 6y ago

What you said is totally false: 1) China is facing a major famine, and millions could die in the next couple of years. Many farmers cannot afford to replant. 2) CCP officials, including Xi, have relocated family members to Canada and Australia because of expected political retaliation if they remain in China. 3) The "hegemony" you talk about is stealing from American capital markets to bribe BRI vassal states. We'll see how long that lasts. But hey, if you want to buy a one-way ticket to China, be my guest.