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Your response reads to me as that which I already pointed out: the "Chinese social credit" myth is appealing not because it's factually true but because it's so
by FooBarWidget 3y ago
Your response reads to me as that which I already pointed out: the "Chinese social credit" myth is appealing not because it's factually true but because it's something we use to project our fears on.
You dread the prospects of the myth coming true in your home country. Okay, fair. But you are also saying that that dread justifies making false, exaggerated or distorted assertions about China because the end (combating the myth from becoming true) justifies such means. That I disagree with.
I am Chinese. China has been demonized enough in this cold war already. China shouldn't be collatoral damage in your fight against the myth from becoming true. Such myths have real consequences for Asian people even living outside China. Anti-Asian violence is at an all-time high because the public is fed daily with the narrative that China is some evil empire that's out to get all of us. This creates an environment of paranoia in which real people get hurt. Chinese scientists abroad are being harassed because they "could have links to the CCP" or other bullshit like that.
Sure, protest against the prospects of the myths, that's fine. But that's no excuse for misrepresenting China. One can, and should, protest against the prospects of social credit while also acknowledging that the story about China is largely false.
- LightBug1 3y agoAs I implied, communication via "myth" is horrible. But that is reality. I don't support it, but you can either direct that myth or be the victim of it. With regards to China, as I said, the social credit system is already well advanced (in the aggregate). Similarly, it is where I am - in the UK. People who ignore it are just comfortable in our situation and are not yet feeling the consequences. Some, at the margin, already are. Lastly, and I would hope the following is obvious ... but right minded people are not against the bulk of Chinese people who are families just getting on with their lives. But, it's the usual story. I have very serious issues with the Chinese state as an authoritarian machine, it's policies, it's actions. I will not support it on many things, and will call it out. Just as I will not support specific Chinese people who support that state apparatus. And we're not talking about myth here. Generalised prejudiced, violence, racism is unacceptable ... criticism of the state, and those who support it, is fair game. When my government does things I don't support, I absolutely castigate them. I'm pleased I can just about still do that (though our right to protest is slowly being eroded here). Just as I would attack the Chinese government. The UK is demonized abroad in areas and I accept that also. This is global politics. You can hide from it, or accept what it is. Sorry, we can't pussy foot around about what lipstick each country is wearing or the impact on people. That has, and will happen. It's incredibly difficult to avoid. This is why it is odd to me. You seem interested in the view of Chinese abroad than the actual wrong itself. That's lame to me. Let's get to it. Let's talk about the Uyghurs. I'm interested in your views on state treatment of them. Or is that a misrepresentation too?
- FooBarWidget 3y agoI have been asked by moderators not to talk too much about China on HN. Since it seems like you are interested in genuine discussion, I would like to invite you to reach out to me by email. You can find my contact info through my HN profile.
- LightBug1 3y agoIronic. I'll keep the invite in mind. Busy working now so only capable of drive-by's. I may take you up on that invite later. Thank you.