Teaching in China

So what is the Chinese government afraid of? It’s quit easy to see what exactly they’re afraid of by what they censor in media coming into China from the outside.

President Obama’s recent inauguration speech is a great example of the Chinese government’s fears being seen.

According to the BBC website the Chinese government censored key words and phrases in the Chinese translation of the speech (the English version was left untouched). When Obama said, “Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.” The word communism was omitted. Now this I can somewhat understand as China’s ruling party is the communist party and this statement does not shine positive light. However, later in the speech the president said, “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history,” this sentence was omitted from the Chinese translation.

By omitting this statement is the Chinese government admitting they are “corrupt” and “deceitful”? This is a question certainly up for debate. At the very least, they are acknowledging the fact that many people in China feel this way or that they are scared that Chinese people will begin to feel this way because of the outspoken, free words of an influential American citizen.

In any case, it is a good reminder of the situation that surrounds us. My personal belief is that we, as foreigners in China, should accept these things and attempt to operate within them. After all, a majority of Chinese citizens have come to accept these things. Always be careful, keep your mind about you, have dreams, but live in the world.