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Expat's Eye
Print Edition> Expat's Eye
UPDATED: February 11, 2007 NO.7 FEB.15, 2007
Attitudes to Suggestions
Common expectations in many Western countries require leaders at all levels of government to both receive and respond to any suggestions that the public may make to them. This expectation, however, does not appear to be held by many of my Chinese friends and colleagues
By PETER JOHNSON
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As an Australian expat teaching English in China for over four years, I often encourage my students to not only learn the English language but also try to understand Western culture. This includes the fact that Westerners frequently initiate proactive suggestions on any aspects of society that they are concerned about.

Common expectations in many Western countries require leaders at all levels of government to both receive and respond to any suggestions that the public may make to them. This expectation, however, does not appear to be held by many of my Chinese friends and colleagues. Rather, they give me the impression that they think it rather strange that I, particularly as a foreigner, should make suggestions to any Chinese leaders, as it is not within my responsibilities as a teacher.

Recently I attempted to get an official comment and support in encouraging motorists to obey the traffic laws and actually give way and, where necessary, stop for pedestrians using a marked pedestrian crossing in front of a large hospital in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province. Approximately three months ago, I sent an e-mail to a local foreign affairs liaison official who understands English and to whom I had previously been introduced, outlining my concerns for pedestrian safety and asking him to forward it to relevant officials. My suggestions included increasing police surveillance and fining erring motorists and/or preferably arranging for the installation of timed, pedestrian-operated signals that would periodically halt all traffic by a red light. I am still waiting for a reply.

I have been told by Chinese adult students and friends that many motorists either don't know the law or just ignore it because it is inconvenient for them. To many Westerners it would appear ludicrous to continue to have traffic, or any other, laws that are blatantly ignored by citizens without the government taking remedial action. This could be either by amending or scrapping the law, if it is found to be impractical, or alternatively insisting that the police actually enforce it and heavily fine those who infringe it. To do nothing is effectively condoning breaking the laws of China.

On a more positive note, I have had success by offering my help to improve the grammar and spelling on a local park's English information signs. Also I am aware that the Beijing Government has taken the initiative and has had foreigners spot and advise them of incorrect English translations for information and directional signs in preparation for the Olympics.

Also commendable is that following entry into the WTO, Chinese leaders have recently directed that legislative actions should be taken to ensure that intellectual property rights are protected by the weight of the law. This has included addressing the issue of widespread illegal copying and selling of pirated DVDs and playing copyrighted songs in karaoke bars without paying any royalties to the songwriters. However, it appears that while television footage of the authorities confiscating and destroying pirated DVDs in some major cities had initial success, in Daqing, where I currently reside, it is once again "business as usual."

Indeed, a New Year's Day CCTV9 news report suggested that due to vocal opposition by many karaoke owners, it should not be expected that the new laws would be obeyed for some time, if at all.

Many Chinese cultural mannerisms are very innovative and necessarily have inbuilt flexibility, but now that China has agreed to abide by WTO rules, the eyes of the world are also watching. China is continuing to be watched very closely by other nations to see if it can be trusted to actually enforce its international agreements and to take measures to see that, after the initial publicized, corrective campaigns are finished, the laws continue to be enforced by local officials.

Perhaps Chinese leaders need to discuss the formation of rapid action response groups, termed "flying squads" in the UK, which can be secretly ordered to travel to provincial cities in a random inspection pattern. They then can inspect whether laws are actually being followed or allowed to be overlooked by provincial government leaders. Are provincial officials above the laws of China? Perhaps they need to be held accountable for noncompliance of all laws within their jurisdictions.

China is a great nation with a friendly, hospitable, large population.

Provincial leaders at all levels may gain more respect if they were to view suggestions not as threats, but rather as opportunities for them to respond with positive actions whenever possible.

This is just a suggestion.



 
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