Chatting at the front...

The following extract editied from a conversation I've just had with a friend from Shanghai is kind of illuminating about several aspects of the China phenomena, including culture, comerce, education and societal attitudes.It is a very long post - however I think it offers some small insights...

red13 says: (12:01:03 AM)
I find that a lot of people just see that pretty surface.

red13 says: (12:01:26 AM)
But when you dig a bit deeper, not much interesting stuff going on here.

Ian says: (12:01:43 AM)
I guess the focus of everyone is related to business

red13 says: (12:02:20 AM)
MONEY

Ian says: (12:02:28 AM)
But [for example] in the UK style press there are often articles and images from Beijing in particular that suggest a development in conteporary culture, fashion, music etc

Ian says: (12:02:35 AM)
MONEY

red13 says: (12:02:49 AM)
But where is it? I don't get it...

red13 says: (12:03:16 AM)
everyone says shanghai is so wonderful and avant-garde, but i don't see any of it in daily life.

Ian says: (12:03:44 AM)
Mybe because you are there and you are dealing with it on a daily basis you kind of get blocked - almost as a coping mechanism....so you miss details?

red13 says: (12:04:05 AM)
sure, there are a few who are passionate about art/design/fashion but in the end, most people just want the $$$

Ian says: (12:04:14 AM)
I think there is more likely an avante garde in Beijing

red13 says: (12:04:19 AM)
Maybe... been here too long?

Ian says: (12:04:29 AM)
yes that [$$$] drives it most definitely

red13 says: (12:04:41 AM)
yes. Charles was there last week, and he says lots more experimental stuff there.

Ian says: (12:05:21 AM)
But everywhere is like that to an extent - more so than ever, kind of desperate in a way too. For me it is only a part of the real "big" picture of life tho'

red13 says: (12:05:39 AM)
performance art and so on

Ian says: (12:05:52 AM)
Yes I think Beijing is more open to it - less pre-occupied with commerce

Ian says: (12:06:23 AM)
Still into the commerce tho', that's China no?

Ian says: (12:06:44 AM)
there is so much coverage on China now here in Australia

Ian says: (12:06:52 AM)
all the time in the media

red13 says: (12:07:15 AM)
Beijing has longer history with arts too.

Ian says: (12:07:25 AM)
yes that's true

red13 says: (12:07:55 AM)
and more foreign influence too. Many foreigners studying there.

Ian says: (12:08:24 AM)
I noticed that the university websites in China seem more foreigner friendly these days

Ian says: (12:08:32 AM)
more in English

red13 says: (12:09:03 AM)
they realised they can charge more money to foreigners!

Ian says: (12:10:03 AM)
it is interesting becaue that has implications for the quality of Chinese education. I know for example that creativity is an area that is really yet to be addressed in a serious way in the Chinese education system

Ian says: (12:10:14 AM)
How will western students react to that?

Ian says: (12:10:41 AM)
Or will they accept it aspart of the "China experience" - even at Uni...

red13 says: (12:11:45 AM)
some are starting to wake up to the creativity issue. So many 'weekend' schools are getting into that. They charge 120 rbm an hour to just get little kids (starting at 1 year old or so) to just play around!

Ian says: (12:12:33 AM)
I teach this area a lot at college and I have lots of material about it

red13 says: (12:12:37 AM)
I know... it is a great idea. Whay don't you come here and do that!

Ian says: (12:12:45 AM)
guess that is why I've started writing about it

red13 says: (12:13:14 AM)
and most of these places are really crappy too... Nothing much happening.

red13 says: (12:13:24 AM)
just some dancing and singing.

Ian says: (12:13:42 AM)
well I have many ideas - it's the logistics....$....I am sure it will come together at some point tho'

Ian says: (12:13:52 AM)
dancing singing

Ian says: (12:13:53 AM)
hahah

red13 says: (12:13:59 AM)
better do it quick! competition is fierce!

Ian says: (12:14:00 AM)
karaoke

Ian says: (12:14:05 AM)
yeah I know

red13 says: (12:14:43 AM)
yes! exactly! they just preparing their kids to be karaoke champs!

Ian says: (12:14:57 AM)
REAL creative !

red13 says: (12:15:45 AM)
I was just talking to my kick-box teacher today, and he was mentioning that the older generation sees it as being 'wrong' if you are content/happy with your life Isn't that odd?

Ian says: (12:16:10 AM)
Why do they think that?

red13 says: (12:16:44 AM)
well, seems that life should be about hardships to some extent. And if you're happy every day, you're not taking life seriously.

Ian says: (12:17:34 AM)
well I see the logic but I don't aspire to that - I think contentment is bliss - when i feel that I know I am doing well

red13 says: (12:17:49 AM)
For example, his mother disapproves of his girlfriend cause she's mostly a happy person. She's seen as being childish.

Ian says: (12:18:22 AM)
So perhaps then the impetus to "succeed" make money etc is less?

Ian says: (12:18:35 AM)
And this is seen as not psoitive

red13 says: (12:18:46 AM)
Of course, I think their thinking is totally off in this case! No wonder they grow up into such anal adults!

Ian says: (12:19:12 AM)
yes I know! Some really restricting concepts

Ian says: (12:19:27 AM)
not healthy

red13 says: (12:19:49 AM)
You should work hard, make money and live a serious life. how awfully boring! No wonder our students liked us so much!

Ian says: (12:20:05 AM)
hahaha

Ian says: (12:20:34 AM)
yes the teachers represented some escape/adventurefrom that way of life...

red13 says: (12:20:51 AM)
but you know what...i see that trait in Charles. It's only recent that he's become chill.

Ian says: (12:21:15 AM)
your influence no doubt

red13 says: (12:21:41 AM)
yes! exactly! we are their parent's nightmares! outspoken, confident, able to think.

Ian says: (12:21:46 AM)
It is good to see him heading in that direction

Ian says: (12:22:09 AM)
Probably many younger people are actually beginning to be like that

Ian says: (12:22:29 AM)
Some of the more switched on students were like that

red13 says: (12:23:05 AM)
Well, mine and the people around him. But still very new to him. But he's enjoying it! he brought me this cheesy toy dog from beijing. It barks and follows you around. I was in shock! It's awesome!

Ian says: (12:23:26 AM)
heheh fantastic

red13 says: (12:23:37 AM)
Yes, that's true. the younger ones are more open to that sort of attitude towards life.

Ian says: (12:23:57 AM)
I always liked Charles sense of humour - very subtle and cheeky in a way

red13 says: (12:24:36 AM)
ya... if i could only get him to stop watching 'friends' every night!