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Q: Is Chinese web censorship based on a drastic misunderstanding of western culture and humor?
Or do they really have a handle on western culture..humor and a diversity of views and opinions?
On a side note do wumao's have a reverse effect on us and stoke our opposition to scripted views when we might otherwise be quiet?
11 years 21 weeks ago in Web & Technology - China
I can't tell you how many of your posts are replete with references to wumaos. Frankly, what's the difference and why does this issue concern you so much? It's a fact of life here and either it might be better for you to come to terms with it or just move on.
981977405:
Pogger, considering that my wife passed last week, your remark is highly insensitive and completely out of order. Offense deeply taken.
mattsm84:
Really, huh? Dead wife? I applaud your decision to forgo making arrangements for your late spouse so that you could dispense advice as to whether or not people should eat fish that they catch in local rivers and streams or whether somebody should live in Shanghai or Harbin. I hope that one day after you die some heartless dictator glorious leader will happen upon your comments and you'll be awarded your own holiday. With all absolute seriousness, I'm sure you will inspire millions.
kchur:
Wow, too bad pogger isn't psychic and doesn't own a time machine. You have every right to be offended, Mr. Bycicle Man.
Judging by number's post, I would say that there is a definite lack of understanding on the Chinese side. For example, he writes "whats the difference and why does this issue concern you so much" and then he tells you to stop complaining or leave. For you and I, the reason is apparent in that the right to complain, and conversely the right to give or withhold assent, is central to the western identity. Exercising that right makes us feel as if we are acting as an individual within the a larger group as well as subjects ideas and theories to a crucible, which allows of to adapt and change more easily. In light of that satirical humor, and diversity are seen as a net gain. Yet, that seems lost on him. It's a clear sign of a rather profound lack of understanding.
I think the Chinese have actually been censoring, in one form or another, for over 2,000 years, at least since the Qin Dynasty. The whole Chinese culture, since that time, has revolved around tricking and deceiving the subjects, and the nobles. Successive dynasties have adopted the successful model instilled by the Qin.
Central to this model is to control the amount of information the subjects are allowed to have, and to mould that information to suit the leader. The CCP Dynasty have adopted this model as well, as can be seen by censorship and the education system (among other CCP traits).
The belief is that by controlling information, you can control the people. The CCP haven't quite realised how different the free availability of information on the internet is. Quite a few other countries recently have realised too late the power of the internet.
Scandinavian:
the withholding of information is certainly ingrained in the society, not matter what the situation you have to drag useful answers out of people.
Q: "Can I walk to X"
A: "No"
Q: "Why not?"
A "It is difficult"
Q "What makes it difficult?"
A "It is far away"
Q "But I can see it from here!!!"
A "It will take long time"
Q "How long time will it take"
A "It will take long time"
Q "Can I take a bus?"
A "It is better to take a taxi"
Q "Why?"
A "A taxi will take you directly there"
Q "How much will the taxi cost"
A "It will be cheap"
Q "How much is cheap?"
A "Not very much"
Q "Will it cost more than a bus?"
A "Don't know"
Q "Can I take a bus there?"
A "Perhaps"
...and it goes on and on and on.... and then you end up walking in 5 mins
Check out this story about
China falls for 'sexiest' Kim Jong-un joke
/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-27/china-falls-for-27sexiest27-kim-jong-un-award/4395742
they don't get it - they just don't get it
I think there must be some "red" faces as it appears the story has now been taken down in China
Traveler:
Perhaps the main reason for this is that China's state-owned media prints so many fake stories, it is no longer able to distinguish between fake and real news.
Quite? I think you mean "QUIET"....and the answer to your question is an N.O.!
mattsm84:
Yeah, the Dude! Eat it! China's sons and daughters can sleep soundly in their beds tonight knowing that their homeland has once again been made safe by paid internet commenters and their ability to point out spelling errors. Excellent retort, comrade!
I am not sure the web censorship really cares about if it understands western culture/humor or not. It is there to keep information out, and also keep information from spreading from inside the country.
