Filed under: Comment
Over the years, I have written and ranted about how much I hate the way Western media portrays China and how much this is affecting how their readers view the Chinese population.
Of course, it’s driven by fear and misunderstanding [not to mention hypocrisy, given everyone demands cheaper products and higher share returns] but that still doesn’t excuse the shit they keep heaping on this magnificent country.
Yes, madness and pain exists and yes – like every other country on the planet – there are some terrible, terrible people who live here … but that doesn’t mean every person, company or product in China is created with the sole intention of disrespecting or destroying other people’s lives or livlihood.
Anyway, the reason I say this is because Leon – of Method Planning infamy – recently sent me this sign from a construction site:
I’m not sure if any of you can read mandarin so let me translate for you.
Please be aware of safety. If you’re in an accident, somebody else will sleep with your wife, beat up your kid and spend your pension.
Now I know that can sound like massive fear-mongering – and to a degree it is – but everyone here who has seen it has found it amusing … not because of it’s ‘honesty’, but because of the cheeky way they’re getting people to appreciate the importance of safety.
And before anyone say’s they shouldn’t need a sign to tell workers to look after themselves … I would like to point out that most construction sites in the Western World have signage reminding people to be conscious of safety standards.
Anyway, the reason I post this is because, in some small way, this sign sticks two fingers up the prejudice of Western media.
While they keep printing articles that try and brainwash Western culture into thinking this country doesn’t care about standards or people or emotion, this kind-of-says otherwise.
China has many issues, but fundamentally it’s an amazing place filled with amazing people so rather than base your opinions on the mad ramblings of the Daily Mail – who have probably never even been here – come and visit for yourself because as Northern said, if you want to understand culture, you have to play in the jungle not in the zoo.
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Last thing, I know today will be an especially tough day for Dave – not to mention Andy – so I hope it goes OK. Or as OK as it can be. Thinking of you both … and not in a bad way for once.
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Because beating your kid is a perk only the biological dad should have.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 11, 2014 @ 6:22 amBeating or beating off?
Comment by Billy Whizz September 11, 2014 @ 6:22 amI’m not saying it’s a perk to beat off your kid. I’m asking which one they mean.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 11, 2014 @ 6:24 amYou handled that well.
Comment by DH September 11, 2014 @ 6:31 amIt’s not my fault, it’s all you sick fucks.
Comment by Billy Whizz September 11, 2014 @ 6:45 amconfuckingratulations on taking the inappropriate fucking upcoming father title off campbell.
Comment by andy@cynic September 11, 2014 @ 6:47 amHope you enjoy your night at the Police station.
Comment by Rob September 11, 2014 @ 8:12 amI don’t know if that sign is really doing it for me but if it helps stop blanket judgement of a country, it’s good. Thanks for the thought Rob.
Comment by DH September 11, 2014 @ 6:34 amthe only thing madder than the chinese is the daily fucking mail.
Comment by andy@cynic September 11, 2014 @ 6:44 amand uncle dan wieden for hiring you and not fucking firing you.
Comment by andy@cynic September 11, 2014 @ 6:44 amIf news is not balanced, then it is propaganda designed to serve the self interests of the author. Where China is concerned, there is a lot of propaganda being reported and while you may think your post won’t make any difference to public opinion, in a small way it does. Another good post Robert.
Comment by George September 11, 2014 @ 7:13 amWestern society claims to be open minded and civilised and yet the way the media portrays China is anything but that. Given Chinese civilisation is so old, they would be well within their rights to argue it is the West who are not following standards and expectations, not the other way around.
I think it is wonderful you fight Asia’s corner Robert. I feel there are few who do, at least in terms of the richness of the culture.
Comment by Lee Hill September 11, 2014 @ 7:49 amI have to do something for the region that has been so kind to me. Let’s be honest, I haven’t really offered them anything else have I.
Good point about the history of China. A very cynical mate of mine said that the reason Asia may disregard many of the things the West view as important is not – as media like the Daily Mail like to imply – ignorance … but it’s such an old culture that it’s been there, done that and realised it was all pointless.
He may have a point. Ha.
Comment by Rob September 11, 2014 @ 8:15 amOk – why have none of you spotted the misogyny in the message? No mention of someone sleeping with their husband. Might that not contribute to popular misconceptions?
In other news, I was just given something called a Chromecast – what does one do with such a thing?
Comment by John September 11, 2014 @ 8:43 amyour editorship at the daily mail is fucking in the bag doddsy. from now on, youll be known by your editorial name, dodgy dodds
Comment by andy@cynic September 11, 2014 @ 9:33 amDodgy Dodds. That’s going to stick.
Comment by Rob September 11, 2014 @ 5:29 pmSo now it’s dodgy to highlight misogyny?
Comment by John September 11, 2014 @ 5:47 pmEverything you do is laced with a thick layer of being dodgy, this is just one dodgy example.
Comment by Northern September 11, 2014 @ 6:56 pmSo says the man who watched Youporn in a client meeting. Or something.
Comment by Rob September 11, 2014 @ 7:57 pmOh I’m as dodgy as they come, but it doesn’t go with my name.
Comment by Northern September 11, 2014 @ 10:03 pmDodgy Dodds just works. Fact